BigAngus752 Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 If I were to order a new 19 to 20ft aluminum bass boat, would I want to choose the single or tandem trailer? Why? I currently have an RT188 with a single axle trailer. I feel like the tandem would be more solid, but I will say that I make a tight, 90 degree reverse turn to get the boat into my shop. Would that be more of a pain with the tandem? Tear up my gravel more every time I back it in the shop? How about aluminum? One of the brands I'm considering has an option for a full aluminum single axle that costs the same as the tandem steel trailer. I would think this would be the best long-term option but I'd like to hear everyone's experience. I like the idea that I can run that aluminum trailer to the local machine shop for a quick weld-up if something breaks and never have to worry about rust. Still not sold on another aluminum boat, but that's a discussion for another post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User A-Jay Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 The 18 ft Lund is on a single and with the 505 lb motor, full tank of fuel, four 31M Batteries & gear, that's about all I want on just 2 wheels. Tows great but I'd imagine it's at the top end of it's abilities. I needed the single due to garage space & maneuverability by hand once it's in there. If I were to go any longer, regardless of hull material, I'd need a bigger storage space but I'd go tandem trailer with a good suspension & brakes. btw - a galvanized trailer is really the way to go IMO. Especially if you're planning on keeping it for the long haul. Good Luck A-Jay 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAngus752 Posted May 26 Author Share Posted May 26 9 minutes ago, A-Jay said: maneuverability by hand This had not occurred to me. I do this. If I choose the tandem I will invest in this: Thank you for pointing that out. I agree about the galvanized and I saw one manufacturer that offers one, but I ruled them out for other reasons. The two I'm left with are Ranger that has the "Road Armor" tandem and Crestliner who offers a full aluminum for their MX19, but it's a single. The Crestliner tandem is steel. I know that my single feels pretty maxxed with my RT188 and a 115 Merc. Plus I hate the tiny wheels. The tire selection is a total of two brands and they are both junk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Jig Man Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 Single axel trailers are a lot easier to handle than tandem. I would always go single if I had a choice. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User WRB Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 Single axle with full size Goodyear Endurance tires can easily handle the weight of 19’ glass bass boats. The advantage of single axle trailer maneuverability can’t be overstated. The caddy must be on flat solid surface to push by hand and will not slide random tires, you need space to turn the trailer. The advantage if random axle trailers safety when towing if you loose a tire. Aluminum trailers offers weight savings if overall towing weight is an issue. Tom 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAngus752 Posted May 26 Author Share Posted May 26 10 minutes ago, WRB said: Single axle with full size Goodyear Endurance tires can easily handle the weight of 19’ glass bass boats. The advantage of single axle trailer maneuverability can’t be overstated. The caddy must be on flat solid surface to push by hand and will not slide random tires, you need space to turn the trailer. The advantage if random axle trailers safety when towing if you loose a tire. Aluminum trailers offers weight savings if overall towing weight is an issue. Tom And that is the biggest issue with the tin boat trailers. My Ranger Trail for my RT188 has tiny wheels and no room under the fender for larger wheels. My only tire choice is a Carlisle. I can't find any info about the wheel size on the trailers for the RT198P or Crestliner MX19. I'll have to contact a dealer and ask. I'm not good with staying with these Carlisle chinese rubber bombs. I would even consider a custom trailer if need be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody B Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 If your tow vehicle can handle it I'd go with a single axle. A single axle will handle the weight just fine. Tandem axles are more stable.....less sway, but not needed if your vehicle is up to the task with a single axle. A tandem axle will tear up your gravel more than a single axle. Tandem axles are also tougher on tires and bearings. Even though they're carrying less weight per tire/bearing turning puts more side load on them. This causes cord separation in tires and accelerates bearing wear. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User A-Jay Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 4 hours ago, BigAngus752 said: This had not occurred to me. I do this. If I choose the tandem I will invest in this: Thank you for pointing that out. I agree about the galvanized and I saw one manufacturer that offers one, but I ruled them out for other reasons. The two I'm left with are Ranger that has the "Road Armor" tandem and Crestliner who offers a full aluminum for their MX19, but it's a single. The Crestliner tandem is steel. I know that my single feels pretty maxxed with my RT188 and a 115 Merc. Plus I hate the tiny wheels. The tire selection is a total of two brands and they are both junk. I replaced this mostly Useless OE trailer jack wheel. With this ABT Lures Trailer Jack Skate Totally the way to go. Designed to make tight space maneuverability on a hard smooth surface much easier while eliminating hook up frustration. I can position my rig anywhere in the garage with ease. Also use it to bring the boat to your truck for hook up. It's stupid easy. I remove the pin and put it in the GMC for travel and do not install it again until I get home. Heavy Duty 11 inch Triangular Jack Skate System 6061 Grade Aluminum 525 lb weight capacity Heavy Duty Urethane Wheels w/ swivel casters & a brake. Zinc Coated Multiple Bearings Swivel Casters A-Jay 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaubsNU1 Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 Single axle. This dolly works well. Super easy to move. