Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I don't have a pontoon yet and looking for the right one for me still. I do have a question on trailers as I'm looking for a 22'-24' pontoon and was wandering what style trailer is the best for hauling? I have to go about 2 miles on back roads to the lake but may go farther to a different lake if needed, is a single axle trailer sufficient enough or do I need a tandem? What about the trailers that are in the center of the toon only compared to the ones where the toons actual sit on something?

My boat is 20' and I have a single axle trailer. I won't trailer it much or, that far...
Anything 22' and over I hear it's best to go with a tandem axle trailer.

[quote="joe20toon"]My boat is 20' and I have a single axle trailer. I won't trailer it much or, that far...
Anything 22' and over I hear it's best to go with a tandem axle trailer.[/quote]


I know if I get a flat a tandem is a lot better to get to safe spot to fix and easier to change tire.

I have a 20' pontoon. I have a tandem axle trailer where my pontoons ride on the bunks. The narrower trailers have a tendency to be a little "tippy" since the distance from side-to-side on the wheels are pretty narrow.

I bought my old 24' Kayot with one of the scissor type trailers that raise and lower. I haven't even put in in the water yet because I had to replace all the wood. I have however towed it around the storage yard it's in and I'd be very hesitant to take it out on any major road with the boat on it. I'd trade it for a bunk style trailer in a heartbeat, and for a dual axle even faster....it's been great for moving the boat from spot to spot and "drydocking" it, and I can see how some people would want one, because you can launch from much shallower water. However I wouldn't want to have to rely on it to transport the pontoon more than a mile or two....and SLOWLY while doing it.

22' and above = double axle

I have a tandem axle trailer with my 20 foot boat. I have towed it one way over 800 miles with no problems at all. The two axle trailer is a very stable tow no matter what size the boat.

I've got a 20 footer that sits on a single axle trailer... however my son has a 22 footer and it's on a tandem. I would think if you're going to get a 22 foot boat or larger, I would play it safe and go with a tandem trailer..

Seems like everyone telling me pretty much what I was thinking. Thanks

I would buy a tandem axle trailer if buying a new boat. But if a used boat came with a single axle trailer it would be okay unless you were towing long distances.

Scissors trailers are to be avoided unless it was very cheap and you were only hauling a couple of miles. They are best left to dealers to move pontoons around their lots.

[quote="Bamaman"]I would buy a tandem axle trailer if buying a new boat. But if a used boat came with a single axle trailer it would be okay unless you were towing long distances.

Scissors trailers are to be avoided unless it was very cheap and you were only hauling a couple of miles. They are best left to dealers to move pontoons around their lots.[/quote]



I'll be going used and all I see is single axle trailers coming with them, may end up upgrading to a tandem just wandering what more experience haulers have to say.

Make SURE you check the trailer rating, Especially on a single axle. I've seen a ton of 20-22' pontoons on single axle trailers where the trailer only has a 2990# rating, to avoid installing brakes in most states(even though they have a 3500# axle/tire combo). The problem is the trailer itself is going to weight 700-800# which only gives you ~2200# capacity, which most newer 20'+ exceed fully fueled up and loaded for a day on the lake. I've even seen some single axle trailers only have a 2200# rated axle under them, dead give away will be Short/Fat 8" or 10" rim tires.

I have a 20' and a single axial trailer when I replace it. The trailer will have two axels.
Think if you blow one tire you still have one that holds up the boat.