View Full Version : Tandem trailer vs single axle.......
Bradnd
03-16-2003, 04:08 PM
I have always owned the single axle boat trailers in the past. My next boat will most likely have a tandem axle. Do the tandems really pull easier down the road? How about loading/unloading, any differences? I've been told that the tandems are very difficult to move around by hand, which wouldn't be a big deal for me.
I've heard pros & cons on both. Would appreciate your experience with the tandems. I know the heavier boats require tandem, but the 2 boats I'm looking at, 1 is on single & 1 is on tandem axle.
Thanks!
Brad
Tandems track nice, but it's not so much a matter of tandem vs. single as it is proper trailer set up. If you have a tandem with too little tongue weight and your towing tongue high, it's not going to track right regardless of # of axles. As you pointed out, the big difference between tandems and singles is load capacity. Some boat sizes preclude the use of a single. If you buy a boat that warrants the use of a tandem, forget the days of being able to move it by hand. Buy what's appropriate for your boat. Don't buy a tandem just to buy a tandem. And don't buy a trailer that's rated significantly higher than the weight of your boat/motor (wet, with accessories) because the trailer will bounce significantly as your going down the road. Sure, you don't want to exceed the weight capacity of your trailer, but if you have a 2,000 pound rig (not counting trailer), and you put it on a 5,500 capacity trailer just for the sake of having a tandem, you made a mistake.
T-Mac
03-16-2003, 07:21 PM
It will load and unload the same. A tandem does seem to roll a tad harder, but it tows straighter. Trying to push them by hand is much harder, especially to hand steer it. Your hitch ball needs to be the correct height when using a tandem. What I mean is, the trailer needs to set level when hooked onto your tow vehicle. Nose up will cause the rear tires and bearings to bear more weight and build more heat.
Nose down will yield the opposite.
(I have had several on 19 and 20 foot boats).
RANGER
03-16-2003, 07:44 PM
Brad and T-Mac have given you really good info! I have pulled both and I will take the tandem, once set up properly, over any single! To get past the "hand" turning problem you can roll the wheels onto plastic bags or "visqueen" type plastic if you are on a hard surface. If you do that you can turn that trailer on a dime even in tight backing applications, like, into the garage.
Jim Ordway
03-16-2003, 10:47 PM
The tandem comes in real handy when you blow a tire and your trailer stays in control until you can safely get off the road. Just an added benefit.
Take care,
Nose up will also cause trailer sway.
wiley walleye
03-17-2003, 05:48 AM
When I went from 1800 to 1900 boat I got my first tandem trailor. It was a big concern when I bought, mostly the turning by hand thing. Now I have had it for 3yrs I would not go back. Seems like the boat is not as beat up. If I recall right, it also gives more fender to stand on, to get in and out. Agree with all other reasons. The plastic to turn, I may have to try that. What I found is you just back it in better with the vehicle, so you do not have to jocky so much by hand.
Joe
Bradnd
03-17-2003, 06:34 AM
Thanks a bunch guys. Tmac, that is good to know having the trailer as level as possible. The bisqueen is a good idea! I may have to use it!
You learn something new everyday at WC!
Take care,
Brad
The only down side to tandem is the increased manitenance due to two sets of just about everything (wheels, tires, bearings, breaks, springs... but still only one hitch and surge cyclinder). If you are going to put it in saltwater, make sure you get wheel flush systems for both. Aside from that, enjoy. I would not trade mine.
MDT