Tandem axle trailer to single axle

[birddog58]

I am about to buy a freinds 17' Mako that is sitting on a Tandem Continental trailer. The trailer needs new tires and springs and I was going to replace all rusted hardware while I am at it. Instead of buying 4 new tires and springs I was going to cut one axle out and relocate the other in the middle of the two to make it a single axle trailer, I figure there is no since in a 17' mako needing a tandem axle. Anyone have any thoughts

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Tandem axle trailer to single axle

GO FOR IT! Just be certain that you buy an axle, springs, and tires rated to carry the weight of the boat, weight of the trailer, plus a safety margin.

So, for example if the boat and engine weighs 2000 and the trailer weighs 1000 buy axle, springs, and tires rated to carry about 3000 plus 500 or 3500 pounds. (you would be surprised at how much extra weight the junk you carry in the boat adds.)

Also, measure carefully when you mount the springs. Be sure the axle is a true 90 degrees to the frame members. You don't want the trailer to "crab" down the road.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Tandem axle trailer to single axle

Makos' typically are not lite boats. I would weight the rig before I did anything.

IMHO....way to much time and effort to modifiy a trailer to save $150 in replacement parts.

 

[cannonman]

Re: Tandem axle trailer to single axle

Definitely weigh the boat and trailer first. Many single axle trailers have larger wheels and tires than a tandem of the same capacity. It sounds like you need to do some checking first. Safety is way more important than saving a few bucks.
I firmly believe a tandem rides better than a single also. Really be sure you want to do this before starting.

 

[birddog58]

Re: Tandem axle trailer to single axle

Think I have decided to stay with the tandem axle. To much time and work having to cut and weld new spring hangers just to save $200 in parts. Thanks for the thoughts, I am really starting to like this website

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Tandem axle trailer to single axle

Good call, birddog. The more time you spend on this website, the more impressed you'll be. There's some serious expertise here in almost every area and everyone is willing to help. Very little in the way of negative comments which I appreciate as well.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Tandem axle trailer to single axle

I am really starting to like this website

There's still time...I keed, I keed.

 

[catfishr1]

Re: Tandem axle trailer to single axle

Think I have decided to stay with the tandem axle. To much time and work having to cut and weld new spring hangers just to save $200 in parts. Thanks for the thoughts, I am really starting to like this website

Howdy birddog58; Was sure glad you decided to keep your trailer a tandem. You will discover as time goes by this is a great group of guys that will share their knowledge & experience to help out fellow boaters. My experiance is no matter how well a single axle tows a tandem will beat it.And you have an added safety margin of 4 tires if there is a problem with 1. Of course the single axle has its place, with lighter boats.:welcome: