trailer mods - single to tandem?
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13333
Printed Date: November-17-2024 at 1:50pm
Topic: trailer mods - single to tandem?
Posted By: Dave D.
Subject: trailer mods - single to tandem?
Date Posted: April-14-2009 at 12:55pm
|
I am currently looking to replace my single axle trailer with a tandem axle set up and was wondering if I could modify my current trailer to accept a dual axle set up. Has anyone here done this mod or have seen it done? I have a neighbor who is a professional welder and I have a custom trailer shop nearby where I can get new axles, springs, shackles, etc. If I can't locate an early CC Sport tandem trailer, I may just go this route. I really would prefer a tandem axle for long haul trips around the state and beyond. Thoughts?
------------- Dave D. http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5525&sort=&pagenum=4 - '89 Sport Nautique http://www.golaketravis.com/webcam/ - Lake Travis, Texas! |
Replies:
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: April-14-2009 at 1:15pm
|
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. ------------- |
Posted By: Randy_in_Ohio
Date Posted: April-14-2009 at 1:34pm
|
I just ordered a new tandem trailer from http://www.boatmate.com - Boatmate Trailers and will be picking it up next week. I getting a tandem axle with 4 disk brakes, 6 bunks, LED lights, runway lights, spare tire, custom color matched pinstripe, for a little over 3k.
------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1602&yrstart=1991&yrend=1995" rel="nofollow - 1993 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-14-2009 at 2:36pm
|
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. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Dave D.
Date Posted: April-14-2009 at 2:48pm
|
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!  ------------- Dave D. http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5525&sort=&pagenum=4 - '89 Sport Nautique http://www.golaketravis.com/webcam/ - Lake Travis, Texas! |
Posted By: Dave D.
Date Posted: April-14-2009 at 3:02pm
|
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 D. http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5525&sort=&pagenum=4 - '89 Sport Nautique http://www.golaketravis.com/webcam/ - Lake Travis, Texas! |
Posted By: the grinch
Date Posted: April-15-2009 at 1:59am
|
I converted a single to a tandem for my brother's 86SN over 10yrs ago. The only real trick to the whole project was bending the 3" steel channel that the cross members are made of. You will have to make and add at least one of these, but other than that it was a relatively simple project compared to some of the other stuff I get into. I know that the guy that ended up with the boat and trailer was at Lake Norman in the Charlotte, NC area and I heard that he had extremely neglected both. ------------- It takes a big hole to bury an elephant. Kirk Miller [URL=http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/register.asp?FID=7]KIRKS79/URL] |
Posted By: harddock
Date Posted: April-15-2009 at 10:27am
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! |
Dave D. wrote:Posted By: Dave D.
Date Posted: April-15-2009 at 11:41am
|
I actually really enjoy the maintenance...gets me off the couch and in the shop with some good XM tunes and a cold one or two. I am always tinkering with something whether it's the boat, dirt bikes, or the old Stingray.
I am done falling off the end of the ramp. Now I wade out and feel for the end of the ramp with my feet before we back it in. I just hope we can get enough rain soon to put some water back in the lake. The severe drought we are in is the worst we have had in the last 100 years around here! Luckily the lake we use the most is DEEP. We are supposed to get 1 to 2 inches over the weekend so it looks like more wrenching in the shop for me. Kurt, thanks for the info on modifying the trailer...it looks pretty straight forward if I can't locate the trailer I would like to swap to. It's nothing that a cutting torch, welding machine, parts, and a few beverages can't fix, lol!! ------------- Dave D. http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5525&sort=&pagenum=4 - '89 Sport Nautique http://www.golaketravis.com/webcam/ - Lake Travis, Texas! |