Tracer first off, you'd be better trading in on a new trailer that fits your needs. However if the trailer was paid for I would consider stretching it if you had work for a 53 step. I would consider adding an axle to the back. You would gain a lot of payload in Canada and the weight penalty in the states might not be as sbad as you think it is. Plus you won't have to move the existing axles. If you used the right shop they could cut off the existing rear bulkhead and extend the rails and floor and put your bulkhead and rear bumper assembly on the back and would look tidy with only the floor welds and the welds on the main beams to show the extension. BTW if you go with the bigger spread you don't need to move the front axle in any event. Just slide the rear one back on the extended frame rails.

I think you should go buy this Rick..... it's only $146,000

Why don't they allow you to weld underwater? Did you sink a ship or something?

Nope, never took the cert for underwater, ain't really a "water" person.................LOL

I went diving once.......got spooked.....nothing like listening to yourself breathing...........think Darth Vader............underwater activities just ain't for me.

My trailer is on lease so I think it IS better to trade it "up" as they call it, especially since now the Canadian dollar is almost on par with the US $. New equipment is now cheap compared to the time when I bought mine. But as far as axles go, they'd have to be moved because right now I'm at 40'8" between the axles. If I'd add a third axle than the middle one would be further than 41' from the king pin. Because of that I do think it'd be too much money.

But one good thing about underwater welding I can think of is that no one can see you. To check on your work the supervisor would have to dive too. So you can weld crooked seams, fasten together wrong parts - as long as the ship stays afloat I don't think anyone would notice

Good point Tracer I forgot about the length rules.If the trailer is 52' long does that rule apply?

yep. 41' is the maximum allowed between the king pin and the center of tandems or the middle axle in a tridem.

isn't the 41' rule only apply in California

Actually, now I'm not so sure about the correct answer. I think the 41" rule only applies to trailers 53 ft long. I know now it's not applicable if you have a 48.