Single axel to tandem axel trailer

[thannah]

Can you add an axel to a single axel trailer to make it a tandem axel trailer?
Our do you have to buy a new trailer.

[prockvoan]

All depends on how long the trailer is were the axles goes at and if the beams are heavey enought to carry extra weight.I had added a third axle to a tandem which works great.Now,you can always replace the axle you have now and install a heavyer one.

[EASTERNMARINE]

It is not recommended - When adding an axle, you must be able to maintain the correct tongue weight. This means that the first axle will probably have to be repositioned before the second axle is added. New spring hangers, springs and an equalizer bar would have to be added ( if a leaf spring trailer). If you are trying tom increase the towing cap of the trailer, all the other components must be upgraded to meet that target towing capacity (including tires, brakes etc.)
Unless you are very handy, it might be more cost effective to go with the new trailer.

[thannah]

So the trailer is more are less designed in the start to be single or tandem.
I’m not trying to add tow capacity. I think 4 tires are better and safer for long tows.
This is for a 20ft bay boat. The trailer came with the boat and tows great

[prockvoan]

Looking at it from your point,its a 50/50.Becouse with 4 tires,bearing you have twice the up keep and twice the chance for something to go wrong.The up side is the trailer pulls better and if you have it set right,you can remover a flat tire and still tow it a short distance on three tires.

Oh,I should of told you that just about everything will have to be changed out and things added to change out to a tandem.New axle with breaks cost $275,then if you have alum rims,add another $150,then add two new tires+ mounting another $200.Oh,lets don't forget hangers,springs,U bolts and equalizer bars,cost around $100.So you are looking at $750 give or take a few bucks.