Single axle or Tandem?

[JasonB]

What would you put under a 19' boat that is 2800lbs full of fuel and ready to go? It currently has a 2500lb single that is being replaced.

 

[JB]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

I would put it on a 3,000 to 3,500# single axle trailer, JasonB.<br /><br />The only advantage I see to tandem axles is lower tongue weight tolerance.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

Being an Ex-Trucker, I like More Axles......<br /><br />But, JB Is Right.....<br />Tandems have Alot of Disadvantages.....<br />Twice as many moving Parts + Tires.....<br />You Can Not turn 1 by hand, Even Empty....<br />And the List goes On........

 

[Lark40]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

I have a single axle that is maxed out with a 3500 lb load.<br /><br />The danger is that any swerve in the road at 60 mph or greater will cause the trailer to sway. Very unnerving.<br /><br />I have heard that a tandem setup will not sway nearly as much. If I ever replace the trailer, or buy a new rig over 18', I would want a tandem.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

Thanks folks. I'm really torn on this for a few reasons.<br /><br />1. I like the safety factor of the tandem axle -advantage - tandem<br />2. moving by hand with my back isn't an issue advantage - neither<br />3. I'm a stickler for maintenance. Bearings and such get torn down each year or less for inspection. advantage - single<br />4. Cost of maintenance doesn't bother me too much if there is more safety, but advantage - single<br />5. Travel is currently 10 miles each way with an occasional 3 hour each way trip. In the future, we willlikely live 1 hour from the water and one way will be interstate, the other will be twisty secondary road with limited ability to pull off the road in many places. advantage - tandem<br />6. I have found a nicely refurbishable tandem 10 minutes from my house and don't mind a project. The closest single axle I like is 8 hours away advantage - tandem<br />7. turning radius, 'nuff said advantage - single<br /><br />Am I really overthinking this or what? I understand all the points made about singles and agree with each. Does the availibilty of each mak any difference in your recommendations?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

Am I really overthinking this or what?

Yep...!!!! <br />Go Buy the Tandem.........

 

[JasonB]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

Thanks Bondo. I hope my post didn't come across as argumentative with you and JB as I really value your knowledge. I currently have a single and it has served me well, it is just overloaded by 300lbs or so. The mfgr says the hull/engine/outdrive is 2375lbs, add 2 batteries for 100lbs, and 36 gals of fuel for 225lbs. I'm now up to 2700lbs before I add a cooler, skis, junk, etc. Not to mention this boat is 30 years old and has likely gained a few pounds over the years (yup, need to have it weighed). My current single axle is rated at 2500lbs.<br /><br />Geeze, I'm anal aren't I???? Wait.... Bondo, don't answer that <br /><br />I may not be thinking quite reasonably right now as I'm also thinkingh about those 1-3 hour trips at interstate speeds and the fact that my 4 month old, 6 by then, daughter and wife will be with me so I'm probably ovethinking the safety side. The trailer I have lost abearing and nearly a wheel on the interstate the day I bought it and that weighs on my mind. A 3500-4000lb rig on one wheel behind an F-150 would not be a nice ride.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

Ok, problem solved. Project "Tandem Trailer" is in my back yard. For the location (10 minutes away) and the price ($250) I will take a shot. I test drive it through the motions I use to use the boat and it wasn't any worse than normal, actually maybe a tad easier since I have to back it a ways. It needs lots of work, but hey, I enjoy projects. The frame and axles are solid. Everything else I will go through like tires, brakes, winch, jack, etc. <br /><br />Thanks to everyone for the input. It came down to availibility and want. It was close by and I really want to try a tandem. If I rebuild it and decide I don't like it, I'm sure I can recoup my expenses.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

All Right........<br />You Stole It.......<br /><br />I Knew you just Had to be Talked into it.......

 

[JasonB]

Re: Single axle or Tandem?

Talk about shrewd negotiating skilz! ...<br /><br />Actually, a stack of $20 bills helps .... <br /><br />Nah, it had been sitting there a while and he wanted it gone. I like those deals. we both came away in the good.<br /><br />That price range is why I was thinking tandem even though a single would get the job done.