single and/or tandem

[driftingsenko]

Im planning on getting a boat this coming year and is looking at nothing smaller than a 19' but dont really want to go with a tandem trailer. Can anyone give me your thoughts on this. Like what are your experances, ups and downs, etc....

[transamz9]

Most of your 19' boats are single axle. You get to 20' and over then you will get into tandom unless it's a light hull like a Bullet or Alley. Why dont you want a tandom? I like the sucurity uf the extra tires. Have you ever had a blow out on a heavy single axle trailer?

[driftingsenko]

Well, itll be my first boat and i dont want to get in over my head. I like how the tandoms look and also thought about having a tire blow and still be able to get to where i need. Is the maintenance on a tandom more expensive or just a few dollars more. Isnt it less monuverable than a single?

[CatFan]

Tandem beyond a doubt.

Tires and bearings are carrying half the load as a single. Tows smoother.

Downside is double the tires to replace, but unless you are just a short drive from the water, tandem is the way to go.

[haveme1]

Tandems are easier to back up. They don't turn as quickly. Makes em easier to control.

I have a single and my buddy has a tandem. I can handle either but his is so much smother.

Yep 4 wheels, tires, sets of bearings.

I have worried about having bearing issues when traveling with my single. No problem yet.

I guess you have to consider the boat first and take the trailer it's on if buying used.

I got a single but would have liked to have gotten a double !

[allen656]

hey all..how much trailering do you do..except for the 500 miles trips,how far do you normally go? Along with things mentioned,also keep in mind the tolls sometimes double for the second axle. And also is parking at home an issue?


Just some things to consider.

[ZXskeeterB]

I had an awful experience with a Ranger 188 on a single axle trailer. The welds that hold the brackets on broke from the boat being too heavy for the trailer suspension. I was lucky it didn't cause me to wreck and get hurt.

[driftingsenko]

how, this is really good stuff guys. ive been reading into it a lot also. but reading is not as good as getting first hand experiance. well, thats what i think anyways. keep'em coming guys. i would like to soak up as much as i can so ill now what im getting into and what to expect when i do get a boat.

[Tom B]

I have a Stratos 294 on a single axle and have never had a problem - it tows fine and half the tires and bearings to worry about - in over 20 years of towing have only had one tire issue and that was from dry rot

[rng518]

It only takes once and after 20 yrs ?? . Tandem is the way to go safety first. Count your blessings not your money

[fmoore]

What almost everyone who has posted in this thread has failed to mention is what kind of weight the trailer is rated for.

If you have a single that is rated for, say 3500 pounds and your boat only weighs 2000, with some simple preventative maintenance you will have many, many trouble free years of trailering. If your boat is at or over the rating and you trailer long distances, you could be in trouble.

The issue does not lie in the number of axles on the trailer, but in the strength of the components on the trailer.

I think dual axles look way better but are they more functional? Not necessarily. Pay attention to the weight of boat, motor, fuel and all gear with respect to the rating on the trailer and you will have no problems

[FishnFed]

Had a single axle under my Champion 186. Running from Knoxville to Guntersville I had a blowout @ 60 mph with a fully loaded boat, truck full of camping gear, kids and wife. Fortunately, no one was in the next lane. When we got home, I ordered a tandem from Hustler trailer. Maybe some more maintenance and money, but the price is a pittance for the feeling of security the additional axle gives me. Sure it is tougher to move around in the garage, but with some backing experience, you can get it close. My .02

[arjone01]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by driftingsenko &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Well, itll be my first boat and i dont want to get in over my head. I like how the tandoms look and also thought about having a tire blow and still be able to get to where i need. Is the maintenance on a tandom more expensive or just a few dollars more. Isnt it less monuverable than a single?</td></tr></table>

If you are looking at a boat this big then there are a few things you can account for in expenses on both a single and a tandem trailers.

1. Brakes, no matter which trailer option you go with brakes are not an option for a boat of this size, so which ever you get you'll still have this expense.

2. Tires, Walls on a single axle will break down over time faster than a tandem due to the extra weight an strain. Although tandems will wear faster, you'll still put new tires on sooner for that extra security and peace of mind.

So in thinking about these two things, the only other extra cost in my mind would be bearing replacement ever 2-4 years depending on your use. That's an extra $50 out of pocket. As far as seeing any extra expense in comparison of the two trailers on a boat of this size, I think you'll see that the small cost for extra peace of mind is far worth any extra cost. That second axle really only needs bearing servicing and the tires will wear the same as far as wall break down and making sure you have good tires on the ground in dealing with a single axle. Just go for the Tandem.

[mullamaster]

Yep I love my tandem, it tows so good you barely know its there. I have to back it into my garage at an angle and maneuverability has never been a problem at all. After having a single and a tandem I would never have another single again.

[driftingsenko]

Sweet guys. Thanks for the help and all the knowlegde. Ive been reading a lot also and looks like tandem it is. Ive also decided to get a 20' boat since itll suit my use better.