Tandem axle trailer--one wheel doesn't touch ground

[southtexas]

Today I bought a Techsun tandem axle boat trailer--it has torsion springs. Today while purchasing at the dealer, I noticed one back wheel was not touching the ground (it was less than inch off ground). FYI--boat was not on trailer... We checked all the tires/rims sizes, and they are all the same. He said that, due to its type of suspension, this might happen, but he adjusted it anyways so that they were all touching the ground. Granted, I didn't have a level so I didn't know if one slab of pavement of the driveway was level with the other. He also said that when the trailer is carrying weight (the boat, or possibly my mother-in-law) it will balance out.

It drove fine the 30 miles home but when I got here, I noticed the other back wheel was not on the ground. I never tested it with all 4 wheels on a flat even surface.

Should this matter? Is this OK for this type of set-up?

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Tandem axle trailer--one wheel doesn't touch ground

Sounds about right for a torsion style axle, that why I DON'T like them for anything but a Single axle trailer. Unless the trailer is totally level the tires/axles don't share the load equally and is also the reason why the the torsion axles have a 20% drop in capacity when used in tandem / triple axle setups. I like equalizer/spring setups for tandem axle trailers, sure it adds weight but they carry the load equally and you don't need to have the trailer perfectly level.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tandem axle trailer--one wheel doesn't touch ground

It is also very easy to pop a tire on these trailers especially when entering and leaving parking lots. Since there is no equalization, the load from one axle as it drops or rises over obstacles means the opposite effect happens with the other axle. Therefore the load that one axle is carrying is transferred to the other and it is very easy to overload that axle. When it comes time to replace tires, I would suggest you check what the load rating currently is and install the next heavier load range. As indicated earlier, it is essential that these trailers be towed as close to level as possible. Tongue high means the rear axle is carrying more weight than the front axle. Tongue low creates the opposite effect.

 

[southtexas]

Re: Tandem axle trailer--one wheel doesn't touch ground

Thanks guys. Sounds like it's a "minus" in the pros and cons of this type of trailer setup, as opposed to a flaw in my trailer. I will be careful when towing weight to avoid jumping curbs and blowing tires, etc.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Tandem axle trailer--one wheel doesn't touch ground

I LOVE my Boat Master torsion suspension trailer. No rust few moving parts and easy to maintain. Never blew a tire from a curb and I have tapped a few Never felt it was out of balance. It's a great saltwater trailer!

 

[southtexas]

Re: Tandem axle trailer--one wheel doesn't touch ground

Richard, nice looking trailer. Thanks for the input. Have you ever noticed that not all 4 tires were touching the ground on your trailer?

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Tandem axle trailer--one wheel doesn't touch ground

Only when the boats not on it and I'm pulling it up the ramp

I really wouldnt worry about one wheel off the ground, especially with a new trailer. The torsion axles will loose a little spring once the boats on it and it's got some miles on it. Then you'll be lovin yours too!