I am considering adding a second axle to my standard M26 trailer for long distance hauling. Has anyone done this, and if so, did you reposition the original axle for proper balance, and does it handle ok or better? Thanks
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Why do you feel the need
I'm not sure you need a second axle. I'm wondering if just better tires and make sure they're trailer tires won't be just as good. Buy a good spare and take a jack. Invest in good bearing lubrication, either oil filled bearings or at least bearing buddies with good inside seals. A load equalizing hitch might be the best money you can spend for ease of trailering. Just my humble opinion. Steve P.
I'm not sure you need a second axle. I'm wondering if just better tires and make sure they're trailer tires won't be just as good. Buy a good spare and take a jack. Invest in good bearing lubrication, either oil filled bearings or at least bearing buddies with good inside seals. A load equalizing hitch might be the best money you can spend for ease of trailering. Just my humble opinion. Steve P.
2nd axle
Most often the 2nd axel will trail straighter and give less sway but a good setup on a single is very stable if the tires are given a proper inflation. Usually that means MORE than the tow vehicle pressure and maybe 40 or more pounds. Pressures and load capacity are printed on the tires(small print). The more rigid the tire, the less sidewall flex resulting in less sway and less heat buildup. My 2-axle trailers trail nicely but I need them only for the weight carrying. Spring ratings are also important. be sure the springs are rated for the weight you are carrying (plus trailer).Four tires = twice the expense and not always twice the service.
Most often the 2nd axel will trail straighter and give less sway but a good setup on a single is very stable if the tires are given a proper inflation. Usually that means MORE than the tow vehicle pressure and maybe 40 or more pounds. Pressures and load capacity are printed on the tires(small print). The more rigid the tire, the less sidewall flex resulting in less sway and less heat buildup. My 2-axle trailers trail nicely but I need them only for the weight carrying. Spring ratings are also important. be sure the springs are rated for the weight you are carrying (plus trailer).Four tires = twice the expense and not always twice the service.
I use a tandum trailer
I am redoing a 74 mac 25,I rebuilt a bass boat trailer to fit,,and I love the tandum wheels,,it tows very stable,,and no fear of a tire blowing with bad results as with a single axle.. and yes you will have to relocate the other axle for a proper balance, P.S.Any Venture owners near Richmond Va,on on the lower Bay ?
I am redoing a 74 mac 25,I rebuilt a bass boat trailer to fit,,and I love the tandum wheels,,it tows very stable,,and no fear of a tire blowing with bad results as with a single axle.. and yes you will have to relocate the other axle for a proper balance, P.S.Any Venture owners near Richmond Va,on on the lower Bay ?
Balance could be tricky
The addition of a second axle could be tricky, Dean. If you don't have enough tongue weight on the ball, the trailer would be very unstable. Even on a boat the size of yours, the single axle trailer could be balanced fine already. I do agree with steve, since I just returned from a 3,500 mile trip with my V21. I had the (I think) original 30 year old trailer that must have come with the boat. While I replaced all the bearings and races and bought some spares, not much else was needed to go to both coasts of florida and back to Jersey. I towed the rig with a mini-van with the only modifications being heavy duty rear shocks and a trans cooler. The only sway was experienced above 65mph during moments when I forgot I had a boat back there...
The addition of a second axle could be tricky, Dean. If you don't have enough tongue weight on the ball, the trailer would be very unstable. Even on a boat the size of yours, the single axle trailer could be balanced fine already. I do agree with steve, since I just returned from a 3,500 mile trip with my V21. I had the (I think) original 30 year old trailer that must have come with the boat. While I replaced all the bearings and races and bought some spares, not much else was needed to go to both coasts of florida and back to Jersey. I towed the rig with a mini-van with the only modifications being heavy duty rear shocks and a trans cooler. The only sway was experienced above 65mph during moments when I forgot I had a boat back there...
2 axles
i have both single and double, and find that while the double may be better for straight runs, turning/backing in confined spaces is harder with 2 axles as one pair of tires is forced to slide rather than roll on tight turns and backing. you cas feel the difference at a trailer store by attempting to move a double by hand compaired to the single.
i have both single and double, and find that while the double may be better for straight runs, turning/backing in confined spaces is harder with 2 axles as one pair of tires is forced to slide rather than roll on tight turns and backing. you cas feel the difference at a trailer store by attempting to move a double by hand compaired to the single.
Bruce is right
Bruce is right. As with anything in life there are ups and downs to every situation. I've had dual and single axle trailers all of my life and prefer backing the single axle. What happens is one set and sometimes both sets will scuff laterally as you back, and even as you turn in the forward direction. This tends to wear the tires more quickly. I still suggest good "trailer" tires and good bearings and springs. Keep a minimum of 10% of total weight on the tongue even after loading the boat with "stuff". If possible I heartily recommend a load equalizing hitch for heavy loads. Makes towing so much easier and safer. Steve P.
Bruce is right. As with anything in life there are ups and downs to every situation. I've had dual and single axle trailers all of my life and prefer backing the single axle. What happens is one set and sometimes both sets will scuff laterally as you back, and even as you turn in the forward direction. This tends to wear the tires more quickly. I still suggest good "trailer" tires and good bearings and springs. Keep a minimum of 10% of total weight on the tongue even after loading the boat with "stuff". If possible I heartily recommend a load equalizing hitch for heavy loads. Makes towing so much easier and safer. Steve P.
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