When is a tandem axle necessary?

[Jesse-WI]

Remember to add up all projected weight that you expect to carry and not just the boat and motors. All the equipment, fuel, etc can add up quickly.

[oldschooltiller]

Originally Posted by Jesse-WI

Remember to add up all projected weight that you expect to carry and not just the boat and motors. All the equipment, fuel, etc can add up quickly.

That is true. I would hope that manufacturers are including trailers with this safety margin built in.


As a musky fisherman, one of the things I see that makes me raise an eyebrow is the use of the JustEncase deck extensions. Those things, when full of lures have got to be VERY, VERY heavy.

[whfishman]

I had a single axel blow out at 65 mph. Similar experience as others have described. Vibration and then the blow out. I slowed and got off the side of the road no problem. No doubt a PIA but never had any issues with controling the rig.

[dessertman]

Going to Lake Powell on the Utah/Arizona border I go through two 60 miles stretches of semi-desert with no services, homes, cell coverage, no nothin. That's when I'm really glad I'm pulling a dual axle trailer.

[oldschooltiller]

Originally Posted by dessertman

Going to Lake Powell on the Utah/Arizona border I go through two 60 miles stretches of semi-desert with no services, homes, cell coverage, no nothin. That's when I'm really glad I'm pulling a dual axle trailer.

Why. If you get a flat on one of the tires are you going to drive all 60 miles on the flat tire because you are in a deserted area?

[dessertman]

Who said I'm going to drive 60 miles on a flat tire?? Would you?
How about if you burn out a bearing and only have one axle?

[oldschooltiller]

Originally Posted by dessertman

Who said I'm going to drive 60 miles on a flat tire?? Would you?
How about if you burn out a bearing and only have one axle?

OK, same deal. Are you going to drive on it 60 miles?

Wouldn't that cause just as much damage on a tandem, as on a single?


If you decide, I'll fix it myself right here on the side of the road, wouldn't it be the same to fix tandem or single?



In the end, a Tandem I'm sure is better, because in theory it does have a safety margin built in, and should be more stable with the load distributed across 4 tires vs 2. But when you start analyzing why, it becomes a bunch harder to justify unless the boat actually needs it for load carrying capacity

[Tim_Kelly]

I'm guessing that a tire blowing up on a double axled trailer is likely to wipe out the other tire as well if it's capable of destroying the fender and damaging the hull?

[oldschooltiller]

Originally Posted by Tim_Kelly

I'm guessing that a tire blowing up on a double axled trailer is likely to wipe out the other tire as well if it's capable of destroying the fender and damaging the hull?

I can't say for certain. But one this IS certain. You can't have a problem on one wheel and just say Ah, I got another one so I'll keep driving....That's my point anyway.

I have a tandem axle trailer and I love the way it tows... But, compared to a single axle, I have twice the risk of a tire blow out or bearing failure.