Single axle vs tandem axle trailer

[Bimmerboyz]

I currently own a 1978 Ski Nautique with a single axle trailer. I am looking for a SAN, everyone that I seem to like has a single axle trailer, which is kind of a deal killer.

My question is should it be a deal killer? If so where can I find a tandem axle trailer for a SAN?

I lost a hub on my boat trailer last summer and it ended up costing me around $600.00. This is why I ask.

Mainly because it could have ruined my trip, luckily I was driving home from the lake not vise versa.

[LT206]

I don't have a SAN, but I like my single axle trailer on my 206, it makes it much easier to maneuver it by hand in the garage. You just have to be diligent about hub maintenance - I check them everytime I start out on a trip and add a couple shots of grease and I've never had a problem. I totally rebuild them about every three seasons.

[bubba]

I am wondering how far you trailer. I prefer a single axle since I only put about twenty miles on a year and as mentioned previously I like the manual maneuverabilty of a single axle as oposed to a dual.

[Rick]

Distance is key

I think a single axle trailer would be fine for trips under an hour each way. If you are going for a long haul I like the security of spreading the weight between 4 tires rather than 2. Having said that I trailed a 66 Barracuda 6 hours each way for 4 years without a problem. Although, the boat and trailer was only 3000lbs total.

[mcbridek]

I like the single axle - mine just came from Dallas to Raleigh NC 1200 miles. Last week we went do to Ocheeheelee in WPB FL - 800 miles each way. Once I start driving a longer distance, after 30 to 45 minutes I stop and touch the hub to see if it is hot (vs warm). If the bearing is starting to go - it will be very hot. Grease a few times each season. I never have a problem (only once, will never have a problem again)

[hourglass]

having had both with 21' v drives i like the tandem. i do alot of towing. i did not have any issues with my single though. just not as smooth of a ride. you could buy my boat with a tandem trailer.

[ffmedic74]

If you have a dual axle trailer and a bearing goes out, you will still be on the side of the road, unless you remove both wheels from the each side of the same axle.

[WakeSlayer]

Bimmer,

Seriously, dude. Buy a boat and be done with it.

[BrennanK]

Bimmer,

Seriously, dude. Buy a boat and be done with it.

Hahah.
+1

[Bimmerboyz]

I have a boat. I thought this was a good question prior to my purchasing of a new (to me) boat. My bad if this thread caused some sand between the curtains.

I trailer about 65 miles to the lake and back. I also trailer 400 miles one way twice a year. I do enjoy the single axle for maneuvering my current boat into the garage.

Tandem axle owners can you maneuver your boat into a garage with just one person?

[TRO]

i have a tandem trailer on my 230 and there is no way i can even move the thing by myself, much less maneuver. i think the single makes it easier to maneuver, but if you can afford the dual, i think it is safer for sure.

[Bimmerboyz]

230 is a big boat. I wonder what the weight difference is between a 210 220 and 230.

[SkiTower]

I think it depends on what you mean by a SAN. A 210 with a single might work, can't imagine a 220 or 230 on a single axle. If you're having to maneuver in a garage, a single is a BIG plus. But I would want the trip safety of the dual first. 196 or 206 is good on a single, anything else and I'd start to worry a little.

[hondaprlud]

Bimmer- I'm assuming you're looking to buy a 210. Your question is "should it be a deal killer". Answer NO.

You've been seeing a lot of SAN 210s on single axle trailers because they are perfectly capable of the task. My 2004 210 is on a single axle Ramlin. I towed it to KY last year (about 425 miles each way). Keep up on the maintenance and you'll be fine.

I don't think you'll solve the problem you had with a dual axle, you'll solve it by maintaining the trailer. If you have a dual, you'll have to do 2x the maintenance.

I understand where you're coming from, I had a wheel come off my trailer on my 96 Sport. IMO you're not going to solve the problem with a second axle.

[Rick]

Manuvering a dual axle trailer using wheel dollys

I use wheel dollies to maneuver my dual axle trailer in my garage. Its a 196 and weights 4000Lbs. I back the trailer into the garage jack it up and put the dollies under each wheel. I can then push it back and to the side for maximum clearance. I have 3 inches of clearance with the swing tongue. It takes about 15 minutes for the whole procedure each way. The dollies are sometimes on sale for $40.00 a pair at Harbor Freight