Custom Tandem Axle for my 14'er

[Flat_Bottum]

I looked at those axle less suspension units and while being really nice, the price is not haha. The boat pulled good before I did the jet conversion and afterwards, I have noticed that its very bouncy and seems all over the place for a second or two after a good bump. This could have been due to the worn out garbage tires that were on the trailer and now that they are replaced, it might be a different story. I have not seen the walking beam axle yet but will be looking into it. Thank you guys for the advise and input so far. I know this isn't needed and if I cant do it safe and without breaking the bank then I will do it. The 4 lug tires on the boat are around $30 at wal mart for the wheel and tire combo and with as much and how far I tow the boat, I wont be too worried about wearing tires out and having to replace them. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Flat_Bottum]

After working on the boat for the past couple of days, I have realized that it in fact is not my suspension that is struggling with the added weight but its the tires. I have installed brand new tires and wheels (4 on 4) and I think I am pushing the load rating of them. I noticed they looked a bit squatty and so I got in the boat myself while watching them and they were not happy at all. So, at this point its either a larger tire/wheel combo or the tandem. I was thinking about making a walking beam which would allow me to keep my single axle and suspension but add two extra tires. I like the smaller tires since I usually launch at garbage, muddy boat ramps and it makes it a lot easier to load/unload the boat. The thing I am curious about is will the center hub which the walking beam attaches too hold up. Its not a solid axle so there will be no bind when turning but adding another tire on a walking beam would create some bind when turning sharp...so Im not really sure what to do at this point.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

What size are your tires and what load range are they?

 

[Flat_Bottum]

I will have to check when I get home from work. They are the pre mounted ones you can get at wal mart, home depot etc.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

What's the weight of your boat, motor, trailer, fuel and the gear you normally have in the boat when trailering?

 

[Flat_Bottum]

I haven't been able to weigh it just yet but am planning on taking it down to a local scale to find out. I do know that with the boat completely empty, in its original form, it took 3 guys to lift and flip it and it was a struggle to say the least. I remember reading somewhere that the boat weighs in around 400ish pounds but will have to double check that. So, with 400 lb boat-120 lb engine- 40 lb ski hull-approx 200 lb decking and flooring- 125 lb for full 16 gal fuel cell-40 lb battery...Id give it a guesstimation of around 925-1000 pounds when its all said and done.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

And the weight of the trailer puts you close to if not over 1200 pounds. If the tires are 480x8 load range B they are rated at 590 pounds each 1180 pounds for the pair. You should go up to a load range C tire or higher.

 

[Flat_Bottum]

Thanks for the information on the tires. I haven't really been able to get to the boat in the last few days but will definitely check them out. Thank you again.

 

[Flat_Bottum]

After reading through the advise and information that I have had given to me on this thread so far, I have decided to hold off on a trailer build for now. I will be looking into a little heavier tire to help hold the new weight of the boat and gear and just start gearing up for a trailer build later on. Once I do start it, I will be sure to post a build thread so I can continue getting the good feedback like I have so far on this forum. Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate it.

 

[JL8Jeff]

The 14' jet sprint boat I recently bought has a custom trailer with a drop axle. I bet it's good for 2000-2500 lbs and has 5 lug hubs/wheels. You could probably convert to a drop axle if needed or maybe just get new hubs with 5 lugs which will give you a better options for tires and wheels to handle the load. Here's a picture of the custom trailer with the drop axle, it has some decent wheels/tires as well.

 

[Flat_Bottum]

I like the look of that trailer. Would you mind taking a closer photo of the axle setup and suspension if you get the time?

 

[JL8Jeff]

I'll see if I can get a good picture after work. It looks like the drop axle is one I found from Pacwesttrailers.com, I know the boat and trailer came from out in ID then OR.

https://pacwesttrailers.com/catalog/axles/3500lb-trailer-axle-beams.php

 

[JL8Jeff]

It looks like a typical trailer frame with some crossmembers u-bolted to it and the leaf springs bolted to the crossmembers and axle. The upper bracket is for mounting the fenders and is a bit of overkill.

 

[Flat_Bottum]

Thanks for those pictures, that helps out a lot. It might be a little over kill as you said but its solid and sturdy and dont look like its going anywhere. I have never thought about changing tire size since with the height of the boat on the trailer, the smaller tires help out a lot when launching in the shallow and muddy river launches. But If I can copy the design like your trailer, then I can up the tire size but keep my ground clearance. Thanks again.

 

[JL8Jeff]

Yeah, the drop axle can get you down quite a bit lower even with bigger tires. This trailer hauled the boat across the country from OR to NJ back in Feb so I think it's pretty solid. When researching the drop axles out there, check the spindle dimensions closely to see what hubs fit and then which hubs (4, 5 or 6 lug) will give you the best wheel/tire options. The 5 lug seems to have a better selection available for wheels/tires.

 

[Flat_Bottum]

Thats what I was thinking as well. Thanks again for all of your help and input.

 

[nlester]

From a rocky start to a solid exchange of ideas. I have enjoyed watching this topic develop and grow.

 

[Flat_Bottum]

Thats the way threads should go in my opinion. I know that my original idea was not needed but its unique and Id like to try it. I will still be looking for a second trailer that I can play with while I use my current one. That way, the boat will still be usable while I tinker with the other trailer.

 

[ColtonS]

I think a mini tandem would be pretty nice for maneuvering the trailer in reverse.

As far as shallow launches go I have a tilt trailer which helps but have seen trailers with the bunks on a separate frame that hinges at the front and is lowered/lifted by cables in the rear.

 

[Tallpine]

Yes, a tilt trailer is the kitty's whiskers for shallow launches. I had a 15 foot Smoker Alaskan with a tilt trailer and we launched it in the Columbia river right off the beach and in lots of lakes with shallow launches.