I am considering making my single axle trailer into a tandem axle. Any pros or cons about doing it. How about info on where to place axles on trailer? Thanks in advance for any info.

Tandem Axle Location Info

Converting a single to tandem.

I would imagine that the center of your tandems will be close to where your axle is now?

I wish my trailer was a tandem axle and some day I may have a tandem axle Aluminum one built for it.

Why do you want to do this? Unless the boat is too heavy for the trailer it is on now there is no need to make that mod.

Wayne

Maintenance: twice as much (4 tires to buy instead of 2)
Fuel economy: Way lower with a tandem axle trailer, all other factors remaining the same
Maneuvering: more difficult, especially if you ever try to push it around by hand.

As long as you have an axle capable of carrying the trailer frame + boat payload, there is no reason to convert to tandem. A heavier Load Range rating on two tires is less expensive than FOUR tires.

Single axle you lose a bearing or something and you are stranded, been there done that. At least with a tandem, you can tie 1 axle up and creep on home.

Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to just rig a wheel complete with bearings and take it with you?

I have a spare, I just feel safer with a tandem driving from Texas to Georgia several times a year.

I totally agree on a tandem, that was a major thing I insisted on when I bought my last used boat. Although 4 tires may cost more they will last longer due to the weight being spread across 4 instead of 2. Tandem also tracks much better and handles the load better in addition to the mentioned peace of mind. And if you go off pavement the tandem will be better on soft ground.

BUT I would not convert one, buy a tandem and sell the single. The existing axle will probably need to be re-positioned when adding the new axle. If the 2 axles are not aligned correctly you will be eating tires and bearings.

Thanks for the replies.