Adding a second axel

[jusfloatin]

Good day to all

I have a 20' pontoon trailer that I would like to add a second axel but I have questions.

Like I said it is a 20' pontoon trailer that has a overall lenght of 24' with a 2000lbs axel for running gear. It has the type of leaf springs where the back of the leaf spring slides on the frame.

My question is can I just add the same type of running gear as I have or will I have to change the leaf springs to the type with eye's on both ends with a tamdem axel yoke?

 

[109jb]

Re: Adding a second axel

The type of spring you are describing is a slipper spring. You can just add another slipper axle but there are some things you have to consider. First, if the tongue weight is correct now you will need the move the existing axle along with adding another. You need to have the 2 axles centered on where the existing axle is now. Also, using slipper axles you will need to make sure the frame is level. You should do this anyway, but with 2 slipper axles or 2 torsion axles the frame needs to be level so that the weight is distributed evenly between the 2 axles. Of course the preferred thing to do would be to use leaf springs with eyes on both ends and then use a spring equalizer between the the 2 leaf spring on the 2 axles.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Adding a second axel

At the moment the tongue weight is ok and the trailer sits level to the tow vehicle but the weight of the pontoon has increased to the point I would feel more comfortable adding a second axel.
Adding the second axel is a morning job in my garage.

My question is more to the idea of it being safe or even a good idea using the slipper spring type in a tandem situation compaired to the eye to eye and tandem yoke.