[Rhodes22-list] The Great Trailer Debate

[Steve Alm]

Don,
First, as I mentioned, my original axel was about six inches forward of what
seems right according to the measurements I got from Todd:
  
http://www.rhodes22.org/pipermail/rhodes22-list/attch/200407/26/trailersketc
h2.jpg

I left the axel where it was and added the second behind it but as close to
the first as possible.  I don't know the specs off hand and the boat's out
in storage now.  But here's a pic before I painted the new fenders.

Slim

On 12/1/04 3:15 PM, "Clarke, Donald R (Don), NEO" <drclarke at att.com> wrote:

> 
> 
> Slim,
> 
> Where in reference to the first axle did you install the second?
> 
> Don Clarke
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From:     rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
> [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org]  On Behalf Of Steve Alm
> Sent:    Wednesday, December 01, 2004 4:11 PM
> To:    Rhodes
> Subject:    [Rhodes22-list] The Great Trailer Debate
> 
> Jerry,
> 
> I just went from a single axel to a tandem this year.  In comparing the
> measurements of my old single axel to the measurements provided by Todd, and
> also in the many discussions here on the list over the last couple years on
> this subject, I determined that either my single axel had to be moved back
> about six inches or I had to add a second axel to the rear of the first.  I
> opted for the latter.
> 
> Before, with the single axel, I always had a hard time getting the boat far
> enough ahead on the trailer when retrieving.  In order to get enough tongue
> weight, I had to remove the outboard and lash it on the trailer tongue,
> remove the rudder assembly and pack boat gear farther forward.  Without all
> that rigmarole, the boat would fishtail and sway dangerously at a mere 45
> mph.  
> 
> Now, with the tandem, I just load the boat onto the trailer the way "it
> wants to" and off I go.  No redistribution of the weight, e.g., motor,
> rudder, etc. and no more fishtailing!  Although I haven't taken any long
> trips since I had the trailer surgery, but I can easily tell the difference
> in the tracking at that same 45 or 50 mph.  I'm very pleased.
> 
> I live in Minnesota where the law requires breaks on trailers exceeding 3000
> lbs.  (The R22 and trailer weigh approx. 4300 + or - depending on onboard
> gear.) The law varies from state to state, but I recommend breaks for anyone
> pulling a Rhodes22.  I had electric breaks installed on my trailer.  I
> already had the hook up on my vehicle so it was a no-brainer.  Not that the
> install is that big of a deal, but I prefer this to hydraulic (serge)
> breaks.  Serge breaks will not help you backing down or up a steep ramp.
> Many, however, have serge breaks that they are satisfied with.
> 
> The advantages of the tandem should be obvious:  better load distribution
> and far better tracking on the road.  Also, if you have a blowout, you still
> have three tires left.  The only advantage to having a single axel trailer
> over a double is that it's easier to move the empty trailer around by hand,
> whereas the double doesn't pivot as easily.  I suppose I could also say that
> the single axel is less expensive.
> 
> Hope this helps,
> 
> Slim
> 
> On 11/30/04 7:37 PM, "cjlowe" <cjlowe at bright.net> wrote:
> 
>> As I am also in the trailer market this year,I wondered if anyone has owned
>> both a single and a double axel trailer for their Rhodes? I plan on towing
>> over 1000 miles a year. My present trailer is a 86' single axel,and it is
>> pretty well beat.Do the dual axle's load any easier? Do they track better?
>> Take bumps better? A list of pros and cons of both trailers would be
>> great.And
>> while we're at it,what's the hot set-up for brakes?
>> I'll be using a '03 Toyota Forerunner , V-8, for towing.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Jerry Lowe
>> 
>> Country Rhodes
>> __________________________________________________
>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> 
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