Single axle trailer

[dirty_snipe74]

When I purchased this 1971 Seacraft it was sitting on a single axle trailer. The tongue weight was perfect, but at first look the boat looks like it needs a double axle. Should I add-on a double axle or is a single plenty?

[gw204]

It all depends on the capacity of the trailer, which is a combination of frame length & capacity, axle capacity, no. of bunks/rollers, tire size and load range, etc. If the trailer is rated to handle more than you could ever load on it, then you're fine.

My 20' Grady sits on a 1982 single axle, 32 roller EZ-Loader. It's rides on 16.5" rims and has massive 12x2" drum brakes. The trailer easily handles the weight and tows like a dream. Saves me $$$ on tolls too as it's only a single. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]



It looks to me like your trailer is actually too small for the boat. Adding a second axle won't do much for you in this case. I like a trailer where the frame extends almost to the end of the boat. That helps take some stress off of the front of the trailer frame. My suggestion would be to sell that trailer and get a properly sized one...single or double axle. You may have trouble finding a big enough single though. Manufacturers just don't seem to be making heavy duty singles anymore.

I don't think I would put a rig more than 17' on the trailer you have now.

Good luck. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[ocuyler]

I agree with Brian. That trailer is too small for anything but yard moving. A single axle, rated properly and adjusted for proper tounge weight is the way to go. A new trailer, properly set-up gives great confidence when you need to trailer it some distance.

[Mark]

As stated twice above, a properly setup single axle trailer that is designed for the amount of weight you are planning to tow is perfectly adequate.

My 1977 SeaCraft had a wonderful (new) single axle trailer under it that towed like a dream, my 1971 (current) SeaCraft also had a single axle aluminum trailer under it when I bought it. The single axle trailer under my 20', although plenty big enough for the boat, had a tired bearing and it dropped a wheel off in Friday afternoon Ft Lauderdale rush hour traffic five miles after I bought the boat! Not a day I wish to repeat.

So, my '71 20' SeaCraft now has a new tandem axle aluminum trailer with stainless disc brakes that is likely overkill for the boat, but peace of mind is a wonderful thing [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[ScottM]

Dirty snipe,
If you're not too far away, I've got a nice tandem axle for sale that would be perfect for your boat. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

http://forum.classicseacraft.com/sho...b=5&o=&fpart=1