Converting single axle trailer to dual axle trailer

**M R Dux** · 09-25-2016, 02:07 PM

My new Excel came with a single axle trailer and that was fine since I have to do some tricky maneuvers to get it positioned in my garage so the overhead door will close. I'm really starting to get concerned the way my boat is rigged is putting too much weight on the trailer and I know the tongue weight is very heavy. The axle on my trailer is also positioned very far back according to all the other boat trailers I've owned. I absolutely wrecked the original trailer tires in less than a couple thousand miles but I blamed that on the junk Chinese tires that came on it. I have Goodyear trailer radials on it now.

My dream would be to have the $$ to put the boat on a new dual axle trailer and build a garage I could back the whole rig into, crank the hitch off the hitch ball and head to parts unknown in my truck without looking back. Right now that is more of a pipe dream.
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I've been wasting the afternoon checking other forums and watching You Tube videos of this being done and how to measure what parts are needed and where to install them. I know my way around both a wire feed and stick welder but won't win any beauty awards for my work.Hand tool and air tool work is right up my alley.

Has anybody here tackled it and lived to tell? Best bets for parts?

**"G"** · 09-25-2016, 03:09 PM

Buy another trailer and aell that one.

**Clint** · 09-25-2016, 05:16 PM

I would get a hold of the dealer where you bought the boat & trailer and see what he would give you on a trade-in of your trailer on a tandem axle model.

**M R Dux** · 09-25-2016, 07:38 PM

What me? Yall know I'd rather spend twice as much $$, knock off all my knuckles, burn off my eyebrows and most of the few hairs I have left, and spend every waking hour for days working on a pet project like that.

I do know a guy who might get a call.

**riverbud55** · 09-25-2016, 08:13 PM

If it were me with a plan of changing over to tandem axles I wouldn't get anything other then a set of torsion axles ;https://www.trailerpart.com/c-26-torsion-axles.aspx ,,,,, by far the simplest to install , drill 8 half inch holes and bolt them on,,,, a lot to be gained from them, gives the boat a Cadillac ride, has no live axle(where the axle moves/bounces) each wheel move completly indepedent of each other, less moving parts, and a lot lighter not having spring and all the hardwere, Have them on both of my boat trailers one of which being built by myself,, my North River's was factory built and used a axle similar to the one above with disc breaks ,,, then built a aluminum trailer for my g3 jon and used a axle from northern tools ;2,000 - 7,000 Lb. Trailer Torsion Axles | Trailer Axles | Trailers + Towing | Northern Tool + Equipment

**riverbud55** · 09-25-2016, 08:37 PM

and some of my home built ,,,had to switch puter for the pic

**CatFan** · 09-26-2016, 02:37 PM

How much does your rig weigh pack as you haul it? What size are the tires on it?

**wilbur** · 09-26-2016, 04:15 PM

Doug I weighed my boat, there is 2500# on the axle and 480# on the tongue. Get some good D rated tires and you will be fine. What are you 20miles from the lake? Trying to convert isnt worth the hassle,although could be done. If you do buy 2 new torsion axles.

**outdoorsron** · 09-27-2016, 12:31 AM

Hello: Why not replace the axle with a 3500 lb. axle and move the axle a bit forward to reduce tongue weight. Just don't remove too much tongue weight. I know their is a specification for how much tongue weight you need to have by the weight of your rig but I can't remember what it is, maybe someone else can give you that. Good Luck. O - R

**wilbur** · 09-27-2016, 04:00 PM

10% We have the same boat and mine is 16%. It really tows great. Very seldom below 78mph.

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