[Rhodes22-list] Bunk Boards

[Rik Sandberg]

Wally,

I would agree with Rummy on his points about the tandem vs single axle 
maintenance. I would add that the wheels on a tandem trailer get a great 
deal more twisting force applied to them when you turn and therefore are 
more prone to breaking or cracking wheels. This is not common, but I have 
replaced several wheels on tandem and tridem axle trailers over the years 
for this reason.

However, I would disagree with Rummy that the turning radius of a tandem 
trailer is substantially different than that of a single axle trailer. This 
is determined pretty strictly by the distance from the hitch coupler to the 
center of the axle on a single, or the center between the axles on a tandem 
and will not tend to vary a noticeable amount on two trailers where this 
distance is equal. I can back a tandem trailer into a jack-knifed position 
just as easily as a single axle given the same length from axle(s) to coupler.

Just as a cautionary note I will add this. If one is letting himself get so 
comfortable with the turning radius of a given trailer or trailers, that he 
feels he doesn't need to watch that trailer in the mirror anymore as he 
turns. He IS, sooner or later, going to hit something with that trailer. 
After 2,000,000 (yes that's million) miles of towing, I still have to watch 
my trailers as I turn with them to be sure that my judgement is correct in 
a situation that might be close. Good judgement of distances is a wonderful 
talent to be blessed with, but as Ronald Reagan once said about a 
completely different subject, trust, but verify. Then there's always the 
old standby, pride cometh before a fall. Hey, been there done that, eh?

Rik

At 12:30 PM 11/10/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>Wally,
>A second axle gives you an obvious safety factor, but it is also two more
>tires and bearing sets to take care of. Also, the turning radius which you
>have been accustomed to with the single axle trailer goes out the window.
>Learning to back up with two axles will take a little getting used to. The
>single axle trailer turns on a dime where the dual axle takes a larger radius
>turn.
>
>Rummy
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