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Phil Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 Over the years, I have had both single and dual axle trailers. Unless your boat is large or heavy, I would go with a single axle. As others have stated, single axle trailers are much easier to maneuver. Dual axle trailers are harder to turn sharply. Some people think having a double axle trailer reduces the need for a spare tire. This is definitely not true. Then there are the tolls. If the roads where you fish have tolls, you will pay more for a double axle trailer. As far as the material, unless you are planning to fish salt water, a steel trailer is fine. My Ranger trailer came painted with what looks like truck bed liner paint. I have had my boat for two years and the trailer still looks like new. Today's aluminum boats are nothing like they were twenty years ago. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 3 hours ago, BigAngus752 said: I'm not good with staying with these Carlisle chinese rubber bombs. I have a Ranger RT178 and I replaced the Carlisle tires 2 years ago with Road Runners. Although I never encountered an issue with the Carlisle’s, I prefer the Road Runners. As for single vs tandem axle, if maneuverability is required in the garage or shed, I think a single is better. My parents have a 21 foot Warrior with a tandem axle. It generally rides smoother than a single, but maintenance costs more. They also have disc brakes on it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User A-Jay Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 15 minutes ago, gimruis said: I have a Ranger RT178 and I replaced the Carlisle tires 2 years ago with Road Runners. Although I never encountered an issue with the Carlisle’s, I prefer the Road Runners. Who makes Road Runners and are they trailer tires ? Asking for a friend. A-Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 6 minutes ago, A-Jay said: Who makes Road Runners and are they trailer tires ? They are the Fleet Farm brand. Guess that doesn’t do your friend much good unless you have them in Michigan. 🤣 I know they have a lot of locations in MN and WI. https://www.fleetfarm.com/category/tires-automotive/tires/trailer-tires/_/N-444300332?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoaCHmaWshgMVuU7_AR1JtAnIEAMYASAAEgJ9efD_BwE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAngus752 Posted May 26 Author Share Posted May 26 3 hours ago, Woody B said: If your tow vehicle can handle it I'd go with a single axle. A single axle will handle the weight just fine. Tandem axles are more stable.....less sway, but not needed if your vehicle is up to the task with a single axle. A tandem axle will tear up your gravel more than a single axle. Tandem axles are also tougher on tires and bearings. Even though they're carrying less weight per tire/bearing turning puts more side load on them. This causes cord separation in tires and accelerates bearing wear. That is very interesting. I appreciate the detailed knowledge. I tow with a 2020 F150 FX4 with a 3.5 Ecoboost and 3.73 e-locker. It doesn't even know my aluminum boat is behind it. That's great info, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Phil Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 12 hours ago, BigAngus752 said: That is very interesting. I appreciate the detailed knowledge. I tow with a 2020 F150 FX4 with a 3.5 Ecoboost and 3.73 e-locker. It doesn't even know my aluminum boat is behind it. That's great info, thanks. I tow my RT178 with a 2020 Ford Explorer with the standard 4 cylinder turbo. Tows like it's not there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaubsNU1 Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 Buddy had some good advice on towing. A farmer, he always had a regular cab, 8' box, diesel pickup. Tow ratings back then were around 14k for that set up...and he routinely pulled a 5th wheel hay trailer loaded with round bales, weight somewhere close to 30k lbs. This was around his farm, or on gravel roads (non-highway). Getting the load moving was never the problem...stopping was! And he recommended doing a "panic stop," so you know what to expect in an emergency situation. I did that with each of our kids when they turned 16...took them for a drive...said "okay, I want you to practice an emergency stop...hammer on that brake as hard as you can...want you to feel the ABS...and know what feels like." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Way2slow Posted May 27 Super User Share Posted May 27 Weight wise, a single axle is all you need. A tandem axle tows better and offers more security against getting stranded on the side of the road from a bearing, hub or tire failure. If you have a breakdown, you can just take the wheel off, tie the axle up if it hangs too low and go on your way. With a single axle, you are there until a roll back comes and hauls it away or you can get it repaired. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User GaryH Posted May 27 Super User Share Posted May 27 @DaubsNU1 good advice. So many people only think about being able to pull the weight but don’t consider stopping it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junk Fisherman Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 I too would recommend a single axle trailer but I would make sure to order the largest weight-capacity axle possible. To go from a 3000 lb axle to 4000 lb or even 5000 lb is not much more money. I just had to replace my Karavan trailer due to massive corrosion but even before that I had spring and axle issues primarily because my single axle trailer's capacity was just barely above the weight of my boat. All the potholes around me definitely contributed to this as well. I will pay very close attention to the trailer of any new boat I buy in the future. I just kinda trusted that the dealer that sold me my boat would order the appropriate trailer but it was undersized for my boat (expensive lesson learned). I now have a 5000 lb single axle Trailmaster trailer which is actually more heavy duty than what Trailmaster has made for my boat in the past. So for convenience purposes I would get a single axle trailer for an 19-20' aluminum boat but would want a 4000 lb axle. Good luck. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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