Tandem versus Single Axle Trailer

[orillia4]

I am purchasing a used 2004 Rinker 212 with a Single Axle trailer. A lot of the 212's I've seen have tandem. Any feedback on the use of one or the other?

[kcsteve]

IMHO a 212 is abit large for a single axle trailer. If your going to be trailering short distances it would probably be okay. A tandem with brakes would be much better and safer. If you go with the single make sure it has brakes
Steve

[merwin10]

I would ask what do you think the loaded boat will weigh - about 5000 lbs. that is a bit much for a single axle trailer - particularily for long hauls-

As stated I would look at a tandem with brakes -

Better safe than sorry -

Mike -

[orillia4]

THe boat is about 3150 LBS dry. The trailer is rated for 3900lbs.

[BigSioux232]

I've had both.  A single axle trailer with the right springs will haul just fine, but it will not pull as smoothly as a tandem axle.  The biggest problem is you are distributing the weight to only 2 wheels/tires instead of 4.  Tires and wheel bearings will receive more load punishment on the single axle, which will make the tandem more reliable in my book.

[slawson]

I'd have to agree on the reasons for a 2 axle trailer.  I think the 192 is just about as big as you would want to get with a single axle.  While nothing is perfect if you lose a tire.....having a complete axle with good tires left is always a good thing.  Down side is trying to push the thing around the garage...does not turn very well.

Steve L.

[orillia4]

Would a dealer typically take a used tralier as a trade in for a tandem axle?  Any thoughts on where to find trailers for Rinkers?

[BigSioux232]

It's not impossible.  I did it once (traded trailers).  There are manufacturer's who have trailers that can easily be fitted for any brand of boat. (e.g. Shore Land'r).  Otherwise, a Rinker dealer would have access to manufacturer's who build/built trailers for any recent model.

[slawson]

I've seen Rinkers sitting on most major trailer mfrs.  I have a Heritage (SP??) and it's served me well, but I've seen them on Trailmasters and others.   I think it's just a matter of having the company supply you with one that's an exact fit for the boat.  I'm sure they have templates for most boats and can adjust most trailers to fit a specific boat.

Steve L.

[orillia4]

What sort of price range would I be looking at for a tandem axle for the 21 ft Rinker?

[merwin10]

orillia4, With a 3900# trailer and a 3150 boat add gass and oil and your sitting around 500# of gear - I would say that is to close for comfort - Move to a tandem trailer - You would be surprized at how quick stuff adds up -

Mike -  

[slawson]

One more question I would ask.....what is the requirement of at least YOUR state for the need for brakes (I believe some have changed recently).  I think here in IL anything over 3000 lb requires brakes....and I don't think a lot of single axle trailers have brakes.  As Mike says...add in your 40 gallons of fuel and gear and it won't take long to reach the 'limit' or within 10% and I would not be comfortable with that.

My 212 came with a Heritage trailer (http://www.heritagetrailers.com) and I've found it wonderful in overall quality and workmanship not to mention looking pretty cool.  The paint and graphics matches the boat, and that is cool too.

Steve L.

[4LakeBums]

Definitely a tandem.  You will appreciate it more in the long run.  Although if you feel comfortable with the purchase price, the singal axle trailer will get the job done...

[boboh]

We have a 1999 212 with single axle trailer.    Would have prefered a tandem axel trailer but  the boat and trailer were packaed by the dealer and not orderd by us.   I believe a lot of dealers package the single axle trailer to keep the package price down.   If the boat is what you want and the price is good for you then I would not let the single axle stop me from from buying.

[Dockhead]

My trailer was totalled recently and the new trailer (tandem, disc brakes, matches the boat) was around $3,000.