Single vs. Dual Axle Trailer

[Li'l Toy]

Salt water is rapidly getting to our Eliminator's steel trailer. Time to buy an aluminum one.

The present trailer has three axles! --California overkill! I really think that all I need is a single axle--no 21' boat that can run these speeds should need two axles. However, with the three axles, it has been nice knowing that, if I get a flat I don't need a spare, just pull the two off. And if, Lord forbid, I tear up a bearing I can just pull the two wheels and keep going rather than being stuck.

On the other hand, two axles will cost more up front, changing wheel bearings (yes, we boat in salt water) will be twice as much work, and I'll be towing more weight when I am near my limit.

I'm am looking for those factors I haven't thought of, what any of you have learned from experience, etc. to help me decide.

Thanks.

[LakeRacer99]

single axle can still move by hand and in tight quarters. most important thing is properly maintain it and you dont need to worry about those breakdowns...

[j_martin]

With bearing buddies and marine grease in the wheels, bearing changes should be about once per 10 years.

If your tow vehicle is a little light, tandem axels transfer less suspension forces to the hitch. Makes the ride a little more comfortable if the road is a little uneven.

[Wile E. Coyote]

What lake racer said, a single axle you can move very easily by hand in tight quarters, for my dual axle it takes considerably more to move....also the take a tire off thing is crap, the axle will need to be strapped up to keep from bottoming out....been there done that....if i had a choice i would gladly trade for a single axle....

[beer30]

I actually put the same thread up last year, when I was getting my Quartershot. What I came up with was the old guard said dual axles ( Raceman, Strokernick) safer if bearing goes, flat tire, etc. Young guard said the boat is only 18 ft and 800 lbs. single would be fine. And they were probably right. But I live with what ever can go wrong, will go wrong. So I went with the dual axles and I am glad I did. Rides great and looks great, tolls are more and moving it I have to put out a little extra energy, but I am fine with that. :) Chuck

[1BadAction]

all good points. another thing to think about is the ride. a tandem axle trailer will tend to be easier on the boat because of the extra suspension (when one wheel falls in a hole, you have 3 others supporting it instead of 1) they are also easier on tires. with a boat that size, no doubt I would go with a tandem.

[euro scott]

i think the 21 ft boat kinda puts it past the single axle edge, i think how far you will typically tow should come into play , you know the old saying of theres safety in numbers, i wish i would have gotten twin axles for the euro beause of the what ifs and late at night i cant see a problem developing until it hits, and if something happends the result wont be pretty

[Matt Gent]

A typical single axle is rated for 3500lbs. There are also 5200lbs axles.

Typical 15" trailer tires are rated at 1800, 2100, or 2500lbs each.

Best guess has the boat at 21-2300lbs plus fuel and gear. An AL trailer will be 6-800lbs. Total rig somewhere in the 3200lb range.

Most of the 21 Eliminators/Liberators/Cougars are on dual axle trailers, but there are a few I've seen on single axle steel trailers.

I think it'll be fine on the heavier single axle and the "C" rated 2100lb tires. There are plenty of center-console fishing boats around here that weigh much more than that on a single axle. Keep an entire spare wheel/tire/hub/bearing combo ready to go. Then we're only stuck if it trashes the inner race.

Our typical tow is 1-3hrs on flat ground in populated areas and into salt water. Tow vehicles are a minivan and light SUVs rated at 3500-5000lbs.

[mrtlbeez]

I have the same setup as you. I bought the boat with a tandem axle trailer included in the deal. This thing goes down the road great. I wouldn't want to tow that much weight around on a single axle. The Eliminator hull is very heavy and so is that V-8. Stick with the tandem axle. You'll be much safer and much happier.

[stokernick]

I still like the tandem axles[old guard,or is it old fart?}

[beer30]

I still like the tandem axles[old guard,or is it old fart?}

It's old Guard to me.;) :cool: Chuck

[john ring]

i drove to fl. to get my rapid craft and it is on a tandem and i think it pulled better,my trailer is made by ROCKET INTERNATIONAL TRAILERS in cape coral fl..very good quality imo john

[sho305]

I'd say tandem for any boat over 16-17' if you can. They ride better, much nicer on tow vehicle, if brakes they work better and with one axle brake it does not slide sideways, tracks much nicer, better off with flats and blown bearings too. Should not be that bad to wheel by hand unless you turn it.

I have an old heavy 19' fiberglass ChrisCraft with a small block ford in it. It has one axle and 14" tires....it pulls like a mother with a ranger. I had to get higher rated tires run at 60psi (because of sway not weight) and put a rear sway bar on just to tow it ok and still had to be careful. I even moved the trailer axle back and the truck had extra leaves in the back and overload springs on front with all new shocks. With a full size truck it didn't care and my diesel hardly notices it. But, with gas you might want a smaller vehicle in the future (or a future buyer) and tandem will be much nicer for that. Another advantage here is the tandems work a lot better in crappy ramps, many here are stone in the water and get holes.

One last point, they are safer to tow. If you ever get in trouble they will track and follow better, be much more resistant to whipping, and have less effect on your tow vehicle. They look cooler too IMO.:cool:

I drove for years with 10K trailers on mostly dually diesel 1 tons, pulled lots of other stuff, and I don't