Trailers- single vs. tandem axle

[rwidman]

billiebob - 8/14/2007 6:06 PM

I am level, see my original post.

Sorry, I was responding to the post above and forgot to re-read the original.

[pastaman1234]

I also found that with a double axle trailer if you jerk your steering wheel to the right or to the left about 2" the ass end of the boat will only move that same 2" and on a single axle trailer it will sway about 1'. I do this when the idiot in the lane next to me doesnt see my blinker for a good half mile and his front bumper is right in line with my outboard prohibiting me from changing lanes or getting off an exit etc. It is my safe way of waking that driver up from their nap and as a result they move out of my way. Works like a charm . Do not try this method with a single axle trailer or old people lol. P.S.... yes it did say that you trailer is riding level.......Sorry

[rwidman]

pastaman1234 - 8/14/2007 6:44 PM

I also found that with a double axle trailer if you jerk your steering wheel to the right or to the left about 2" the ass end of the boat will only move that same 2" and on a single axle trailer it will sway about 1'. I do this when the idiot in the lane next to me doesnt see my blinker for a good half mile and his front bumper is right in line with my outboard prohibiting me from changing lanes or getting off an exit etc. It is my safe way of waking that driver up from their nap and as a result they move out of my way. Works like a charm . Do not try this method with a single axle trailer or old people lol. P.S.... yes it did say that you trailer is riding level.......Sorry

I don't have the nerve to play games with my rig.

Besides, I am an "old people".

Two tricks to changing lanes while pulling a trailer:

1. Do it early, as early as you can.
2. If you can't change in front of them, either speed up or slow down until you can safely make the lane change.

[pastaman1234]

rwidman - 8/14/2007 8:35 PM

I don't have the nerve to play games with my rig. Besides, I am an "old people". Two tricks to changing lanes while pulling a trailer: 1. Do it early, as early as you can. 2. If you can't change in front of them, either speed up or slow down until you can safely make the lane change.

AhhhhI was waiting for a response like that. No disrespect intended. It was meant to be a little humorous. In my 20+ year career in trailering it does need to be done every now and then but not a lot. Moveing my boat over and inch or two and letting them get a good look at my prop is hardly as dangerous as other non towing motorists doing anything in their power for the fear of "oh my god a slower moving aparatus might be able to get in front of me" especially when your lane ismerging/ending and people are talegating you.

[Inlander]

I have experienced severe swaying but with my present rig don't experience much at all. I have a contrarian view of swaying that is not related to the trailer. I know that weight distribution and other boat/trailer characteristics have an impact. However, I also have experienced the difference caused by variations in tow vehicles. The worst swaying I have experienced is with a 60's era muscle car. In contrast, I experience very little sway with vans, and now with a Jeep Liberty. What is the difference? The difference is the amount of overhang on the tow vehicle behind the rear axle. My theory is the more overhang, the more sway. The more overhang, the more leverage the trailer forces are applied perpendicular to the line of movement.A perpendicular forcefrom the trailer swings the tow vehicle side to side, and in turn, starts the pendulum of swingby the tailer in tow.Based on this theory if you want to limit sway, pick a tow vehicle with little rear axle overhang. Also, avoid hitch extenders to reduce the amount of overhang.

When I pass or am passing a semitowing with my very low overhang Jeep Liberty, I feel apush sideways, but don't experience a sway action.