OK, here is the question I am pondering. I am in the process of getting materials to build a new trailer for my boat and was looking at my axle options. I have decided to go with torsion axles, however, I am undecided as to going with 2 or 3. Here is my reasoning for dilemma, or my perceived dilemma. The boat is 26', long, not including the pulpit and swim platform, and it has 120" beam. It weighs in at just under 6,000 with fuel and water. Given a max trailer weight of 750 pounds, on the high side, and for grins let's say total weight would be 7,000 max total weight of everything. Now going with 2 axles I am looking at a load capacity of 5,200 each axle for a total of 10,400 with a total cost of $1260. The 3 axle option is 3 3,500 pound axles with a total load capacity of 10,500 pounds at a total cost of $1,110. Both of these prices do not include tires, so price and load rating are for all given purposes equal. Given that, I have compiled a list pros and cons of each scenario, and would like your all's opinions and thoughts to what I may have missed.
Pros to 2 axle set-up-------------------------------- Pros to 3 axle set-up
Better fuel efficiency--------------------------------- Better weight distribution to the wheels and bearings
Better turning, especially in tight spots------- Less heat and wear and tear on each wheel and bearing
Less complicated------------------------------------- More security when trailering on long trips
Cons of a 2 axle set-up------------------------------ Cons of 3 axle set-up
More stress on bearings and wheels----------- Skidding issues when backing or in tight areas
Less security-------------------------------------------- Additional cost of fuel and tires
**** I put down securtiy as an issue because anyone who has had a set of bearing spin out on you knows it usually happens at the worst time, or I have also had my spare stolen from me at the ramp while out on the lake and then blew a tire out on the way home, what a pain in the A%% dealing with that at 10:00 PM on a Sunday night an hour from home and a truck full of tired kids!
I am looking at the third axle as a possible security blanket for a paranoid boater who wants to travel a bit more with his new bigger boat.
Sooooo, let me have it, what am I missing since I am leaning towards a 3 axle option, please point out where I am being stupid or what I am overlooking.
