Alternative to moving trailer axle

[Mick]

After finding out what the tongue weight is suppose to be , I took my trailer with the boat to a trailer shop. The idea was to move it 7 inch aft. No problem. The welder was not keen on the idea because of the boat being on there, and the heat required to do the welding. I had a scale to check the weight. If the 7 inch was correct then no problem, if not start over.
I came up with another idea. Why not add weight to front of the trailer. To do this I plan to use type of weights used in gyms. Because of the size I have decided on 5>>25lb weights ,mounted on a plate & pipe. I should end up with close to 225 lbs. I can adjust as necessary. I'll have to wait until next week due to the weather. I'll keep you posted and try to post some pictures.

 

[JDK]

It has more to do with the percentage of weight ahead and behind the axle than the actual tongue weight. If you make a motion left or right with the trailer ball, the weight behind the axle has a direct effect on the sway. As an extreme example, if the axle were in the middle of the total weight, with no tongue weight, the sway would be extreme. Adding a couple hundred pounds to the tongue wouldn't affect the sway much at all. Moving the axle to the very rear of the boat, if that were possible in our extreme example, would take out any sway at all.

As always, your mileage may vary...

JDK

 

[Mick]

I have no sway problems. The problem with the light tongue is that it wants to lift up trying to pop off of the ball. This in turn causes it to bounce and vibrate more than it should. The owners manual calls for 200 to 250 lbs on the tongue. Right now I have right 100 lbs.

 

[flynfol]

tongue weight

Between my spare tire/wheel mounted on the frame up front, and the tongue extension, and loading all my gear in the v-berth......it comes out perfectly. Why add dead weight?

 

[Timo42]

If your welder is Mig welding the spring supports, I wouldnt be too concerned about the heat damaging the fiberglass, just stick a piece of plywood between the hull and the weld to shield it from spatter. The hangers should be a couple inches from the hull at the least. The spring shackles and fenders were welded onto my trailer with the boat on it without a problem.

 

[caguy]

I have also seen some mods where the motor is mounted at the tongue adding weight. A ladder would be handy, if out of steel good for another 25#s. I pack all of my gear while traveling in the V berth. I also carry my anchor on the anchor roller. Make sure your boat is scooted up as far as possible even 1-2'' makes a big difference.

 

[Sumner]

If your welder is Mig welding the spring supports, I wouldnt be too concerned about the heat damaging the fiberglass, just stick a piece of plywood between the hull and the weld to shield it from spatter.............

I did this recently with no problems when I installed new springs that were a different length and had to move the back spring hangers....

Sum

 

[Mick]

Not a mig welder. Anyhow I wanmt to give this a try. I should be able to give results early next week .

 

[oreana1234]

12 inches aft

I have never heard of anyone who moved their axle 12 inches aft and did not like it. Most trailer supply houses have a relocation kit, attaching an axle to a frame is pretty common thing to do. My kit cost $20, had new hardware and hangers, i never even think about weight distribution now, outboard permanently locked on my transom, drive 65MPH and straight pull. Attaching useless weight is silly. Do it once, do it right.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

look at champion trailer parts. they make a 'sliding' axle' kit... pretty sure it uses ubolts..
http://www.championtrailers.com/

why don't you just go splash the boat then take it to the welder? put it in a slip or on the hook for a few days and be done.

there is a correct solution, and a compromise. I don't think you understand the implications of a jackknifed trailer. the tow vehicle often is rolled as as result.... very ugly!

Besides the trailers are marginally overloaded to start. adding more weight might push it over the already thin limits, especially when you load up for an extended trip.

 

[timebandit]

Do be sure your trailer rides level or a little below when attached to the tow truck.

 

[JDK]

Another added benefit to moving the axle is that you can actually climb up the stern ladder while it's on the trailer...without tipping the whole thing up in the air and bending said ladder (says the voice of experience).

JDK

 

[Mick]

Well yesterday I took the boat & trailer over to my buddy. We added the weights to the tongue , just under the winch. took it out for a test run on our greatOklahoma bumpy roads . Big improvement , but still some slop in the hitch.
When I took the brake fluid fill plug out of the surge brake found that it & the lines were full of rust.
I replaced the hitch with a Bulldog brand rated at 7000 lbs , because that was all the trailer shop had in stock of that brand, and he gave me a great price. Took it out again, and now I can go down the same roads that had me biting chunks out of the seat , with out any problem. Common sense tells me to continue to use cargo straps. Anyhow I think my experiment is a success.

 

[Valdez53]

I plan to install a 2nd axle on my M25 factory trailer. We had it galvanized years ago and is in good shape but I suspect the original axle of rusting from the inside... Does anyone know the specs for the stock axle? I would buy 2 new axles, one with electric brakes (stainless?) and strong fenders that you can stand on... suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Sumner]

I'm putting a second axle and disc brakes on right now. I made a second axle, but just give them the measurements off of yours (hub to hub) where the wheel mounts and you can have one or two made up. I'll have pictures up at some point.

I'm also extending the frame back for an additional bunk near the lazarette,

Sum

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[Mac Daddy]

If I leave my outboard on the transom I get sway. I put it in the truck when trailering. Tows just fine then.

 

[Ron Q]

I have often wondered what the effect of extending the trailer tongue and moving the boat ahead a few inches would have. If the tongue were extended 2 feet and the boat moved 6" this would still leave room for adding a ladder at the bow and moving the spare tire ahead. What effect would this have on handling characteristics?

Ron Q.
SC

 

[Fred]

Have you ever considered a load equalizing hitch? I have a double axle trailer and a load equalizing hitch. The trailer can't bounce and the vehicle stays level. I barely notice the boat behind my Honda Odyssey except when accelerating. I'm not sure how this would affect the physics of "swaying" but I've never noticed sway at all.