Desert Captain wrote:
4x4van wrote:
Desert Captain wrote:
You will find a dual axle trailer much easier to back and maneuver in addition to the many good reasons listed above to own one.
:C
Irrelevant. The length of the trailer (from hitch to axle(s) is what determines backing and manueuverability, not the number of axles. Longer trailers will react slower and smoother to input from the tow vehicle, and shorter will be react quicker and be more maneuverable. Tandem axles will track a bit better and ride a bit smoother, but will also "scrub" the tires when turning tightly and are therefore more likely to damage the sidewalls. A single axle trailer is also more sensitive to weight (front/rear) loading affecting tongue weight.
So by your theory two 20' trailers, one single axle and one double axle will back up and maneuver exactly the same. Seriously? :h
Yes, if the rearmost wheels on that double axle trailer are in the same position as the single axle. But the reality is that the tandem axle trailer will actually have it's rear axle farther back than the single axle, thereby increasing the actual length from hitch to contact point.
Desert Captain wrote:
Single axle trailers are extremely sensitive to steering input from the TV. The reduced sensitivity to steering input from a double axle trailer does in fact make it much easier {far more forgiving}, to maneuver/back up.
Your concern regarding the negative effect of "scrubbing" by double axle trailers is exaggerated. The vast majority of trailers are double {with some even triple axle}, with no appreciable scrubbing problem. I'll stand with my previous comment that double axle trailers {in general}, are far easier to back and maneuver.
Been there done that... my first trailer was an A-Liner, single axle. My second was a 22' TT double axle and I currently tow my Harley on a single axle Kendon. No, nada, none whatsoever comparison between the handling of single vs doubles axle trailers.... length is simply not the issue.
Length IS the issue (actually, the wheelbase of the tow vehicle as well as it's rear end overhang are also issues that affect how a trailer backs, but that's another discussion).
How long was your A-liner vs your second trailer? How long was the distance from hitch to axle vs that of your second trailer? And of course comparing a 22' tandem trailer to a small single axle motorcycle trailer is apples to oranges (but you already know that); putting 2 axles on that small motorcycle trailer will not magically calm it down for backing purposes. It is the length from the hitch (pivot) to ground contact point that makes the difference. If the rear axle is the same distance from the hitch as a single axle, there is no difference in where the trailer will go with any given tow vehicle steering input;
that's simple physics, not rocket science. The only real "seat of the pants" difference could be the added "braking" effect that the tandem tires (because of the scrubbing) add while turning when backing.
At one time, I had a small utility trailer that I towed behind my RV with a couple of stand up jet skiis. It was so short that it was almost impossible to back; it would react too quickly with just the smallest amount of input from the tow vehicle. It had nothing to do with the trailer being a single axle, it had everything to do with the short length.
Your comment that "..double axle trailers {in general}, are far easier to back and maneuver" is true...but only because double axle trailers (in general) are longer than single axle trailers.
As for the effect of tight turns on the sidewalls; next time you back your tandem trailer in a tight turn (like into a camp site), get out and look at the sidewalls (before you straighten out) and tell me again that there is no negative effect. The front and rear tires will be severely "twisted" against the tread in opposite directions. I see it all the time, and you cannot convince me that it is not damaging to the tire's sidewalls over time. And I do in fact see my share of tandem and triple axle trailers with blown tires; probably more so than single axle trailers which don't twist their tires in every turn.