Building New 325 gallon Trailer mounted Smoker 8/25/09 pics
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OSD wrote:Weight is not the only consideration in determining how many axles. One major consideration is going to be the length, also the height and balance ( tongue weight ). At 10' of tank plus the firebox hanging off the back, you are talking almost 13' not counting any front V and tongue. By the time you are done, you are looking at a minimum of 16' overall length and that is only 3' for the front V and hitch. A single axle may hold the weight, but I would want a tandem axle for balance, tongue weight. It's also not as likely to sway when traveling ( wind will push that length trailer around ), and safety if you ever had a flat with that length, height, and weight of trailer. If a tire goes down it could flip or twist the frame or grind down the bottom of the firebox. IMO-YMMV
Ive been thinking a Tandem is the way to go, but trying to stay economical. I guess that is kind of a Oxymoron. I was also thinking that with a Tandem the up keep cost is twice as much. Four Tires instead of 2. I go through alot of tolls so that would be more i think, ETC.
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HarvestMoon wrote:Double axle. It's safer if you have a blow out and it backs up easier.
While I agree that a dual axle trailer is safer for all of the reasons stated previously, what makes them easier to back up? I routinely tow both single and dual axle trailers and I have not noticed a different. What do you think makes them easier to back?
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JamesB wrote:HarvestMoon wrote:Double axle. It's safer if you have a blow out and it backs up easier.
While I agree that a dual axle trailer is safer for all of the reasons stated previously, what makes them easier to back up? I routinely tow both single and dual axle trailers and I have not noticed a different. What do you think makes them easier to back?
I work at the fire station and we have a trailer that is Tandem axle. I think its the length of the trailer that affects the backing of it. My little 150 smoker is a single axel and is a really short trailer and you turn a inch and it cuts a mile.
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JamesB wrote:HarvestMoon wrote:Double axle. It's safer if you have a blow out and it backs up easier.
While I agree that a dual axle trailer is safer for all of the reasons stated previously, what makes them easier to back up? I routinely tow both single and dual axle trailers and I have not noticed a different. What do you think makes them easier to back?
James, I don't have the "touch" in backing a trailer and a single seems to me to turn sharper and I tend to over correct.
Modified Landmann Black Dog 42 Grill & Smoker
Weber 22.5" One-Touch Gold & 18.5" WSM
Char-Broil Masterflame 7000
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Rehab is for Quitters
Weber 22.5" One-Touch Gold & 18.5" WSM
Char-Broil Masterflame 7000
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Rehab is for Quitters
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bwsdj wrote:I work at the fire station and we have a trailer that is Tandem axle. I think its the length of the trailer that affects the backing of it. My little 150 smoker is a single axel and is a really short trailer and you turn a inch and it cuts a mile.
HarvestMoon wrote:James, I don't have the "touch" in backing a trailer and a single seems to me to turn sharper and I tend to over correct.
I too think that it is the trailer/tongue length combination that provides ease in backing... The shorter trailers can be a pain! In general though, if I can see the trailer behind my truck, I can put 'em where I want 'em. A buddy has a little 8' flat bed utility trailer with a short tongue that I can't see from the drivers seat and it is a PITA to back.
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bwsdj wrote:OSD wrote:Weight is not the only consideration in determining how many axles. One major consideration is going to be the length, also the height and balance ( tongue weight ). At 10' of tank plus the firebox hanging off the back, you are talking almost 13' not counting any front V and tongue. By the time you are done, you are looking at a minimum of 16' overall length and that is only 3' for the front V and hitch. A single axle may hold the weight, but I would want a tandem axle for balance, tongue weight. It's also not as likely to sway when traveling ( wind will push that length trailer around ), and safety if you ever had a flat with that length, height, and weight of trailer. If a tire goes down it could flip or twist the frame or grind down the bottom of the firebox. IMO-YMMV
Ive been thinking a Tandem is the way to go, but trying to stay economical. I guess that is kind of a Oxymoron. I was also thinking that with a Tandem the up keep cost is twice as much. Four Tires instead of 2. I go through alot of tolls so that would be more i think, ETC.
Tire wear would be less on the tandem because of weight distribution per tire and which in turn will create less side wall flex on the tires from bumps and turns. A good set of Buddie bearing protectors will help with the maintenance too. An extra couple $$ in tolls would be worth the added safety to me.
I think people think a tandem is easier because it reacts to turns slower. A single axle turns very quick and most people over correct and end up all out of shape. JMO-YMMV
Jim
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