Trailers? Never thought much about them

[Btuvi]

I've never really given a lot of thought to a trailer. I've greased the bearings but other than that my only thought was that it was nice to have it since it made towing the boat so much easier. Now I have a question.

The boats I've pulled have been on a single axel trailer. I expect soon to be towing one on a double axel trailer (20' dual console).

What differences will I notice? What should I take into consideration that I might not without your good advice?

Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailers? Never thought much about them

Multi axle trailers are much more difficult to push around, by hand.

Towing they are quite stable. However, you will nitice some tire scrubbing if you take corners too sharp.

Just figure they are double the maintenance.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Trailers? Never thought much about them

I've have both.
Double axle is the way to go. Easier to launch, tracks much better, more stable - safer.
Dunno about double the maintenance.
Outside of packing the bearings once a year, most of my maintenance is replacing metal in the rear as needed and keeping the lights let.

 

[orthoguy]

Re: Trailers? Never thought much about them

I've had both....prefer my current double axle, towing is a breeze

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailers? Never thought much about them

as said, double maintainance, you have twice as many bearing, tires, that tend to not wear as long, due to scuffing. remember the tires do not turn in a corner, especially a tight turn, the scuff across the pavement. the are extremely hard to push by hand compared to a single axle. the pluses, the do tow better, with the proper tongue weight, and require less tongue weight. i highly recommend have brakes on both axles, not just a single axle.

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Trailers? Never thought much about them

Thanks for the info.

Please explain how the brake system works. The single axel trailers I've had did not have brakes. Do the tandem axels normally have a brake - one or two?

How do they know when to brake?

Is the tongue on the same level with the hitch as a single axel?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailers? Never thought much about them

you can get receiver bars for you hitch which either turn up or down, to level your trailer. there basically are 2 types of systems,

electric, which requires a sending unit in the tow vehicle, to send electricity to the brake actuators. this system is usually prefered in hilly, mountians, and snow areas.

hydrolic, on the hitch connect there is a master cylinder, when you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle, this master cylinder adds pressure to the actuators in each wheel. this system is prefered in the Flat lands so to speak, has a little less maintainance.

either system can be either drum or disc brakes. if using in salt water stainless steel disc is recommenced.

hope this is clear as mud.

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Trailers? Never thought much about them

Got it! Surprisingly.