Single Axle Pontoon Trailer

[hvymtl939]

So I have a 24' Pontoon (Logs are 23'10", deck is 21.5') that came on a single axle trailer. Boat is an 86, and I would guess the trailer is original. I don't love the fact that it's a single axle, but I don't really want to invest in a new trailer for this boat either. My plan for the start of this season is replace the entire hub assembly, as well as new wheels and tires. Since it is a single axle, does anyone have recommendations for these? I'd like to tow this thing all over Kansas and Missouri this summer, and having a blowout or a trailer flip isn't high on the list of priorities.

The picture is how she sits right now.

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[hvymtl939]

 

[alldodge]

With the wheel being 5 lub it has a good possibility of being a 3500 pound axle. In any case only way to know which hubs to get is by measuring the bearing spindle diameter. Once you have that you know what bearings, race, seals and hub would be needed.

Always good to have a complete spare hub already in case there is trouble, but if the hubs on the trailer are in good shape there is no need to replace.

Gong long distance I suggest don't load a bunch of gear on the boat without figuring how much more weight being added on the axle

 

[hvymtl939]

With the wheel being 5 lub it has a good possibility of being a 3500 pound axle. In any case only way to know which hubs to get is by measuring the bearing spindle diameter. Once you have that you know what bearings, race, seals and hub would be needed.

Always good to have a complete spare hub already in case there is trouble, but if the hubs on the trailer are in good shape there is no need to replace.

Gong long distance I suggest don't load a bunch of gear on the boat without figuring how much more weight being added on the axle

I figured since it sat for quite a while before I got it, it would be worth replacing everything. Having a spare hub is a great idea too. I figure the boat really isn't that heavy for its size, especially since it only has a 2 cylinder 60 hp on the back. We have a pretty big trailer supply store close to the house. I was gonna haul it over there beginning of May once I'm ready to de-winterize.


Also, just wanted to say I loved your Formula build thread on OSO.

 

[alldodge]

Also, just wanted to say I loved your Formula build thread on OSO.

Thanks, it was a lot of work

Just google trailer hubs, and have a look. There is some great picks and how to measure on another website which has lots of info. Tried finding info here and came up empty

 

[ahicks]

Have never seen a trailer quite like that one. Generally, that type trailer must be pulled pretty careful as the tires are on the INSIDE of the tubes (obviously not the case here) making them pretty tippy.

My concern would be that your axle is a modification done to the original trailer. I'd be interested in having a good look at that conversion prior to trusting it 100%.

MOST axles are supported by the springs out near the end of the axles, just inside the wheel hubs and tires. With the BIG change in leverage the way this is setup, this setup having the axle extending well beyond that point, it leaves me wondering how to properly size that axle, and questions about how it's attached to the springs.

Regarding replacement hubs, trailer parts store will need an original all broken down and cleaned up. From there they can get bearing and seal numbers, dimensions if necessary, and set you up with anything you'd like. If not already equipped, you might consider something like bearing buddies.

 

[briangcc]

I might suggest checking state laws as some may take issue with the trailer wheels not having a fender over them.

I have to agree with the above...that's an interesting setup you have there.

 

[H20Rat]

That trailer didn't have that axle on it when it left the factory... That looks like a 'yard' scissor trailer that someone worked on. The scissor winch removed and probably welded, and a bigger axle added.

You may also want to measure the width from outside edge of tire to outside edge... You are probably going to be very, very close to 8 feet 6 inches or most likely above it. (maximum width without a permit in most states) Pontoons are generally 8' wide as a standard, and the tubes might stick out just a hair more than that. That leaves less than three inches on each side for an outside tire, meaning it is nearly impossible to have a standard sized pontoon with outside tires legal on the road without a permit.

 

[ahicks]

Overall width is a good point. I think you'd be OK most of the time, but if some rookie or bored cop decided to check you for whatever reason, you're not going to have much to stand on.

 

[H20Rat]

Overall width is a good point. I think you'd be OK most of the time, but if some rookie or bored cop decided to check you for whatever reason, you're not going to have much to stand on.

I used to have a home-made pontoon trailer that looks somewhat similar to that one. Wasn't a converted scissor trailer though. I didn't have any cop run-ins, but I also towed it on back-roads when I needed to transport it any distance. My normal boating location involved 1/4 mile of gravel, so it generally wasn't a concern.

I'm guessing the width wouldn't be a red flag, but the completely exposed tires would be. Most cops would probably stop to have a chat about that, and then would also probably write a ticket for inadequate lighting.

 

[Bayou Dave]

I have to ask. Is that huge blue recliner your Captain's chair? :facepalm:

 

[hvymtl939]

I have to ask. Is that huge blue recliner your Captain's chair? :facepalm:

It's an inflatable couch! We plop it in the lake to hang out on.

 

[M2HB]

There are a lot of good points posted above.
No fenders is an issue.
Overall width may be an issue.
Distance between spring and hub face may be too far to be strong enough to support the weight.

 

[hvymtl939]

Hmmm. I bet I pulled the boat about 5-600 miles last summer with no issue. It seems like it supports the weight fine, but now I'm a bit worried about the wide load/lack of fenders issue.

I don't really want to buy a new trailer for such an old boat, and decent used pontoon trailers are like hen's teeth around here.

ARGH BOATS

 

[alldodge]

Use what you have until it no longer is worth the trouble or cost

 

[hvymtl939]

Use what you have until it no longer is worth the trouble or cost

I'm thinking just a new set of tires, call it good for the summer, then if all goes to plan, we'll be getting a new boat for next year anyway.

 

[ahicks]

There's a good chance that trailer could be brought back to original pretty reasonably (the price of an axle, hubs, and wheels/tires, maybe 250-300?). In some areas that type trailer is easily as popular as the wider bunk type. Yes you need to be a little more careful, but it's nothing you need to break your back over. I've had one of those all over the country. Wouldn't have anything else!

 

[M2HB]

What is the overall width of the tires, metal to metal, outside to outside?


If it is a 3,500# axle, it may have a trailer brake flange that isn't being used if the overall boat and trailer weight is under 3,000#. That would be a good place to mount a fender to. Just an observation.

 

[hvymtl939]

What is the overall width of the tires, metal to metal, outside to outside?


If it is a 3,500# axle, it may have a trailer brake flange that isn't being used if the overall boat and trailer weight is under 3,000#. That would be a good place to mount a fender to. Just an observation.

Not sure on overall measurement, but there is for sure room to fab a fender mount.