Single or dual axle trailer for a 20

[Bushwacker]

Michael,

Sounds like you want to do a lot of towing with this trailer, so one other thought occurred to me . . . a single axle trailer is inherently less stable than a tandem, meaning that it will tend to fishtail more easily from a crosswind or "bow wave" effect from a passing semi. For that reason, tongue weight is very important on a single axle trailer, so it's important to be able to easily move the axle to adjust tongue weight. I had to move the axle aft about 12" after I added the bracket and new motor that was almost 130 lbs heavier, to get it to tow as well as it did with old 300 lb motor hanging on transom. That was easy to do on the EZ Loader, as the springs & axle are attached to a couple of ~3' pieces of angle iron, which form a cradle that trailer frame sits on. Moving the axle was simple . . . just hitch trailer up to truck, chock the wheels, loosen 4 U-bolts, and pull truck forward desired amount! Only problem I ran into was the flexible brake line between axle and steel lines on trailer had to be swapped out for a longer hose. (Good brakes are very important in Fl. if you tow on turnpike or Interstate. In the Keys, cops may pull you over to make sure trailer has brakes on it!)

[natecert]

Agree with Bushwacker regarding the stability of the dual axle trailer. As stated with the properly rated tires, axle and tires the single will be ok.

If you go with leaf springs I would suggest to clean up the rust and two coats of fluid film. Then reapply each year. I had been using LPS 3 for years but they changed the formula and it is not as good now. Also the lug nuts will last years if you use acorn style with greased stud threads.

[Vezo, Part II]

Thanks guys, all very good points. The MA sits on a pretty nice Quickload aluminum bunk, which has new springs on one side and requires a set on the starboard side. Also need four new tires, but she trailered fine.

The Seafari sits on the original Rolls aluminum C-channel dual axle, but everything is new from PO. I did just sink $400 into it in August with all new bunks, hardware, carpet and pipe lights. She trailers fine also.

Neither have brakes and tongue weight is difficult when pulling with a Raptor. Without adding air bags, she is rated for 6000 lbs., but with 13 inches of suspension travel, driving at night has me checking every overpass for troopers shooting radar. Give and take. Thanks again,

Michael.