Thursday, January 12, 2012

Is a short axel, fits between pontoons, pontoon boat trailer safe on the interstate- with an 18 ft boat on it?

I had always called these suicide trailers, but in fact they do greatly lower the center of gravity. Have to go from SC to FL. Have any experience with these strange trailers? Have a chance to buy boat and trailer but this poses the major question of safety.Is a short axel, fits between pontoons, pontoon boat trailer safe on the interstate- with an 18 ft boat on it?
Great trailer and doesn't take up near as much space as the Bass Tracker trailer. I traded my 1994 24' bass Tracker trailer where the boat sits on top of the carpeted bunks for one where the bottom of the hull rests on the trailer. It lower to the ground, but easier to launch anywhere. These have the tires that are designed originally for the heavy forklifts and with that short, narrow axle; don't have a problem in tight turn areas. Also, when the boat if off the trailer and at my dock; storage space is only 4' wide X 24" long. The tracker trailer takes up 9' wide X 24 ' long. Much smoother ride on the freeway and not sitting so high up in the air and causing a wind drag. Better deal all the way around. Just remember when entering or exiting gas stations; go easy over the dips and you'll have no problems.Is a short axel, fits between pontoons, pontoon boat trailer safe on the interstate- with an 18 ft boat on it?
They seem kinda squirrelly to me also. If you SLOWWWW down and watch fro inclement weather(crosswinds) you may be able to do it.Is a short axel, fits between pontoons, pontoon boat trailer safe on the interstate- with an 18 ft boat on it?
I've had one for 5 years with a 17' Sylvan Pontoon. I do mostly local hauling but twice a year we pull 200+ miles. No problem till I blew a wheel bearing. I put it in the shop %26amp; had dual axles installed. Simply too much weight for a single light duty axle. As for towing, it towed like a dream as long as the fore/aft balance was right. I put about 200 lbs of tongue weight on. I can't tell any difference between the single %26amp; dual axle setup except when backing. The single axle responded quicker to steering input when launching. Strong crosswinds are a problem, but that's true no matter what you haul, Ask any semi driver. Bottom line-Make sure the axle is rated for the load, balance the load, tie it down so it can't shift. Carry a spare %26amp; go buy yourself a small floor jack. You can't jack the trailer up with your car/truck jack unless its one of those scissors jacks %26amp; they only serve to get folks hurt. They tend to collapse to the side! You don't want to know how I know this!

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