Handling Differences Between 3 axles and 2?

[jeffsw6]

The other factor is load height. I have had the same boat on a 2 axle trailer with 5,200# axles and on the same trailer but with 3 3,500# axles. The load set 6" lower which makes it that much easier to tow, get under bridges, under barn doors, ect.

I always figured the reason for a lot of relatively small boat trailers having 3 axles is so it is easier to get the boat into the water -- don't have to back as far down the ramp. I've pulled a 3 axle trailer that was only for a 6000# boat, I don't know how much fuel and personal items added to that, but it seemed silly to me... until I realized how easy it was to get that boat in the water because it rode so low!

 

[Diamondpilot]

I always figured the reason for a lot of relatively small boat trailers having 3 axles is so it is easier to get the boat into the water -- don't have to back as far down the ramp. I've pulled a 3 axle trailer that was only for a 6000# boat, I don't know how much fuel and personal items added to that, but it seemed silly to me... until I realized how easy it was to get that boat in the water because it rode so low!

Yes, it does help. The only other option is to make a long enough tongue to keep the truck out of the water. I love my tri-axle Eagle trailer that I pull my 32' WellCraft on. Its got 6,000# axles and for a 18,000# GVWR but only weighs 15,600# with my stuff, fuel, and water onboard.

Chris

 

[LD1]

Just make sure they are not mobile home axles.

Whats wrong with MH axles?

My trailer has MH axles. Although if I had a choice, I would rather have standard spindles instead of the dayton style with the odd 14.5" tire.

But most MH axles are rated @ 6klbs +. They are built pretty beefy.

I have heard all of the "claims" that the spindle material is a softer steel, or they use cheap bearings that dont last, etc, etc, etc.

But the fact is, I have a MH axles and NEVER had any issues. And I have seen a LOT of trailers around with MH axles. So they must not be all that bad.

 

[jeffsw6]

aren't they made for moving mobile homes at like 20 miles per hour a few dozen miles a few times in their lifetime? I don't really know, I'm just thinking there must be an obvious reason why every cargo trailer isn't made with recycled mobile home axles.

 

[Soundguy]

they scuff some on tight turns.. but otherwise not too bad..

 

[Sterff]

Whats wrong with MH axles?

My trailer has MH axles. Although if I had a choice, I would rather have standard spindles instead of the dayton style with the odd 14.5" tire.

But most MH axles are rated @ 6klbs +. They are built pretty beefy.

I have heard all of the "claims" that the spindle material is a softer steel, or they use cheap bearings that dont last, etc, etc, etc.

But the fact is, I have a MH axles and NEVER had any issues. And I have seen a LOT of trailers around with MH axles. So they must not be all that bad.

Try to find a new wheel or tire that fits when you blow one on the side of the road.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Try to find a new wheel or tire that fits when you blow one on the side of the road.

That and around here the DOT will be all over you with MH axles. They consider them limited use, MH one time use only.

I hate them with a passion. Trying to get the wheel true is also a pain. I flat refuse to work on them or pull them in my side business.

Chris

 

[LD1]

Never had to have someone come and repair a tire on the road. But the local tire shop that I get tires for everything for (tractor, cars, etc) carries the 14.5's.

An they are NOT "limited" use. Another misconception.

And around here, DOT only cares if the tires say "mobile home use only". They DO make tires that do not say that.

 

[Case485Guy]

I have the chance to get a fairly decent 76" wide by 20' long trailer to haul my farmall 45 with FEL tractor around on. It has 3 3,500lb axles instead of say 2 5,400lb axles. Will this affect the handling of the trailer at all? It is a steal at $1,200. I won't be going more than 30 miles one way.

I'd buy it, just watch tight turns.I would also double check Ar. requirements on brake requirements. Texas changed thiers a few yrs back.Alot of trailers had have brakes added or axles completely replaced to remain legal. Could be an added expense to consider or bargain with if brakes are required and trailer does not have them.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'd buy it, just watch tight turns.I would also double check Ar. requirements on brake requirements. Texas changed thiers a few yrs back.Alot of trailers had have brakes added or axles completely replaced to remain legal. Could be an added expense to consider or bargain with if brakes are required and trailer does not have them.

Good point. In Texas brakes and a brake-away system are required for any trailer over 4,500#.

Chris