Hello,I have a 5th wheel RV and do okay towing and backing that but I need an enclosed cargo trailer for a small business I am thinking of opening up.The trailers I am looking at are either 6 or 7 feet wide by 12 feet long. They come with a single OR tandem axles. The tandem axel trailers cost anywhere from $1200 to $2000 more than the single axle trailers. The tandem axle obivously can haul more weight (which really isn't an issue for me) and comes with electric brakes. There are no brakes on the single axle trailers.My question is the tandem axle worth the extra cost? Is a tandem axle easier to back up than a single axle or visa versa? I know going in that backing this trailer up is going to be a lot differant than my 5th wheel.Like I said I do not need the tandem for weight but the brakes would still be a help. I would be towing this trailer with a 2013 Chevy 2500HD Silverado Diesel with tow package. Your thoughts appreciated!Dave

It should be possible to buy a single axle trailer with brakes. Personally, other than a small utility trailer hauling a lawn mower or some such, I wouldn't be comfortable with a trailer without brakes.

Depending on trailer gvwr the brakes are not required. If buying new option the single axle with brakes. If buying used, just get an axle with brakes and swap it out.I have never felt a difference between single and dual axle trailers when backing, unless it was a spread-axle trailer.

IMHO it has little to do with the number of axles and everything to do with weigh and tongue. Just bought a 5x8 with a fairly long tongue. It tows great.

dpgllg wrote:Hello,Like I said I do not need the tandem for weight but the brakes would still be a help. I would be towing this trailer with a 2013 Chevy 2500HD Silverado Diesel with tow package. DaveYes, having trailer brakes would save a little minor wear and tear on your truck brakes if you're driving in the city....maybe. You're talking 3klb trailer and a HD diesel w exh brake = trailer brakes are basically not needed.They'll back up the same radius, just tire scrub w tandem. If making alot of sharp turns and back ins the single axle will be a little more friendly.I wouldn't spend the extra unless you needed the capacity.Trailer suggestion if buying new, I bought a MTI trailer back in WI last year. They are a price point trailer and I paid the same or less than a comparable size used trailer in either WA or WI and considerably less than other brands, new. Found it to be very good quality for the price. 6x14 single axle, full plywood lined walls, picked the color. $3k out the door and the dlr put radial tires on in lieu of the bias tires. SOld it for $3500 back in seattle when I was done w it.

I have a single axle trailer. It didn’t have brakes but I fixed that with a complete brake kit from an online supplier. It came with everything including the wiring, plug and breakaway battery and switch. I went with single because with a wheel under the tongue jack you can push it around and turn it sideways by hand, which I do all the time at campgrounds.

Help from people who use bumper pull trailers | Good Sam Community

coolmom42
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2018
Check your state laws. Many states require brakes on a trailer over a certain GVWR. In Tennessee, it's anything over 1500 lb gross.
RGar974417
Explorer
Sep 29, 2018
I own 4 trailers from 10 to 26 ft. I prefer double axles because if you get a flat with a single axle trailer, you could cause a lot of damage. You can limp to a safe area to change a flat on a dual axle trailer. I would also go for the 7 ft wide because you don't need special mirrows to see behind it.As far as backing, a longer trailer is easier to back.
badsix
Explorer
Sep 29, 2018
with your rig a single axle 10 to 12 ft. trailer will be no problem at all, just hook it on and go. I use to pull a 12 with a 9 passenger chevy van all the time at work delivering supply's to our tugs. I wouldn't even know it was back there usual weight was around 1000# also with your rig brakes shouldn't be a problem either.
Jay D.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Sep 29, 2018
If the trailer in question has 7" brakes, forget about it, they are worse than useless and are failure prone. I've put up with those 7" brakes on various trailers since 1977.

I currently have both a single axle utility trailer and an enclosed tandem axle with the useless brakes, backing is a non issue with either one.
Fizz
Explorer
Sep 29, 2018
One thing for sure. The shorter the trailer the harder it is to backup.
I have a tiny utility trailer and when it's empty it's easier to unhook and do it by hand.
wnjj
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2018
I have a single axle trailer. It didn’t have brakes but I fixed that with a complete brake kit from an online supplier. It came with everything including the wiring, plug and breakaway battery and switch. I went with single because with a wheel under the tongue jack you can push it around and turn it sideways by hand, which I do all the time at campgrounds.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Sep 29, 2018
dpgllg wrote:
Hello,
Like I said I do not need the tandem for weight but the brakes would still be a help. I would be towing this trailer with a 2013 Chevy 2500HD Silverado Diesel with tow package.

Dave

Yes, having trailer brakes would save a little minor wear and tear on your truck brakes if you're driving in the city....maybe. You're talking 3klb trailer and a HD diesel w exh brake = trailer brakes are basically not needed.
They'll back up the same radius, just tire scrub w tandem. If making alot of sharp turns and back ins the single axle will be a little more friendly.

I wouldn't spend the extra unless you needed the capacity.

Trailer suggestion if buying new, I bought a MTI trailer back in WI last year. They are a price point trailer and I paid the same or less than a comparable size used trailer in either WA or WI and considerably less than other brands, new. Found it to be very good quality for the price.
6x14 single axle, full plywood lined walls, picked the color. $3k out the door and the dlr put radial tires on in lieu of the bias tires. SOld it for $3500 back in seattle when I was done w it.
donn0128
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2018
IMHO it has little to do with the number of axles and everything to do with weigh and tongue. Just bought a 5x8 with a fairly long tongue. It tows great.
boogie_4wheel
Explorer
Sep 29, 2018
Depending on trailer gvwr the brakes are not required. If buying new option the single axle with brakes. If buying used, just get an axle with brakes and swap it out.

I have never felt a difference between single and dual axle trailers when backing, unless it was a spread-axle trailer.
Optimistic_Para
Explorer
Sep 29, 2018
It should be possible to buy a single axle trailer with brakes. Personally, other than a small utility trailer hauling a lawn mower or some such, I wouldn't be comfortable with a trailer without brakes.

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