one axle vs. two axles on short TT (20')
I was wondering what the pros/cons were of one axle vs. two axles on a short/lite TT. I'm talking about something less than 22' and 3500 LB dry. I guess I should also ask about wheel size too.
Forum Discussion
mr61impala wrote:
Obviously wind resistance is the greatest constant load to your tow vehicle but is not rolling resistance the 2nd largest constant load? (Terrain being a variable).
Considering two otherwise identical trailer boxes would it not require more energy to tow the one with 4 tires as opposed to the one with 2?
FWIW our very first TT back in the late 80's was a 1965 Avion single axle that was around 20-21 feet long. Used W/D hitch, no issues at all.
You are correct. You also have more rotational force when stopping with tandem axles, but when I build trailers, I put brakes on all axles, which increases stopping power. You also have more "scuffing" with tandem axles, but that is a small price to pay for more load bearing area on the trailer. When the weights gets over 5,000# or so it really pays to have the second axle.
Most RV trailers currently being built don't have the aerodynamic qualities of a silver Avion.
