single to tandem?

[2000epic]

Hello all.  I just bought a brand new 2000 epic.  however, it came with a single axle trailer, and I'd like a tandem.  Can my trailer be modified to this end?

[toyotafreak]

I like this guy already!


Welcome to the board, but I've no idea about your trailer question. Seems like there'd be a lot of work involved with adding an axle, changing the fenders, etc.


When you get a chance, I wanna hear your Epic story and see some pics of it ;-)

[phenom_1819]

This has gotta be the coolest first post yet, eh?  Welcome to the site.  I would guess that adding an axle with all the add'l labor and parts (brakes, fenders, lines, etc) would be pretty costly. You might be better off buying a new trailer if you are that concerned.  

I spoke to the guys at Ameratrail just a couple months ago (Scott, I think...based out of Florida).  They have an extra E/X22 trailer on their lot, I think it's dual axle. He was willing to dump it for cheap if I moved it off the lot. I think he said something like $1500, but I don't remember how much he said specifically.  Shipping was too expensive to Seattle or I would have done it.  Do a search on the forum to find his contact info.

Another option to consider -- if load weight is the problem and you're towing with a Toyota, get a set of suspension air bags.  Derek and I have done this and it made our trucks handle much better.  Though we both have dual axle trailers.  Do a search on this as well.  Hopefully this helps!

Derek and all -- I have a trailer question.  How difficult is it to add fluid to the brake lines on the trailer? Where do you add it?  What type of fluid to use?  How do you know how much to add?  I'm runnin' low, I think...truck didn't want to slow down very well last night.

[Kyle]

The guy I bought my boat from had the trailer converted from a single to a double axle.  I'll try to get some more information from him and take some pics if you're interested.  I would never have guessed that the trailer started out as a single axle if he hadn't pointed it out.

[toyotafreak]

Cal: there's a plastic cover on the top surface of the tongue. Pop that off and then pull out the other cap. You'll see fluid, and the stickers say add fluid to the bottom of the cap.

The better question is, "how often do you replace your brake fluid, and how is it done?" There's a drain and bleed procedure in the trailer owner's manual, but until one of us does it...

Brake fluid's hydroscopic and after it absorbs a certain amount of water, the fluid becomes mushy. Mushy fluid makes for crappy braking. We need to try this and take lots o' pictures for Pete's posting pleasure.

[phenom_1819]

I can't believe I paid somebody to do that last time it was in the shop.  Thanks Derek.  We'll see if that improves the braking. I think I have a very slow leak in my line somewhere...if it doesn't get better, then I'll be the one bleeding my brakes and posting pics.  Well, maybe. Depends if it's something I could even pull off.  Remember who we're talking about here...

2000Epic, sorry for hijacking your thread -- now back to focussing on the trailer mods.

[cyclone]

You guys might have missed something. That might be 2000Epic in the pic. Don't be so judgemental about what gender buys killer high end high tech discontinued works of art. She is a work of art., like finds like...

[toyotafreak]

Pete's so right. Dude, you should be in management ;-)