Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

[inside0ut]

I did do a search and couldnt come up with a good answer.

I have a single axle trailer for my boat and it has a GVWR of 2980. The trailer is stated to weight 500#. It was for my old boat, a 20ft Baretta. I got a new boat with a new trailer and the boat weighs 2700# but the trailer it comes with is rotten all except for the axles. They are 3500# axels with good tires actually. I know I cannot put the new boat on the good existing trailer that I have, but am curious if I take the good axles from the rotten trailer and add them to the good trailer I have, will it increase the GVWR to be able to tow the new boat?

Thank you!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

that would depend on if the frame, tongue, coupler, etc are strong enough for the weight

 

[phillyg]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

You have to look at the entire package. You'd have to use the presumably heavier spring sets that come with the 3500lb axles, and the frame itself would have to be able to take the additional weight. To be rated at 4k lbs., you would need brakes on one of the axles and a 2" coupler.

 

[limitout]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

added to whats already said you also have to be able to have the axle spring mounts fit and sit correctly on the frame.

I just wouldn't risk losing the boat over it so if you cant afford new just get a used trailer the size you need for it

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

Sell both trailers and buy a dual axle.

 

[inside0ut]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

Sell both trailers and buy a dual axle.

Yeah this is what Ive been thinking... the whole paint a piece of poop gold thing. I think my time and effort would be better spent getting rid of both, taking the money, and getting a "new" trailer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

If you are a qualified welder, have access to a welder, and a place to do the work, then this is a relatively easy task. The spring hangers are available all over the internet for cheap. You measure the location of the equivalent brackets on the tandem trailer, remove the existing brackets from your "good" trailer, and then transfer the new brackets using the measurements you took. Of course, both trailers must be the same width so the spring perches line up. You could shorten the axles if necessary (again if you have the equipment and ability). And as was mentioned, the good trailer frame must be able to tote the load. All of this is moot if you don't have the equipment or ability. The labor in having the work done will eat up any savings and then some over buying a new trailer with the money from the sale of the old pair..

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

Talk to the manufacturer of the single axle trailer. Many trailers have one frame but the GVW is dependent on only the axles but only the manufacturer can tell you that.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

Sell both trailers and buy a dual axle.

:facepalm:
For a 2700lb boat? Little (lot) overkill don't you think

 

[limitout]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

:facepalm:
For a 2700lb boat? Little (lot) overkill don't you think

not really, his old boat was GVWR of 2980, a 20ft Baretta

so while I don't think its "required" it isn't unreasonable to want a dual axle trailer for the new boat of 2700 lbs. assuming its also a 19-20ft boat

your kinda maxing out "most" single axle trailer ratings at 3500 lbs axle and at 3000 lbs I would think of it as maxed out so that boat weight load can only have 300 lbs extra weight to reach 3000 lbs which is in my opinion all you ever want on a 3500 lb axle anyway.

you shouldn't ever trust the weight load as stated to be accurate so never want to come close to maxing it out

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Changing from single to tandem axle...I searched but....

:facepalm:
For a 2700lb boat? Little (lot) overkill don't you think

I really don't care. I was simply trying to point out another potentially simpler option. Often times we overlook the obvious.