Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

[norman2013]

Hello, I have a pontoon trailer that is single axel and id like to *** another axel. There is plenty of room for one just didnt know the best way to go about this? Also if there is a way to make a pontoon trailer more stable please let me know!

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Adding another axle will automatically make it more stable. What kind of trailer? Pictures would help a lot.opcorn:

 

[norman2013]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

I dont have a great picture of it at the moment. Its not a bunk trailer. It goes down the center of the toons. Unlike most center trailers this one is mad out of steal square tubing about 2 inch X 5 inch. I use it as a duck hunting blind now so its in and out of the water a lot.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Are they spring or torsion axles? If torsion, there should be more holes that another axle can bolt up to. One axle bolt as far back as it can go. The second axle set for about 1ft space between the wheels.

If it's springs, with shackle hangers welded to the frame, all bets are off. Your cutting and welding. Pictures of the axle is what we need.

 

[norman2013]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Im pretty sure it has leaf springs. It does not have a spot to add another one. I have the tools to weld but am not 100% what all will be required and or if it would make a difference.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

You will likely need to move your existing axle when you add the second one depending on how your tongue weight is now. Likely, the pivot equalizer between the 2 sets of springs will need to be at the location where your current axle is.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

We need better Pics. guessing a scissor trailer. if not trailering very far and highway speeds, I would do nothing.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Adding a axle to a scissor trailer isn't going to help much its to narrow.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Lots of scissor trailers have second axles, and most of them are non-walking beam axles. Adding a second one won't be hard and will give you some advantages. Just make sure to tow the trailer absolutely level. Not a big deal with that trailer and a single axle, but with duals, you want them to evenly take the load.

 

[norman2013]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Alright thanks guys! I will be posting several pictures later today. Im just not sure what would all be needed to fulfill this task. Pictures will be coming soon

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Adding a axle to a scissor trailer isn't going to help much its to narrow.

Something you've experienced first hand? Or just read it on the internet?:lol:

This trailer has three strikes against it. Single axle, spring axle, and narrow scissor lift. My personal trailer is a scissor lift tandem torsion axle. Night & day more stable that the spring axle.

I've towed a single spring axle scissor lift once. Never again. I've towed tandem spring axle scissor lifts a couple times. Much better, but still a little too much sway for my liking. We now have a tandem torsion scissor lift trailer and it works great. Longest tow, to date, is 300 miles one way, at highway speed of 60-65mph. No problem and would do it again.

I agree that the scissor lift trailers do not feel as stable as a the bunk style. And probably not by design. But the highway wind resistance is much less. And one can launch at any landing you choose. Bunk style takes quite a bit more water.

At this point, you may be better to sell the old one and get a tandem torsion model. A brand new Triton TR22-2 sells about $2000.00 around my neck of the woods.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Alright thanks guys! I will be posting several pictures later today. Im just not sure what would all be needed to fulfill this task. Pictures will be coming soon

as far as pics, overall from the side full length, then a few from underneath showing the existing frame rails and current setup, more often then not your existing axle is right about where your center will be for the new tandem(give or take) so yes you will likely need to move the existing axle, but you should be able to do this without issue and get the setup close to what the factory specs are and/or what the right setup for your boat.

 

[norman2013]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

WOW! Didn't notice from the first picture that the pontoons aren't what is being supported! Not sure I like that set up at all.

 

[norman2013]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

yeah, its like the older styles that run down the center of the pontoons. so the wheel base is pretty narrow

 

[norman2013]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Maybe I would be better to just cut my losses and invest in a new bunk trailer. There are a few places around here that sell them for about $1600

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

I think that would be an excellent idea. Get one with brakes while you are at it.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

OK, I see that is not a scissor lift. Just an older style float on. The under deck bunks are an attempt keep the craft lower for launching/retrieving purposes. A new bunk style will raise the pontoon a solid 6 inches. As long as your landings drop off/get deeper fairly quick, the new bunk trailer will be the ticket.

And a tandem axle as well. See you flat your springs ride? She's either maxed, and possibly overloaded, with your current set up. That will grossly contribute to the swaying, and rocking, issues that you are experiencing.

$1600 would be a fabulous price! But be prepared to spend $2500+ for a tandem, with brakes, that will work the best. I work on plenty that have taken the "minimalist" approach. Then it's new axle, upgraded axle, and tire time. Pain in the rear for the family on vacation!

Unfortunately these trailers come straight from the dealer maxed out. It's all about price point and bottom line.

For what it's worth, I do not sell any single axle pontoon trailers. I can order one, but will attempt to coach to into a tandem. Maybe an 18ft, or smaller, or Some 20's May get by. But I want you coming back for good reasons. Not to just to make a sale.

I know, I know............."I've been towing a single axle for years". Same mold as the guys that do a bearing service by squirting the bearing buddies. Or "I only tow a short distance". Their time is coming. With trailer failure at 10 miles or 100 miles, you're still in a huge predicament.

Just saying to count your costs, vs your potential losses, when making your decision.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

Lets take a step back and look at this...


1: from reading your first post. the only issue I'm seeing you mention is one of stability. Is that correct?

2: let's not ASSUME anything here but get real data.

First make sure both tires are inflated to the pressure on the sidewall and while you're down there see how much weight each tire is rated for on the sidewall...

next take the boat and trailer to a local truck stop and detach from the truck on the scale such that the jack and axle are on different pads and the truck is off the scale.... pay the $9 and get the actual axle and tongue weights. Let us know the results.



I'm not saying a new trailer wouldn't be good but it MIGHT not be needed.

 

[limitout]

Re: Adding an axel to my pontoon trailer

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well im not sure of the weight of those pontoons but they shouldn't be hanging unsupported like that. not saying they need to be what supports the whole rig but they should at the very least have something supporting their own weight.

I agree you should get a new trailer.

your springs are DANGEROUSLY overloaded and at the point of failure in my opinion, once its overloaded to the point of being pressed flat like that then there is no flex left so you have no suspension to absorb road shock and you are for the most part, riding on a rigid trailer without any suspension. the next thing to happen when you hit a big bump riding like that, is to for the springs to break or fly apart or bend or break off a spindle. if you lose support on one side then you might lose the whole boat seeing as how narrow that trailer is and how low the pontoons sit to the road. by the way it must be a real nightmare to change a flat tire on that thing.

a new trailer is the smartest and most cost affective solution to your problem since you would need new springs, axles, axle hangers, spring hangers, tires, and fenders, then getting it all welded, blasted, and then repainted. I think by the time you do all that you will have spent at least $1600 IMO and look at it this way, if you sell your trailer you get back some of that $1600 a new one costs you so its not all that expensive to go new. and when you buy, IMO if you are using most of a trailers rated capacity then you should always buy one upsize bigger then you need because its better to have extra suspension for when you have a heavy load and if you need an 18ft get a 19ft one to have more truck to winch post clearance as well as making it easier to float the boat without getting the truck tires wet.

brakes would be a good idea but may not be needed so take the total trailer and boat weight into account along with the tow vehicles stopping ability as part of deciding if brakes are needed. IMO brakes are just one more maint. item and failure point that requires attention so if you don't really NEED brakes then I think you are better off not having them.