[Rhodes22-list] Single or double axle trailer

[Bill Effros]

Phil,

The tow rating is a bit misleading in manufacturer's specs.  SUVs are 
built on truck chassis, but some are smaller trucks and some are 
larger.  Some are heavier and some are lighter.  They have a higher 
center of gravity than a pickup style truck.

A pickup with a 6000 lb tow rating will tow the Rhodes better than your 
Pathfinder if the truck has a longer and wider wheelbase, and weighs 
more.  People used to buy Cadillacs and other "road hogs" to use as tow 
vehicles because these large sedans had the characteristics of good tow 
vehicles.

I'm sure your Pathfinder will handle the rig just fine, however 
understand that a vehicle more purpose built for towing will handle it 
better even though it may have the same rated tow capacity.

Bill Effros

pawyrick at peoplepc.com wrote:

> Bill,
> Thanks for the info. I have a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, tow rated at 
> 6000lbs. It should handle this rig (single or double axle) easily.
> Phil
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Effros" <bill at effros.com>
> To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 11:59 PM
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Single or double axle trailer
>
>
>> Phil,
>>
>> The dual axle trailers have a larger "sweet spot" for trailering.  
>> You don't have to horse the boat around as much to find a spot that 
>> will put 200-250 lbs. of weight on the hitch.  Also they are far less 
>> prone to "kick-up" when released from the hitch, and slam the stern 
>> into the ground.  Some people feel safer with extra tires on the ground.
>>
>> However,
>>
>> They are much more difficult to move around in the yard; will not 
>> rotate easily in tight spots, cost more, and should the salt water 
>> eat up your wheels (a notorious problem where I am in Long Island 
>> Sound) you've got twice as many wheels to replace.
>>
>> With a large enough tow vehicle, you'll have no problems with a 
>> single axle, well maintained trailer.  As the tow vehicle becomes 
>> smaller, and you are more concerned about the ability of the tail to 
>> wag the dog, you might be better off with a dual axle--but you'd be 
>> better off still spending the extra money on a properly sized tow 
>> vehicle.
>>
>> Bill Effros
>>
>> pawyrick at peoplepc.com wrote:
>>
>>> I will be the proud owner, sometime in the not too distant future, 
>>> of a recycled 1998. I will be using a trailer anytime I use the 
>>> boat. I will also take the boat across country sometime within the 
>>> next three years. The boat will stay on the trailer when not being 
>>> sailed. The boat will be launched primarily in salt water. Do you 
>>> have any opinions about a single or double axle for my 
>>> circumstances? Thanks for any thoughts.
>>> Phil
>>> __________________________________________________
>>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>>
>>>
>> __________________________________________________
>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list 
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>