[Rhodes22-list] Single vs Double Axle

[Peter Thorn]

Rory,

I think Slim has an older Trailmaster, which seems to have the original s/a
balance point set farther forward and an inherantly lighter tongue weight.
I have one trailer like Slim's (1988 s/a Triad) and a 2003 s/a Triad.  They
are very different trailers.

My newer s/a Triad has the axle moved significantly aft, to create adequate
tonge weight (250-400#) with the bow well aft  (10"  +/-) of the winch
tower.  This is a key point, but there are other improvements/differences as
well.  Very nice Dexter 6,000# axle.  Galvex brakes. Galvanized frame.
Surge brakes (now required by most states for trailed loads > 3,000#).

Whether you choose single or dual axle, strongly suggest a tongue weight
scale.  It's just impossible to guess the tongue weight load without one.
http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm  Too light or too heavy on either type of
trailer can spell disaster and take all the fun and joy out of your sailing
experience.

Good luck!

PT



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Slim" <salm at mn.rr.com>
To: "Rhodes22-list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 5:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Single vs Double Axle


> Rory,
>
> My boat came with a single axle which I used for the first couple seasons
> and then added a second axle and have never regretted that decision.  I
and
> others have had problems getting the boat far enough forward on the
trailer.
> With the single axle, that means not enough tongue weight or even negative
> tongue weight which will cause the trailer to fishtail at about 45 mph.
So
> we had to remove the motor and the rudder and shift any heavy gear forward
> in order to go anywhere. Obviously that's unacceptable so we added the
> second axle and the problem is solved and it tracks beautifully down the
> road at 65 or even 70 mph.
>
> The down side is that it's nearly impossible to move it around the yard by
> hand even without the boat on it.  And as stated before one wheel will
scoot
> when you're turning sharply forward or backing.
>
> I live in Minnesota and here the law requires breaks on trailers in excess
> of 3000 lbs.  I have electric breaks on only one axle, not both.
>
> For single axle loading, IIRC Julie and Dan have said that the rear-most
> port should be exactly above the axle for correct tongue weight.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Slim
>
> On 5/7/06 5:42 PM, "Rory Orkin" <roryorkin at earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> >
> > Am finishing up choices with Stan on recon boat to be delivered shortly.
> > Any real difference on axle choice ?? I have trailerd for years and
really
> > don't have a serious preference though the double axle might be more
> > forgiving when backing since the rear wheels would be farther back than
the
> > single.. What am I missing ?
> > What has been the experience with the painted trailers re rust. Not
usually
> > the best idea in salt environment.. Wont be used more than in and out
> > seasonally unless we decide to go on the road with the boat.
> >                   Anyone know offhand about Md registration/inspection
> > laws re:brakes and weight ??
> >                        Thanks,
> >                          Rory
> > --
> > View this message in context:
> > http://www.nabble.com/Single-vs-Double-Axle-t1573999.html#a4273737
> > Sent from the Rhodes22 forum at Nabble.com.
> >
> > __________________________________________________
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>
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