second axle

[Vlad]

I know that there was a huge amount of information on this subject, but since this site was changed, I've lost all of it. Can you guys help me? I need to install the second axle on my trailer and none in Minnesota is willing to do it for me (I was told - this is because of liability issue). Now I am ready to go out of state to do it. Do you know where can I get it?

Thanks for your help.

Vlad.[/b]

[Mark Chamberlain]

I went to the loacal weld shop, the quote was 1200 included all axles and tires. this was for two 3500 axles and replave the old one. the first axel has to be moved about 4 inches forward to the bend of the frame.
This included paint and new finders. Materials was about 650.00 the rest was labor. The job would be done while boat is on the trailer.
Now this is in North Pole Alaska. Seek out your local weld shop and find a gay that builds custom trailers. He has the insurance anyway to do this kind of work.

I since have found a simply less costly solution, I had the welder for 20.00
make me new shackles for the leaf springs and added 2 inches to them.
This raised the trialer up higher a little for better tire clearence. The welder said the mac axel was about a 4500.lb rated axel. and I could increase the spring sized for about 60.00 per side. This would also allow 15 inch tires to be added with additional load. Like the new mac trailers have.
Mark
WindMusher.com

[Timmy Z]

Im also thinking of adding an axel to my trailer. Bill Heisey posted a second axel mod back a few years ago. Bill if you are still around, please give us some info. I will be doing the work myself and need some measurements.

Thanks, Tim

[kmclemore]

"...Seek out your local weld shop and find a gay that builds custom trailers...

Wow. I didn't know they were known to be especially talented as welders. Go figure.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

I believe it is the 5 lug hubs/spindles that are rated at 3500 lbs. You may as well just get another axle to increase the weight capacity. Although adding another axle would make it harder to maneuver the trailer in close quarters which is an issue for me where I store it (beside the house through a very narrow alley).

I've talked to King Trailers (chain trailer store) before about a second axle and they quoted $600, probably end up more than that by the time you move your first axle or get brakes for the second axle.

[Chip Hindes]

I did this mod myself; the only thing done professionally was the welding of the new spring shackle brackets and the fender brackets. All parts except the new fender brackets were purchased from Champion Trailers. It's not quite in a condition to post on the mod board, but I have the parts list and some pictures. If anyone wants it, either post or send me your email address by PM and I'll email you back what I have.

Besides adding the axle, I also switched to disc brakes on all four wheels. I now have over 3400 miles on my new setup and IMO, by far the smartest mod I have done to date.

[Erik Hardtle]

I added a second axle. It cost my about $800 from a trailer shop with the tandem set up and new fenders.

I like the added confidence I now have... the trailer doesn't sway, I can load the heck out of it, and if one tire blows I'm not stuck on the side of the road.

It does rub the rubber the wrong way on the tires when you are doing hard turns.... but it's not major... most tandems do that anyway.

Click on my WWW button below to see my modification.

[Harry van der Meer]

Erik,

Did this include brakes or are you using the origial drum brakes on the first axle and none on the other?

[Randy Smith]

Chip can or did you post this modification???? Randy

[lee308]

I know this is a popular mod, but for those of us that can't do this mod, here is a link to make you feel better about your single axle trailer. This guy towed his from Calgary, Canada to Miami.
PS, I'm new here, been reading for years though. I have a 2002/26X.
Lee308

http://pstobo.popstogo.com/bahama2.html

[kmclemore]

This guy towed his from Calgary, Canada to Miami.

...and I towed mine from New Mexico to Pennsylvania... and then from PA to New Hampshire and back again... not a hint of a problem on an unmodified Mac single axle trailer.