trailer mods - single to tandem?

Dave D. wrote: Having towed various trailers over the years (boats, travel trailer, car haiulers, etc), I prefer the tandem axle for several reasons. With a blow out or spun bearing, especially at night, you can just remove a wheel, strap up the axle and limp on home. Tandem trailers tow better and can take more weight when hauling extra gear, toys, etc. My tow rig is an '03 Silverado 2500HD crew cab long bed and manuvering in tight places is easy, single or tandem. I agree that a single axle will do the job and I am on top of maintenance for all of my stuff. My current trailer really needs a complete overhaul but I figured I would see if I could locate the trailer I really prefer before I sandblast and rebuild the one I have now. Bottom line with me, bigger and stronger is better...especially when I am paying the bill. Finally...."bling"? Well, it does not hurt when it looks good!

I have to agree with the above post on manuverability.
If your concerned on a long haul, get another complete hub assembly and mount it to the spare. You can be back in business almost as fast as you can strap that axle.

If your loosing wheels at the boat ramp, remember you'll have twice the maintainence with a tandem.

If the real reason is bling..... Go for it!

Here is another good reason for a tandem, and I hate to admit this but about a month ago, the wheels of my single axle trailer "accidently" fell off the end of the ramp I am currently using near my place on the lake. The lake is very low right now and half of the public ramps are high and dry.

With the trailer wheels hangin off the ramp and the sun going down on a beautiful Friday afternoon (we were the only ones out), I was at a loss as to what to do. I got into the 56 degree water and swam down below the rear of the trailer to see if I could leverage the trailer up and over the lip but it was DEEP water. Cold too. You don't want to fall off the end of this ramp! I can imagine someone loosing their whole rig over the edge.

My truck is only two wheel drive and I could not get it to pull the trailer up and over the lip of the ramp. A cross member on the trailer was hanging up on the lip of the ramp and all I could do was spin the tires on my truck. A tandem axle setup would have more than likely prevented this from happening.

Luckily a bass fisherman with 4WD truck and a tow strap showed up and gave me a tug to save the day...right after he mentioned that there was a guy at the other ramp across the park in the same situation as me, lol!!

Dave,
Why do you want the tandem? Long trips or is there a "bling" factor involved?

I have to agree with Tim that there really isn't anything wrong with a single axle as long as the axle and tires are rated for the load. The bad thing about tandems is their tight quarter maneuverability. It sucks!! I've seen tires rolled off their rims trying to get tandems in tight spots. This of course was pushing it with a tow vehicle - forget it by hand!!

A tandem is absolutely not needed even for long trips and yes converting will not be worth the effort.

I think it would be a lot more trouble than its worth. If youre dead set on a tandem, buy one and sell your single axle.

The VIP tandem that I formerly had under my '90 was great- and I expect the CC tandem that I replaced it with to be great as well. Nothing wrong with the single axles though- Ive put some serious mileage on my old #2's (one from MA to Green Lake and back) and they do just fine. Just take care of the regular maintenance and it will treat you well.