Triple axle or tandem trailer for 30 o/l
 

hey guy s should a 30 O/L sst with twin 496 s be on a tandem axle trailer or triple? seems heavy to be on a tandem trailer .

I had a Loadmaster built for my last boat, a Sonic 31SS. It had twin 7,000lb axles and Firestone TransForce truck tires. The trailer towed like a dream and was easier to turn than a triple axle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psc3a15e02.jpg

Nothing wrong with that boat being on a PROPERLY spec'd tandem axle trailer.

We have put tandems under 33 Active Thunders with no issues, built by Myco and Manning.
I would only consider this with twin 6000 lbs. axles, minimum. 7200 lbs. preferred.

E-rated tires as well.

I like a triple over a tandem, but nothing wrong with a properly setup tandem axle trailer.
Trailers are probably the number one skimped portion of a boating investment. Wrong approach.

I prefer the triples, especially for straight line towing.....Plus I think they look cool....Does the cool factor play into this? Either way, enjoy your boat!

I have a 31' sonic on a Manning tandem and love it. Matt made sure it was built right. Highly recommend them.

That covers it completely. And you got it straight from a Tow Nazi. :cool-smiley-011:

I have a heritage under my 30, tri axle. If you go tri make sure you get at least 15 inch wheels. I have 14, so the heaviest tires I can find are load range C. At least with 15 you could run load range D. The center axle is a PIA with leaf springs. I'd prefer a beefy tandem as well.

FWIW, when I was redoing my trailer with new torsion axles and wheels....it cost the same to do tandem 7500 axles and 16" wheels as it cost to do triple 3500lb axles and 14" or 15" wheels. So I went with the triple just because if I lost a tire on either side I figured it could take me far enough to get me fixed.

Lot's of good threads on this topic in the past:
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...archid=2251487

Remember when you crest the top of the ramp, 100% of the trailer's weight is on the front axle. If you are skimped on axles which barely cover the entire load when ALL of them are on the ground; you are definitely going to damage (bend/weaken) the front axle in short time. I had two 3500# axles under my first boat/trailer which weighed 7280#s.

I didn't spec that trailer, nor did I know any better way back when. I did have to totally rebuild that trailer INCLUDING new axles as they were both shot.

I have a tri-axle Manning trailer. They build quality trailers; I think I could put another 5000 lbs on it and it would be fine.

That said, I still wish it was a tandem. They turn so much easier.