Trailer height....tandem dually vs triple axle
#1
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Trailer height....tandem dually vs triple axle
Anybody have any first hand knowledge on how much higher the same boat would normally sit on a tandem dually trailer vs a triple axle? I've been looking to upgrade to a 24k GVW 5th wheel trailer and was thinking I'd need a triple axle (due to hieght restrictions) but ran across a tandem dually. For instance, I know my Formula 400SS is about 13' 5" high overall on my current Myco triple axle with the light mast and radar dome stripped off. I have some reference measurements from the guy selling the tandem dually and according to those it appears that the Formula would only sit 1.5" - 2" higher. I had really been thinking that the tandem dually would sit the boat alot higher. Makes me wonder if my thinking was way off or his measurements are way off. Love to just go measure everything in person but the trailer is 1600 miles away. I know some parts of the country it would still work even at 14 ft but in the northeast there's a lot of bridges on 95 that are 13' 7" - 13' 10" so it would not be good if it ended up being 6 inches higher.
There's also a nice triple axle available out in CA that is an option but it's a fixed bunk. This tandem dually interests me because it has the adjustable screw jack bunks (like my current trailer) so it would be a nice replacement for my curent trailer to use for multi boat transport use as well as for my own boat.
Thanks, Pat
There's also a nice triple axle available out in CA that is an option but it's a fixed bunk. This tandem dually interests me because it has the adjustable screw jack bunks (like my current trailer) so it would be a nice replacement for my curent trailer to use for multi boat transport use as well as for my own boat.
Thanks, Pat
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Remember that 13'6" is the maximum legal height for a load, i believe nationwide. Also be aware that lots of posted bridge measurements were done years ago, and since they may have added several additional layers of pavement so it could be 6" or more less than posted. I haul heavy equipment and have had some issues due to outdated measurements. As far as the difference in height between the two trailers you just have to know the difference in tire size between the two and if the bunks are the same height above the center of the axle.
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Remember that 13'6" is the maximum legal height for a load, i believe nationwide. Also be aware that lots of posted bridge measurements were done years ago, and since they may have added several additional layers of pavement so it could be 6" or more less than posted. I haul heavy equipment and have had some issues due to outdated measurements. As far as the difference in height between the two trailers you just have to know the difference in tire size between the two and if the bunks are the same height above the center of the axle.
I've heard the horror stories of guys getting fooled by poorly marked bridges and I don't want be one of them. Generally if I see anything marked at 13' 10" or lower, when I'm towing something that is borderline legal hieght, I try to go around it rather than under it. It makes for lots of exit hopping in Connecticut
Thanks, Pat
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Sorry for not chiming in earlier. I have a Tandem Dually Myco with solid axles and 19.5 Alcoa wheels with Goodyear commercial tires. It sits higher which is an issue both towing and launching. The keel of the boat sits 29.5" from the ground.
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Thanks again, Pat
#6
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19.5s is the reason. Trailer would be lower with 16"-17" and low-profile tires. There's a company that makes an extension that runs from the hitch ball to the trailer hitch but I don't remember who it is. At least 6' from what I remember about it. I don't believe it's intended for towing, just install it before launching...
#7
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PM waconda. He switched from a Myco trip axle to a Myco tandem dually on his 46 Black Thunder.....after some crappy driver ran into the side of his as he was making a right turn.
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Thanks for the tip on contacting him, it was very helpful. He confirmed that his boat sits 8" higher on the tandem dually than it did on the triple axle.