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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    thunder bay
    Posts
    122

    Adding a tandem axle

    I have a 2017 Tracker trailer for my 195txw and it hauls like shit. The boat weighs 2800 ish, and has a single 3500# axle with single leaf springs. It bounces hard, turns super sharp and is just an overall pain, I do however have over 20k miles on the trailer. ( I regularly haul the boat 300 miles 2x a week in the summer) With that much mileage the tires are showing sihns of wear and need replacement, sooo we end up with this project.

    I will post lots of pics as I start but heres the parts list so far

    Additional axle - Dexter EZ lube 3500# axle with idlers, 89" Hub face and 74" Spring spacing, underslung
    4x 1500# springs (will raise load capacity of trailer to 6k)
    Tandem kit with equalizer, bolts and shackles
    Weld on hanger pockets
    Big Tex Tandem Teardrop Steel fender with back
    2 add a bunk brackets and 2 kiln dried 2x6x12 for new bunks

    Not sure what wheels and tires I will go with. Definitely something with some bling...anyone got any suggestions?

    Also I will say this is not a small project, I have years of trailer repair and fabrication on anything from small ass utility trailers to 53' 120k lb carrying wood chip trailers. I will be setting alignment and spacing to ensure it tracks better than factory and doesnt scrub tires.

    I will also be adding dual function LED tails. Look em up here
    https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Function.../dp/B01E7VK09S

    I cant count how many times Ive needed light backing down a ramp so these should stop that.

    Many people are telling me just to sell and buy a new trailer, but thats more work and cost than this build will be lol. All in so far (no wheels and tires) I'm at 600 CAD, a new trailer would be over 1200 more than what I can get for mine, oh and this will be to my specs and build quality.

    Any pointers? Neat things to add? Im open to suggestions!

  2. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Insomnia, near Seaford Delaware
    Posts
    35,507
    #2
    Jeeze, I dunno. Sounds like you need additional capacity for sure but so far you haven't blown out your tires. 4 wheels will be more difficult to make tight turns when parking it, and you will need different fenders.
    As far as I can see you know more about trailers than the rest of us. Will you have to pay more taxes if the trailer capacity changes? From what I hear if you live in Pennsylvania you need brakes on all 4 wheels. Do you have brakes now?

  3. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    thunder bay
    Posts
    122
    #3
    I could get away with swapping my springs and be done with it. But I dont want to lol. In Ontario, you dont pay yearly fees for boat trailers so no extra taxes. I will be installing tandem fenders as well.

    Brakes are a different story, in theory yes, I need to add brakes with the increase in capacity, as of right now the trailer doesn't have them and the boat is light enough to stop easily without them. I may add electric brakes eventually, but not now

  4. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Conway Arkansas
    Posts
    77
    #4
    I'm gonna be doing the same thing to a trailer under a 19' Skeeter. I sell trailer parts so I have access to everything I need. have a friend that is the service mgr where I work and he's gonna do all the fab work. can't wait to see pics of your progress.

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Pelham, GA
    Posts
    2,003
    #5
    Is it possible to change the existing spring axle with a torsion axle? Should ride better.
    Mercury 2002 200hp Carbed Saltwater
    OT566776
    2002 Cape Horn 22' Bay

  6. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    thunder bay
    Posts
    122
    #6
    Torsion axle Would likely work, so would upping spring capacity and installing a 5k axle. Buttt. I want a tandem and Ineed a project lol

  7. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Shelbyville
    Posts
    56
    #7
    You should check out Timbren axle-less trailer system. I don't have it, but was checking it out. Seems like a good design.

  8. Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Highland, Illinois
    Posts
    2,738
    #8
    I'm in. Been debating on converting mine also.