what are the pro's and con's between a tandem trailer and a single axle trailer?

[1bluemcm]

Ya, the benefits from a tandem for doing the actual job of a boat trailer far outweigh the few cons in my mind.

[Bassman25]

Thank you everyone. That helped me with a lot of decisions.

[1johnb]

Wet your floor before moving your tandem. The tires will slip a bit easier if you need to move it sideways. A drop or two of soap will help even more.

[scottyc]

simple answer, blow a hub or tire and you will have time to pull over with little to no issues.

[mossie3]

Tandem cons- maneuverability, on tight turns the front wheels scoot sideways instead of rolling putting a lot of stress on the sidewalls. The front tires will usually blow first. If you have an asphalt driveway and have to make a tight turn, over time you will roll up the asphalt and damage the driveway. When hooking up the trailer you have get the ball within a few inches of the coupler to be able to hook it up. A tandem is nearly impossible to move by hand.

[NDbass13]

The only people that will say single axle will be the ones owning single axles currently and probably never owned a dual axle.

My first 2 boats were single axle.

I currently have a tandem axle and will NEVER go back to a single axle. The level of safety and stability with a tandem axle is just tremendous.

This.

Im in almost exact same position. First two boats single current boat tandem and wouldn't go back even with a smaller boat.

[buster502]

i have owned both and it depends on how much towing you do,i very seldom tow over 75 miles so i will take a single axle any day,you can move them in the garage, i replace tires about every 3-4 years a lot less maintenance with tires,wheel bearings spring hangers and squeaks and rattles,but if you have a heavy boat or on the line weight wise get a tandem,but for me a single works just fine and i have owned both

[Skunked again]

Wet your floor before moving your tandem. The tires will slip a bit easier if you need to move it sideways. A drop or two of soap will help even more.

Tip of the day!

[2015Ranger]

Pro: Your boat spends 95% of its life on that trailer.

Con: None.

[doc201pro]

After blowing a tire years ago on a single axle at speed on the interstate, the answer for me was easy. Tandem all the way....

[falcooon]

My rig is tandem, disk brakes on all wheels, with shocks, c frame ... tows and stops like a dream.

[Smokeyr67]

I use vehicle position jacks to move everything in my garage, they make it easy in my cluttered garage.

Like this https://www.kincrome.com.au/images/P...500/K12102.jpg

[TritonTRXV8]

On an rt198 a tandem is a big waste of money both in initial cost and more tires/maint.

I agree Tandem axles are great where they are needed but for that rig and weight a standard 3500 lb axle and properly rated tires will give years of trouble free service. Those that say a tandem axle has no cons is not true on a trailer that is not long enough and/or heavy enough youre wearing out 4 tires at a time for nothing.

[dwbeck2]

Single sucks, had one on my first boat. Four boats later, all tandem for reasons all ready stated above. Only 2 advantages are single is easier to move by hand and I think a single backs a little easier on very tight turns.

[Skunked again]

Not trying to hijack the thread. I have a 2000# boat(fully loaded) on a single axle trailer, 2200# axle (stock), no brakes.
I've been contemplating making it a tandem, with brakes on the new axle.
So it would be a waste to do that?

[James john]

If my 93 Ranger had a Tandum trailer I would be keeping it around. I'm looking at a newer boat on a single axle trailer but would just buy a dual axle if I ever decide to travel more. Single isn't bad if the trailer and weight is even out fine.

[jigman51]

I have had both and prefer the tandem. Just tows better and is safer. I have had two trailer tires blow out while traveling and both were on single axle trailers.

[PowerFish]

Being a midwest guy, like you, I find tandem the preference by far. The Ranger may not need it for weight, but for long drives, and yes 2 hours each way is a long haul compared to many others, tandem tows better and provides better over the road stability. We're not lucky enough as some in the east/south/southeast that a long drive to the lake for them is 90 minutes. Plains states, a couple hours is close, and for me it's 7 hours to Table Rock and I want a Tandem for that haul for sure...

[RangerRic]

Interesting pros on the tandems - definitely considerations.
I am a 'good enough' guy - if the trailer is rated for 3200#
and my rig loaded is 2200#, I am good to go.

[acheter]

My only complaint with the tandem is I have to push sideways to fit into my garage and it's a pain.