Could anyone give any insight on the possibility of converting a boat trailer from a single axle to a tandem?
Could anyone give any insight on the possibility of converting a boat trailer from a single axle to a tandem?
It is possible with planning and cash.
1. First thing to do is find a similar trailer/rig to see their dual axle set-up, just to get a look at it and some measurements etc.
2. Call the trailer company that built it and get an axle from them to match what you have already on your trailer. For example, EZloader goes by trailer serial # and can make an exact match axle or others will just pass you tot UFP and they go by the serial # tag on the bottom of the axle. Be sure to order a COASTER axle to match your brake axle.
3. You single probably has 3500 lb springs, you will want to get 4 new sets of 2500 lb springs (1250 per side that is).
4. Order the proper tandem axle kit / yoke assembly.
5. Order new tandem fenders, most boat trailers use a tapered fender with valance.
6. Order new wheels / tires.
7. Remove your existing steps, fender and supports if there.
8. Remove axle and springs.
9. Leave your brakes attached to the lines as the system should be working and bled, most manufacturers leave enough coiled brake line to fit a dual system already.
10. Cover the calipers in bags and tape them up to keep away grinder dust etc.
11. Cut away the existing spring brackets.
12. Using your measurements from step one roughly place new shackles where they will end up and properly spaced to match your springs you purchased and lightly tack them on.
13. Ensure proper placement by measuring several times and by making sure they are fully square to the tongue, i.e. lined up for proper towing with a near zero thrust line.
14. When measurements are 100%, weld on shackle brackets.
15. When done install both axles.
16. Mount tires temporarily.
17. Using measurements from step 1 and by looking at the appearance, re-tack the side steps where they fit to hold fenders in proper place.
18. Remove tires and weld side steps all in place.
19, Affix fenders with support in middle from trailer frame.
20. Surface prep and paint everything.
21. Reinstall brakes and wheels.
22. DO NOT TAKE THIS AS THE GOSPEL!Just a suggestion based on the work I have done myself.
Good luck should you choose to tackle it.
Sounds like a lot more work than I had anticipated. Maybe it would just be more cost effective and time saving to just buy a tandem axle trailer. I will have to look into the purchase of another trailer. Nothing wrong with my single axle. Tandems just pull better and the brakes would be nice.
Thanks for the insight.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bass-n-fire »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sounds like a lot more work than I had anticipated. Maybe it would just be more cost effective and time saving to just buy a tandem axle trailer. I will have to look into the purchase of another trailer. Nothing wrong with my single axle. Tandems just pull better and the brakes would be nice.
Thanks for the insight.</TD></TR></TABLE>
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