Converting a 13' Boler to a tandem axel

[Dominique]

Hello everyone

Im thinking of converting my 74 Boler that i just bought to a tandem axel. I made a few measurements and i think i could use 8" rims and the smallest tire i can fit on them and extend the wheel well by 3 inches at the back. Has anyone tried something like that? Im driving from Quebec to Vancouver next summer and i beleive it would make for a much more enjoyable ride. What do you think?

Any idea on how to improve the ride?

[Roy in TO]

What do you think?

My first thought is WHY?

A lot of work to lose 3" of storage space and increase in tire revolutions. OTOH if you jack her up high enough you can eliminate the wheel wells all together and increase storage..

[Loren G. Hedahl]

My first thought is also why?

My second thought is that it may enhance the "cool quotient".

My third thought is again why?

My fourth thought . . . .

[Kevin K]

Don't do it . (some photo fun)

[Donna D.]

Merle Lilly converted his 19' Scamp 5th wheel to a tandem axle several years back. He drove from Sarasota, Florida to the Oregon Gathering in July... that was his second trip to the gathering in three years.

He's kindly written up an article to share with people contemplating this change:
Tandem Axle Setup

BTW, Merle is in his early 80s!

[Pete Dumbleton]

Any idea on how to improve the ride?

First thing I would do is get to a scale with every thing packed for a trip and find out what your weights and balances really are, esp tongue weight, as this can really make a difference on how much of a beating the tongue gives your tow vehicle.

Also, it may be that you just need to replace the axle you already have because the rubber rods may be past their useful life.

[CindyL]

Or find roads that are not so bumpy. We will get off Interstate 90 just north of LaCrosse, WI in MN, because it is awful there.

CindyL

[Donna D.]

A 74 Boler, if that's the original axle, is 34 years old. Something tells me it's past time to change it. When you do, get brakes or at least the brake flanges.