[Rhodes22-list] The Great Trailer Debate

[Steve Alm]

Hmmmm... Hey Michael, has something changed?  The list is stripping my
attachments.  Don, I'll try sending it to you back channel.  Let me know if
you get it.
Slim

On 12/1/04 3:41 PM, "Steve Alm" <salm at mn.rr.com> wrote:

> Sorry, Don, let me try attaching that pic again.
> 
> On 12/1/04 3:34 PM, "Steve Alm" <salm at mn.rr.com> wrote:
> 
>> 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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>>> 
>>> __________________________________________________
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>> 
>> 
>> __________________________________________________
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> 
> 
> __________________________________________________
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