Tandem Trailer

[richdawg]

Is a tandem trailer worth the $300?<br /><br />What are some of the pro's and con's, always just had a single axel. 20' glastron weighs about 2900 lbs.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Tandem Trailer

RD,<br /><br />I am sure you will get alot of different opinions but here's mine.<br /><br />Tandem axle:<br /><br />Pro's: Usually 3000lbs mandates one and usually comes with surge brakes. Big upside.<br /><br />In a pinch, based on your weight, you could limp a trailer along if you had a flat, without having to pull over and change it.<br /><br />Less weight per axle will lower the load on the individual tires and therefor less likely to blow out. Your tires will usually rot out b4 they wear out.<br /><br />More tire in contact with the road, weight on the axles are more spread out, more control.<br /><br />I have also found that a single axle will tend to bounce a bit more than a tandem.<br /><br />A tandem is less likely to jack knife.<br /><br />Cons:<br /><br />More expensive.<br /><br />I have found it is sometimes easier to back-up a single axle trailer.<br /><br />A single axle trailer is lighter and tends to roll easier than a tandem. Not a big deal if your tow vehicle is suitable for the weight.<br /><br />That's about all I can think of but I am sure others will share..

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Tandem Trailer

Tandem all the way, especially if your towing at interstate highway speeds.. Much more control.. <br /><br />The pros definately outweigh the cons..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tandem Trailer

At $300.00, You're Stealing It..!!<br /><br />The Only Down-side I can think of is,<br />If you Ever want to push it by Hand,<br />You'll Never Turn it......

 

[Pikey2574]

Re: Tandem Trailer

I would say harder to back up by hand but.. when you are backing it around by vehicle it is much easier. It is especially helpful on those ramps that are a little "beaten up". I would say go wih the tandem for that price

 

[salty87]

Re: Tandem Trailer

you'll get a smoother ride out of a tandem, not as much bouncing around.<br /><br />your tires don't get used as hard but you do have 4 to replace. not that big of a deal.<br /><br />wider turning radius with tandem, that can make backing into a tight spot a little tougher.<br /><br />$300?? sounds pretty darn good, i paid $3k for a new tandem for a 23' inboard, about 4500 lbs. surge brakes.<br /><br />tandem, just for the ride and peace of mind on longer hauls.

 

[richdawg]

Re: Tandem Trailer

Hello, and thanks to all that replied.<br />I decided to order the tandem trailer.<br />Now it seems like a good idea to also add the brakes for about $250 extra. I imagine that would be for surge brakes, but not shure at this point. (the dealer or sales guy didn't think I would need them).<br />I haven't had a trailer with brakes before but seems like a good idea to me since the boat weight will be just over 3000# loaded. Any thoughts on this subject would be greatly appreciated. <br />Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tandem Trailer

I've known Alot of people who Wish they had Brakes,<br />When they Didn't.........<br />But Never Anybdy who Had them,<br />Who Wished they Didn't............

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Tandem Trailer

Only gripe about surge brakes is when backing up a hill or into sandy soil.. <br /><br />Some of the newer actuators have a solenoid that locks out the brakes when backing up.. On mine, i have a 5/8" dia. steel bar that slides in when backing up to stop the cylinder from compressing and applying the brakes.. Have to get out an put the bar in, but works ok..

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Tandem Trailer

richdawg,<br /><br />I question your dealer's expertise if he doesn't think you are going to need brakes with that weight. <br /><br />I have been on boats and trailered boats my entire life, and I can't think of any realistic situations that the driver would not benefit from brakes. I also think that after you load you rig for actual use you will be over 3000lbs, and it is my understanding that many state mandate brakes for any trailer over 3K.<br /><br />With that said I think you are making a good decision. Even if you sell the rig you will get your money back. You probably will make it back on brake shoes that any vehicle will eat up if they don't have trailer brakes with this rig.

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Tandem Trailer

Cons of a tandem trailer and brakes.... <br />2 more sets of wheel bearings to maintain.<br />2 More tires to maintain/replace.<br />1 (or 2) sets of brake shoes to maintain/replace.<br /><br /> The saftey margin.....PRICELESS....<br /><br />For the extra $550 it is (IMHO) WELL worth it for resale value, comfort on trips, and your and your family's saftey.<br /><br /> I would find out if it is surge or electric brakes (if elec. you need to have a controller installed). I personally like elec. better.

 

[gator79]

Re: Tandem Trailer

multiple axle w/ brakes is the only way to go. I had a tandem and now have a tripple axle trailer. want to talk about backing into tight spots? those tires and axles twist like crazy, but I can tow at 70 mph and not even feel like it is there

 

[boatingfool]

Re: Tandem Trailer

I have a 20' Glastron and went with the tandem trailer but the upgrade cost me $500.<br /><br />Take it man!!!!!<br /><br />