Getting a jet ski is very exciting until you realize that you need the appropriate trailer to transport it from your home to the lake or beach. Determining what dimensions you need can be somewhat of a pain. What are the exact dimensions of a jet ski trailer?
The dimensions of a jet ski trailer measure 55”-60” (140-152 cm) wide and 140”-180” (356-457 cm) long, though some run longer for storage space. Double jet ski trailers usually measure 100”(254 cm) wide by 170”-230” (432-584 cm) long, also depending on storage for gear or extra gas.
In this article, I’ll be detailing the dimensions of jet ski trailers, as well as other relevant characteristics of them, such as material, towing capacity, and more.
What Dimensions Do Jet Ski Trailers Have?
According to JetDrift, most single jet ski trailers measure a slim 55” to 65” (140 to 152 cm) wide and 140” to 180” (356 to 457 cm) long. If you get a model that includes a storage or gas can rack, this can increase to as long as 220 inches (560 cm).
Many single jet ski trailers are difficult to back up because of how slim they are.
Double jet ski trailers, on the other hand, typically measure between 170” to 230” (432 to 584 cm) long and about 100” (254 cm) wide. These are necessary if you want to launch two jet skis at once, and they can even safely and legally carry just one jet ski at a time.
The downside of a double jetski trailer is that they don’t fit into most garages and call for outdoor storage space.
How To Choose a Jet Ski
It’s a common mistake to assume that all jet ski trailers are the same. While they all share the common purpose of hauling around a jet ski, there’s a surprising amount of variation in how they differ.
These may depend on the type of water you’re launching into, how many jet skis you have, the towing capacity of your vehicle, and more.
Trailer Material
Whether a trailer is made of aluminum or steel makes a huge difference in how long it will last and perform, as well as how much maintenance it will require over its lifespan.
Generally, cheaper upfront means the trailer won’t last as long and will need to be replaced because of weaker material.
Steel trailers are generally cheaper than aluminum trailers but at the cost of being much heavier and vulnerable to rust. Painted steel trailers are very cheap, but if used in saltwater conditions, they will get eaten up by rust very quickly.
Galvanized steel doesn’t rust like painted steel does, but is a bit more pricey.
Aluminum, though, is the superior material of choice, as it is far lighter than steel, never rusts, and usually has its wires within the frame, rather than alongside it like steel trailers. If you go to the beach often, you owe it to yourself to get an aluminum jet ski trailer.
They will last many years with minimal maintenance necessary.
The main drawback of aluminum jet ski trailers is that they’re relatively expensive, especially compared to painted steel trailers. But if you consider that you’ll need to replace the steel one after a handful of years, the extra cost isn’t that unappealing.
Brakes
Most jet ski trailers don’t have brakes unless they’re oversized trailers meant to haul 3+ jet skis at once. In those cases, the trailers are equipped with hydraulic brakes to help with the large, heavy load.
Electric brakes generally aren’t used because they’re not waterproof and pose a safety hazard when wet.
Towing Capacity
How much towing capacity your vehicle has will probably be the main limiting factor in what trailer you can get.
If you don’t have a big truck and tow with an SUV or other smaller vehicle, a single jet ski trailer will probably suit you just fine. If towing capacity isn’t a problem and you want to pull two jet skis at the same time, a double is more up your alley.
Suspension System
The two most common suspension systems used by jet ski trailers are the leaf spring system and the torsion beam system.
Each has its unique benefits and drawbacks, which you should look at and consider when looking at getting a jet ski trailer:
- Leaf spring suspension: This system consists of many thin steel plates stacked together, and they’re constructed flexibly to create a shock-absorbing effect. These suspensions are great for trailers with more than one axle, though they tend to need more maintenance than torsion beam systems.
- Torsion beam suspensions: These cost more than leaf spring systems do, but they offer much greater durability and a smoother towing experience. Torsion beam suspensions have their axles welded to the trailer frame for sturdiness, and rubber cords handle the shock absorption. These suspensions are also much more long-lasting than leaf spring suspensions.
Number of Axles
Whether your trailer has one or more axles will largely determine how much weight it can handle, as well as how heavy the trailer is.
Single axle trailers are much lighter than tandem axle trailers, and can even be moved by hand in a pinch. The downside of a single axle trailer is that they can’t handle much weight and are limited to only hauling the jet ski.
Heavier jet skis may not even be compatible with a single axle trailer, so keep that in mind too.
Tandem axle trailers are more common for folks who want to haul heavier jet skis or other gear along with their jet skis, like storage or extra gas. Another reason for their popularity is that tandem axle trailers are safer and less likely to tip, as long as you ensure even weight distribution, such as not packing all your weight on one end, for example.
Final Thoughts
Jet ski trailers are often overlooked, but how long and wide they are is crucial when figuring out if you’re hauling more than one jet ski. Other factors like material, suspension, and the number of axles are worth thinking about as well to make an informed buying decision.