Wheels misalign when backing dual-axle boat trailer?

[murphthelab]

Just getting my first experience with a dual axle (4 wheels) boat trailer. The wheels are actually not on cross-axles, but are independently mounted to the trailer frame. I think this is normal.

So here's the question. When you turn sharply the wheels on each side seem to fight each other. The trailer is pivoting around a single point with a fairly short turn radius, but the two wheels on each side are trying to stay on their common line. Of course, a common straight line translates to an infinite turn radius. So I guess this is to be expected based on basic geometry.

So the shorter the turn radius, the more the wheels fight each other. When I'm backing the trailer into my driveway, I have to turn it pretty tight. The wheels start to look like they're bending off the trailer.

Maybe this is normal and factored into the design. But it is unnerving to me because I'm not used to it.

Should I be concerned, or is this a normal part of dual axle trailering?

Thanks,
John B

 

[kyot4x4]

This is normal. But you should jack the trailer up so the wheels hang and check to make sure the axle/spindle are not loose. i check mine at least once a year.