Axle conversion R21-EC

[2Drakes]

We have a 2016 R21-EC on a single axle EZ loader trailer, the axle was damaged and needs replaced. Thinking about going to 2 axles, has anybody had success with this and have any specs or advise they can share? Thanks in advance.

 

[lproulx]

We have a 2016 R21-EC on a single axle EZ loader trailer, the axle was damaged and needs replaced. Thinking about going to 2 axles, has anybody had success with this and have any specs or advise they can share? Thanks in advance.

Would expect double axle trailer would be readily available new. Assume you don't want to somehow convert existing trailer to double axle. I don't thing that would be economically or practically feasible.

I own a 21-EC with the single axle ez loader. Have had a couple of blowouts due to poor quality tires. Not too big a deal driving wise, but did damage the wheels involved. Have wondered about desirability of single vs double axle. In theory, if a tire on one side of a double axle fails, you can limp along and change the wheel at your "convenience". However, I wonder if you will immediately notice a soft or flat tire on one side, or whether it will overload the remaining good one and result in two problems. To take full advantage of the double axle it seems as though you should have some sort of tire pressure monitoring setup.

I now use Goodyear Endurance tires that are of excellent quality. The only tires to my knowledge made in USA.

As sort of an aside, I once owned a sailboat with a custom made iron trailer using two mobile home axles, loaded weight of about 7k lb. I hauled the boat back and forth to my home spring and fall mostly at 50 mph using the original mobile home tires (which are not sold to the public) for 22 years! It proves you can make a durable trailer tire. Too bad so much junk out there.

Larry

 

[bob daily]

I would think the best source for information about fixing or modification to a double axle on your boat trailer would be the folks at EZ-Loader.
I’m sure they would let you know what would and would not work and be able to get the parts needed.
Best of luck and let us know how it turns out. Bob

 

[r67boxer]

We have a 2016 R21-EC on a single axle EZ loader trailer, the axle was damaged and needs replaced. Thinking about going to 2 axles, has anybody had success with this and have any specs or advise they can share? Thanks in advance.

I would agree with Larry and Bob. First off switching to a double axle isn't a DIY job. Double axle trailers are balanced such that the weight is carried by all four wheels and should ride level. Single axle trailers should have some tongue weight to keep the nose down just a bit. I personally would have the damaged axle replaced and install Endurance Goodyear tires. As Larry mentioned, they are the only NA made trailer tire. I put them on our RV and boat trailer (we also have a R21-EC). Good luck.

Kevin

 

[bob daily]

It’s very doable and a lot of information about it on the internet.
Assuming you have a EZB 19-22/24 3700
With a 2 1/2 drop center torsion axles that are bolted on with U-bolts. Since you already have to replace the damaged one, adding another one would be easy!
The axle, fenders, breaks drum and wheel and tires would be about $1500 to $2000 per axle plus’s breaking system.
Just a note: no matter how many axles on the trailer you will still need about 5-10 percent tongue weight.
You will want to check with your state to see if you need to change the registration.
Since you are already fixing something that is broken, making it better is a great idea!
Let us know how it works out. Bob

 

[r67boxer]

It’s very doable and a lot of information about it on the internet.
Assuming you have a EZB 19-22/24 3700
With a 2 1/2 drop center torsion axles that are bolted on with U-bolts. Since you already have to replace the damaged one, adding another one would be easy!
The axle, fenders, breaks drum and wheel and tires would be about $1500 to $2000 per axle plus’s breaking system.
Just a note: no matter how many axles on the trailer you will still need about 5-10 percent tongue weight.
You will want to check with your state to see if you need to change the registration.
Since you are already fixing something that is broken, making it better is a great idea!
Let us know how it works out. Bob

WRT level towing there is obviously some tongue weight or you'll have the tail wagging the proverbial dog. What I was trying to convey was there must be a balance and that all four tires must share the weight. I've seen way too often the front axle taking the bulk of the weight and hence the tongue too low.

As for DIY, I still maintain that this is not a simple task but yes, it is doable. I have quite a bit of mechanical experience but would not tackle a job like this without some professional oversight. Way too many so-called experts on YouTube. Just my opinion.

Kevin

 

[bob daily]

The biggest thing concerning a double or triple axle trailer is to make sure it is level and all axles share the same weight, this may require you adjusting the height of your trailer hitch. Your tong weight can be adjusted by the placement of your boat on the trailer, you may have to move the wench post for or aft to accommodate this.