O.K. gang I was thinking....

[billnorman1]

I was looking for an axle that would allow two wheels on each side on a boat trailer, same axle. I found some trailer pictures or other equipment with duallies but with a boat there is a clearance issue with the hull so close to the tire. So I got to thinking yesterday. I don't think rim strength has been an issue with anyone here in the past 5 years.
How much tire, on a strength basis can be put under a single axle trailer? How about a wide, say 8 or 9 inch zero offaset rim with a wide oval? Bass Cat trailers come with passenger radials (at least they used to) and I never had a problem with my two. I have a single axle trailer with load range "D" tires and I feel they are overloaded with a 19' 5" Stratos dual console, a 4 stroke 175 on it.
I'd lean toward some FWD rims with wide widths. Any positive experiences from any of you?

[21XDC]

Best option is to lower suspension/raise the trailer to allow for 15, 16, 17, inch wheels with "0" offset, and get truck or trailer radials rated for 20% or more of your total load and trailer weight.

[ClaySlayer]

I've got a 19' Fish & Ski with a 150 hanging off a jack plate sitting on a single axle. Best I can figure the boat/motor/fuel/gear is 3,000lbs sitting on 750lbs of trailer for a total of 3,750lbs on probably an axle rated the same...well I guess technically ~500 is sitting on the tongue jack or hitch so 3,250lbs on the axle. I'm running Kumho 857s (205R14) rated at ~2,250lbs each at 65psi and 99mph. Now most 14" trailer rims are rated for 60psi so that's what I run in them and have no worries. That being said if I know it's going to sit more than a couple weeks I'll jack up the trailer and put a jack stand under the trailer frame on each side just behind the rear leaf shackle and let it back down. I'd guess it takes about half the weight off the tires, axle, and springs but still leaves enough on the tires that I can chalk them and it's not going anywhere (driveway slopes slightly towards house). Only takes a couple minutes to do it if that...

[billnorman1]

Did you really mean you have 19's on there or do you have 14's?

[ClaySlayer]

Did you really mean you have 19's on there or do you have 14's?

14s. Good catch!

[craigs06]

Change the axle out for a 6 lug 5200# axle and springs. Lots of wheel options in the 6 lug family.

[billnorman1]

Change the axle out for a 6 lug 5200# axle and springs. Lots of wheel options in the 6 lug family.

Been thinking about that, It's torsion bar I'd have to check the cost.

[DABS]

Bill, call me on Monday and let's see what we can work out..800-835-9211 x 16

[21XDC]