[Rhodes22-list] The Great Trailer Debate

[Steve Alm]

Sorry, Don, let me try attaching that pic again.

On 12/1/04 3:34 PM, "Steve Alm" <salm at mn.rr.com> wrote:

> Don,
> First, as I mentioned, my original axel was about six inches forward of what
> seems right according to the measurements I got from Todd:
> 
> http://www.rhodes22.org/pipermail/rhodes22-list/attch/200407/26/trailersketc
> h2.jpg
> 
> I left the axel where it was and added the second behind it but as close to
> the first as possible.  I don't know the specs off hand and the boat's out
> in storage now.  But here's a pic before I painted the new fenders.
> 
> Slim
> 
> On 12/1/04 3:15 PM, "Clarke, Donald R (Don), NEO" <drclarke at att.com> wrote:
> 
>> 
>> 
>> Slim,
>> 
>> Where in reference to the first axle did you install the second?
>> 
>> Don Clarke
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From:     rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
>> [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org]  On Behalf Of Steve Alm
>> Sent:    Wednesday, December 01, 2004 4:11 PM
>> To:    Rhodes
>> Subject:    [Rhodes22-list] The Great Trailer Debate
>> 
>> Jerry,
>> 
>> I just went from a single axel to a tandem this year.  In comparing the
>> measurements of my old single axel to the measurements provided by Todd, and
>> also in the many discussions here on the list over the last couple years on
>> this subject, I determined that either my single axel had to be moved back
>> about six inches or I had to add a second axel to the rear of the first.  I
>> opted for the latter.
>> 
>> Before, with the single axel, I always had a hard time getting the boat far
>> enough ahead on the trailer when retrieving.  In order to get enough tongue
>> weight, I had to remove the outboard and lash it on the trailer tongue,
>> remove the rudder assembly and pack boat gear farther forward.  Without all
>> that rigmarole, the boat would fishtail and sway dangerously at a mere 45
>> mph.  
>> 
>> Now, with the tandem, I just load the boat onto the trailer the way "it
>> wants to" and off I go.  No redistribution of the weight, e.g., motor,
>> rudder, etc. and no more fishtailing!  Although I haven't taken any long
>> trips since I had the trailer surgery, but I can easily tell the difference
>> in the tracking at that same 45 or 50 mph.  I'm very pleased.
>> 
>> I live in Minnesota where the law requires breaks on trailers exceeding 3000
>> lbs.  (The R22 and trailer weigh approx. 4300 + or - depending on onboard
>> gear.) The law varies from state to state, but I recommend breaks for anyone
>> pulling a Rhodes22.  I had electric breaks installed on my trailer.  I
>> already had the hook up on my vehicle so it was a no-brainer.  Not that the
>> install is that big of a deal, but I prefer this to hydraulic (serge)
>> breaks.  Serge breaks will not help you backing down or up a steep ramp.
>> Many, however, have serge breaks that they are satisfied with.
>> 
>> The advantages of the tandem should be obvious:  better load distribution
>> and far better tracking on the road.  Also, if you have a blowout, you still
>> have three tires left.  The only advantage to having a single axel trailer
>> over a double is that it's easier to move the empty trailer around by hand,
>> whereas the double doesn't pivot as easily.  I suppose I could also say that
>> the single axel is less expensive.
>> 
>> Hope this helps,
>> 
>> Slim
>> 
>> On 11/30/04 7:37 PM, "cjlowe" <cjlowe at bright.net> wrote:
>> 
>>> As I am also in the trailer market this year,I wondered if anyone has owned
>>> both a single and a double axel trailer for their Rhodes? I plan on towing
>>> over 1000 miles a year. My present trailer is a 86' single axel,and it is
>>> pretty well beat.Do the dual axle's load any easier? Do they track better?
>>> Take bumps better? A list of pros and cons of both trailers would be
>>> great.And
>>> while we're at it,what's the hot set-up for brakes?
>>> I'll be using a '03 Toyota Forerunner , V-8, for towing.
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> 
>>> Jerry Lowe
>>> 
>>> Country Rhodes
>>> __________________________________________________
>>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>> 
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> 
> 
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