[Rhodes22-list] The Great Trailer Debate

[Bill Effros]

Jerry,

Bruce and I share a single axel and tandem.  We load and unload them 
together, one right after the other.  Both of our boats have been on 
both trailers.  There is virtually no difference between them in the 
launch or retrieval categories.  The factor here is how much of your 
bunks you leave out of the water when you retrieve.  You can make the 
boat wind up anywhere you like on the trailer.  If the boat is properly 
balanced on the water, it can be properly balanced on the trailer.

The single axel is easier to move around the yard.  The tandem does not 
kick up if loaded end heavy.

I favor long wheel base, heavy towing vehicles.  I have only towed 
single axel trailers over long distances and have never had the 
slightest bit of fishtailing.

Bruce's galvanized tandem started to rust within the first or second 
season.  It will require maintenance.  My painted single axel will also 
require the same maintenance.  For salt water you might just as well 
save the expense of galvanized.

Trailer brakes rust and tend to lock up in the  yard.  Most people 
around here remove them for that reason.  Your tow vehicle should have 
enough braking capacity to stop both itself and the trailer.  Your 
trailer brakes may work, but you can't count on them.

Bill Effros

Steve Alm wrote:

>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
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>>    
>>
>
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>  
>