offshorexcursion

iTrader: (5)

Sounds like you made a good overall decision. Thanks for updating us. Enjoy your new trailer and post pics when you get it!

You are smart to just repack your bearing from scratch every year. Pumping grease in through a bearing buddy just blows the rear seals out.

509 SC

Plum,
I think you'll be very happy with your decision! I went through the same thoughts when I was deciding on a trailer for our 33 AT, which weighs a bit more than your Sonic. I went with a tandem with #7000 axles and EOH. I did go with an aluminum which I had painted. On our previous 26' Sonic, the boat came with a triple axle steel trailer. It came from the west coast, where they'll put a triple axle under a 18' boat! I really wanted to simplify things (as long as it was safe), and also have to deal with extremely tight turns to get into our driveway. Another 33' AT owner also has a tandem with good success, so I went with it. Couldn't be happier, great doing the hard cut into the driveway and has been back and forth to Florida couple of times and tows like a dream. The only thing I'ld caution you about are the "import" tires some of the trailer manufacturers use. I was concerned during the build process, and wanted to upgrade to an "American" tire. The builder didn't want to "upgrade" his tire of choice, and wasn't realistic in the upcharge for better tires, so I went with his "bullet proof" tires. Well, 2 years latter and maybe 7000 miles, I blew a tire 5 minutes out of the driveway and the tread separated like a banana peel. The steel belt whipped around and took out the aluminum fender which was welded on the trailer. Needless to say, I now have G rated tires (from Goodyear, to the tune of $340 a copy) on the trailer. They take 110 psi, and look like they're off a semi. I guess what I'm trying to say is be wary of what tires the trailer manufacturer is going to use. The Chinese junk they sold me was load rated for 3750 lb. per tire, the same as the Goodyears I replaced all them with at 3 times the cost. I was tempted to go with the LT truck tires that Myco uses, which I know people have good luck with in a tandem application, but the weight ratings aren't high enough to match the axle ratings. I know this will open the door for the "triple axle fans" to say see, you're pushing the weight capacity (which I'm not) and would have been better off with a triple. Maybe so, but I'm still happy I went the way I did. I attribute the failure to cheap tires, not a tandem. I just don't want you to experience the same possible nightmares with the "import" tires. By the way, my trailer brand starts with an M also.

Plum_Crazy

Tires are a concern. When I was researching tires for my last trailer, I couldn't find any built in the USA. American companies have either gone under, sold out, or are now manufacturing in Asia. The tire size I'll be using is 235/80R16. What's best? What LT truck tires does Myco use?

offshorexcursion

iTrader: (5)

I use G load Range on my 50ft Car hauler which is heavily loaded daily with no problems. One brand is Solid Trac and I will look at which other ones I have had success with. I strongly suggest the G load range tires. The cost is not that much more but will pay for itself when they last longer and do not blow out.

I have had a BAD experience with Carlie on both boat and car hauler trailers.

509 SC

The Goodyears I switched over to are definitely made in the USA, they are the G614's. Not sure what LT tires Myco uses , either Goodyear or Firestone, I just wanted the higher load capacity rating.

I.D.C.E.

I have a 10k lb tri-axle aluminum trailer and i am just trying to fix the weak links. Seems like this spring I got.my first taste of trailer mishaps on my trip to FL from NJ. I lost a wheel/tire like guys said they did above. The rig didnt feel any different but after pulling over it can get your nerves going. I went through checking everything as to why this would happen. Before my trip all axles were serviced and any bearings that showed excess wear I replaced. I set them perfectly, but still had some metal in my grease.

My questions to the tri-axle guys are what size wheel/tire combo are you using? Do you get excess tire roll maneuvering around ramp and parking lots? Also anyone have issues with their trailer floating at ramp?

I like being pro-active and enjoy towing, i have done trips to west coast Fl since I was a little guy and want to keep doing the same safely. I have all torsion suspension and even have the equilizer torsion hitch assembly. My truck is a 2010 GMC Sierra Denali and pulls amazing with no sense of it being controlled by the load.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Myco ships with Firestone TransForce tires now when they install E-rated tires.

Plum_Crazy

Thanks for the tip. After researching the Transforce HT as a trailer tire, I decided to go with them. I couldn't find a single bad word on any RV or truck forums. I was warned, however, that truck tire sidewalls are not designed to sit for long periods of time without movement. Since I store my trailer up on jack stands over the winter, this isn't a problem.

I really only need an E-rated tire as the boat/trailer will only weigh about 11,000lbs. A G-rated tire would be way too hard and ride rough.

seafordguy

Around the ramps, I don't have any problem with my Tri-Axle. Doesn't float in VA, but I think typically people see taht problem in FLA.

Backing into my driveway puts some strain on my triple axle set-up but have done it 100 times with no issues. I don't love it, but it's part of the territory. I wouldn't worry unless you are one of these guys who is using a forklift or something to yank it at REALLY sharp angles.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Shiiii...
My P.O.S. Rocket aluminum trailer floated in FRESH water. I had to tie it off to the dock when I backed in; and eventually added dumbbells to it.

I flared out and widened the driveway 8' at the street so I could back in easier.
If you have a tight bend to make with the trailer semi regularly; just hit the area with a garden hose or throw a 5 gallon bucket of water out there before you make the turn.