Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

[CD]

I recommend DHM in California, i have 2008 216 TE and got an amazing deal from them and they are building quality trailers. I am not concerned either pulling it 80mph most of the time.

[Hollywood]

They [DHM] filed Chapter 11 this year and the assets were sold to a new company. New owner is

California Trailer Works
6486 Florin Perkins Rd
Sacramento, CA 95828

Never towed one, but always liked the looks of a DHM.

[CD]

here is a pic of my trailer, the frame is boxed and torsion bar suspension, which really improves the ride.

[CD]

good to know...maybe thats why i got a good deal!! I do love the trailer...

[jmo]

Just a few comments on the double vs. single axle: my Super Sport (SAN minus tower & ballast) came with a single axle and I've never had a problem and I put quite a few miles on my trailer each season. The single axles are also easier to maneuver in tight spots. Like others I carry a spare, but have never deployed it. The tire blow out issues (IMHO) are more a function of crappy tires (Marathon tires made in China had all sorts of issues) or not maintaining proper tire pressure.

On a side note, the upgrade to disk brakes for me is a must have, the drum brakes they put on boat trailers aren't self adjusting like they are on a car, so in short order your drum brakes aren't doing any work...

[johnboyy7]

having had a single and a tandem... i sure like the tandem a lot better. i like 4500 lbs spread over 4 better than 2 tires. 2 tires also seem to bounce more. they made me uncomfortable too. i would rather take the risk of the second tire blowing than no back up at all.

also a tandem tracks better (pulls better) in my opinion. backs easy also. i guess the only knock on it is you cant cut it as sharp as a single backing, but really how often are we driving in reverse.

[2gofaster]

Don, I'd get out the yellow pages and look for trailer manufacturers in your area. Usually you'll have a few. Any trailer shop that builds utility, car, or stock trailers is capable of converting a boat trailer to tandem axle for a reasonable price.

[2gofaster]

Ahhh..........sorry, I see where you wanted a new trailer and warranty. I'm no help. Just ask my ex wife. LOL

[TRDon]

My only concern is with a conversion, I need to have all my brakes redone as well. My master cylinder is bone dry and the brakes dont have the emergency cable anymore for whatever reason. Getting all that replaced will cost me about 1500 and bchesly said his conversion was 1700 and another 500 for wheels and tires making a total of 3700 for my trailer as it sits. I say new trailer with warranty would be nice because in light of that situation, less than 1000 more and I would have an all new with warranty trailer. I am not pinching pennies so much that another 800 on top of that cost is out of line to get new instead of revamp old.

That all being said, I am planning on getting one of these phoenix trailers. http://www.phoenixtrail.com/files/Al...tsBrochure.pdf
I will be ordering it with propguard rollers, swing tongue (which I dont need but might be desireable for resale), led lighting, al wheels, 4 disk brakes, backup light, reverse brake lockout, color matched and maybe more I am forgetting. I plan on ordering it monday or tuesday.

[CD]

Buy a new trailer, get the warranty and have it professionally built. There are lots of manufactures that are hungry for biz and you will be able to get yourself a great trailer for a good price. I recommend disc brakes which mine has and if you have the $, the boxed frame is awesome as is the torsion bar suspension. My trailer was being made for someone else and they back out so i was able to get the boxed frame, LED's, fold away tongue, torsion bar suspension for the same price as a trailer without all the goodies. They wanted to move it.

[Northof49]

Since you guys are on the topic of trailers, I need a quick measurement of the width of a tandem axel DHM trailer. Mine is in storage and I need the measurement to decide whether or not to get a 10ft or 12ft wide portable storage tent to keep the sun off it in the summer and to store it in the winter on my property. Thanks in advance.

[Northof49]

Sorry, I forgot to mention it is a tandem for a 95 ski nautique.
Thanks.

[Rick]

My Tandem DHM for a 2000SN is 8" fender to fender 8"2" top of the guide posts

[bchesley]

CD

Your response sounded like a conversion would not be as well built as a new trailer. I am the one that suggested the conversion because I just had mine converted (see the what are your winter projects thread). I actually had mine converted by the original trailer manufacturer. Trailersbydorsey did mine and builds over 100 trailers for nautiques every year. So, the conversion is a valid alternative if completed correctly. Youi still have to factor in the cost as compared to new.

[CD]

bchesley...no not really but wondered if there might be more opportunities to buy one new with a tandem and maybe save money. I am sure the conversion is as good if done properly which i am sure yours was.