Pontoon Trailer & Storage Tips

This video was requested recently and it's definitely a worth-while topic to cover. It's something we do almost daily, but many of you may be wondering the best practices for using a center-lift trailer, especially when it comes to lowering the boat onto blocks, casters, or the ground. We'll take you through our trailer setup on this boat along with how our caster carts are built and where we position them.
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[@champweasel]

River rocks. Always nice to see him hanging at the shop. It’s not an official Tom’s Toons video til he makes his appearance ;).

[@tomspontoons]

He is the star, always stealing the show!

[@frankwolf389]

I love River! So sweet!

[@tomspontoons]

He’s a good boy! And he just got a new baby sister (puppy)!!!

[@neiljuedes1661]

I was going to buy some plastic pontoon blocks but your video is a great idea. I think I can use the blocks for my vintage snowmobile when the pontoon is being trailered. My wife and I adored River as our daughter has two wonderful rescue dogs.

[@tomspontoons]

It’s super helpful being able to move them around, but even as stationary blocks they’re great for the longevity of the boat as the load is distributed farther on each toon. Thanks!! River is a great pup, just like your “grand-pups” too I’m sure!!! Thanks for watching

[@johnhewetson4406]

Oh ya forgot to say how much I love River, "he's a good boy!" tell him I said so.

[@tomspontoons]

He’s a great pup!!!

[@georgeliberi8407]

In the market for a pontoon. May have one lined up without a trailer, currently on blocks. Great tutorial!!! And Im getting that style trailer.

[@tomspontoons]

These trailers are great in so many ways...but if you'll always be trailering/hauling long distances to water I would recommend a bunk style instead. If you just use it a few times a year for maintenance and in/out you'll be super happy with what it can do....and neighbors on the lake will probably be thankful you have one they can borrow too!

[@eaglefree160]

Boss video! and The Boss River! goes together pretty good.

[@tomspontoons]

He’s just living his best life being a great pup!

[@philipbarth5937]

Thanks for the video, I’ll let you know how it went.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching! Hope it helps!

[@J.O..]

Of course we love river ! 🐶🐕

[@tomspontoons]

How could you not?!? He’s the best boss ever!

[@davidkimeli8972]

Great 👍 helpful

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching! Happy to help

[@johnhewetson4406]

Very useful information, thank you.

[@tomspontoons]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@steveshallenberger2236]

Appreciate the video!!

[@tomspontoons]

My pleasure! Hope it answers some questions for folks out there!

[@nickbrotherton]

River's the boss!

[@tomspontoons]

Bossman extraordinaire!

[@luisaraujo4708]

Tom, how stable are those narrow trailers towing at highway speeds? Do they work on tritoons? Oh yeah, as a dog person I love that you include River.

[@tomspontoons]

I'm always well under the speed limit pulling a center lift trailer. In general, a 20' pontoon on a double axle is pretty smooth going, but as the boat gets bigger and heavier, or you go down to a single axle, it gets sketchier. Go slow and turn even slower is my motto.

[@user-zr9rd9ms2c]

Ок👍👍👍👍

[@toewstelevision]

Thanks

[@tomspontoons]

Happy to help!

[@karlzink3708]

Where did you get the upgraded casters from? What’s the weight rating of the casters. Casters can be stupid expensive. Thanks.

[@tomspontoons]

I grabbed them at the local metal shop. They made me a deal because I bought so many for making a couple sets, I think I paid around $4 each...it took 32 casters to make two boats worth of caster carts!

[@piper8463]

Do you have any videos or resources in dialing in the propeller pitch on a motor? I have a stock prop but for me deciding on a new prop is confusing. I hit a rev limit so I know I can get some more speed out of it but have to balance the hole shot as well.

[@tomspontoons]

I don’t have anything yet, but I will work on putting something together soon!

[@Adam-uu4vg]

How far from the side of the dolly did you mount the wood. Would it matter if you were a bit farther out?

[@tomspontoons]

I pretty much centered it over the wheels and center of the dolly. Just can’t have them be tipsy is all.

[@johnwerner7194]

My pontoon still a work in progress. Lol

[@tomspontoons]

I’m very used to people telling me “I thought it would be a weekend or two project…” and it’s a whole year after they started!! Probably why we’re staying busy working on customers boats! Always worth it in the end though.

[@FlyingPaintMonkey]

Is there a good way to get the boat off a bunk style trailor

[@tomspontoons]

We've only done it on boats that are stripped down to the bare bones (no motor either). There's not really a great safe way to do it otherwise unless you have tons of jack stands to place under the boat as you slowly pull the trailer out from underneath it....which in that case you'd still need an overhead crane of sorts.

[@chuckgym]

I have never seen that type of trailer. Are the pretty pricey??

[@tomspontoons]

It’s a must have for our business as so many pontoons are sold without trailers. They tend to be a little more expensive than a bunk trailer, but worth it when needed like in our case. Not the greatest for long hauls every weekend compared to a bunk trailer, but their versatility is what makes them useful!

[@chuckgym]

@@tomspontoons thanks for the explanation. Pretty awesome trailer for sure

[@marysullivan6659]

No really… Who’s the Boss? And Why is your dog’s name River?

[@tomspontoons]

River is the big time boss!!! Because he’s my fishing dog and loves to cruise the river while we chase fish