Need info on adding axle to sailboat trailer

[santana21]

Hello All,<br /><br />I have a single axle fixed keel sailboat trailer that was proffesionally made. The boat i have on it now is 21' and about 1700#'s. A new boat I am currently eyeing is 22' and 3200#'s. What determines if the trailer is robust enough to haul the bigger boat, the trailer frame or the axle underneath it or both? <br /><br />The trailer is adjustable for different boats and the new boat will fit on it with some room to spare. I am worried that the single axle won't carry the load. Could another axle be added?<br /><br />I plan to tow the boat about 2 times a year, 20-30 miles each time for a total of say, 60 miles.<br /><br />The tow vehicles are both rated at 5500# capacity and have 5500# reciever hitches.<br /><br />It does not have brakes currently and I live on the Kansas/Missouri line and will be in both states with it.<br /><br />Thank you for your help!<br /><br />Jim

 

[CTD]

Re: Need info on adding axle to sailboat trailer

Assuming you have a 3500lb axle you would be right on the borderline (figure a couple hundred lbs on the tongue) and might get by with that setup. If you were buying new you would need brakes and should have them anyway. If you can weld you could add an axle with surge brakes for 5-600 dollars. I would think the frame should be a mimimum of 3 inch channel 4 would be better.

 

[JB]

Re: Need info on adding axle to sailboat trailer

Hi, Santana.<br /><br />You can get ideas and parts for converting to dual axle and adding (required) brakes here:<br /><br />www.championtrailers.com<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Need info on adding axle to sailboat trailer

Intead of ADDING an axle, have you thought about just replacing the one you have now with a higher capacity?

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Need info on adding axle to sailboat trailer

ndemge gets the gold star.<br /><br />If the frame of the trailer is pretty stout, you can just jack it up and swap out for a heavier axle and spring package.<br /><br />A 3500lb capacity axle shouldn't cost much over $100- 150, since you'll be useing your old hubs. And a pair of 3500lb springs should be in the $50-75 range. <br /><br />No farther than you're towing it, it should work fine, and you can make the swap with a decent floor jack, good jackstands, and hand tools.<br /><br />Any trailer shop can fix ya up. They are going to ask what the width of the axle is from inside the hubs, and how much weight you plan to carry. <br /><br /><br />Or better yet, find a trailer shop, take your trailer down there for them to measure. Tell them your tale, they might look under there and say, "Hey, you already got a 3500lb axle & spring package".