one axle vs. two axles on short TT (20')

AH64ID wrote:
The other potential issue with torsion axles is they require weigh to work. A torsion axle that is loaded lightly has very little give and rides much worse.

When shopping cargo trailers for my dad last summer we where talking with the trailer manufacturer and they only reccommended torsion axles if the trailer was going to be loaded at least 65% of the GAWR most the time, otherwise the leafs where a better option.

I think a TT will be over 65% load most of the time. CCC is typically less than a third of max. At least it is on the 20' ones.

The other potential issue with torsion axles is they require weigh to work. A torsion axle that is loaded lightly has very little give and rides much worse.

When shopping cargo trailers for my dad last summer we where talking with the trailer manufacturer and they only reccommended torsion axles if the trailer was going to be loaded at least 65% of the GAWR most the time, otherwise the leafs where a better option.

I didn't know anything about rubber torsion axles until now. I thought all trailers had leaf springs. I found some pictures of and can tell them apart now.

I looked at a couple of websites for trailers and it doesn't look like they discuss what type of axle or the weight specs of the axle the trailer has. How do you get this from the web?

Thanks again for all the info.

69 Avion wrote:

westend wrote:
If considering alike travel trailers, one having single axle and the other, a tandem set, I would choose the trailer that is built better. There is a lot unknown how a trailer will tow, regardless of axle count. Tandem axles will support more weight and for some, that is a great attribute. I have a 22' with tandem axles supporting 5K lbs. It tows like a train and stops adequately.

Even though I respect Avion69 quite a bit for his trailer building skills (and he's helped me a ton), I'd differ a bit on the ride quality of sprung axles over torsion bar for a small TT application. My current TT has two torsion axles with shocks (I've forgotten the ratings). It is the smoothest towing trailer I've owned (current count is 6). Part of that may be due to the low attitude but the torsion axles are a highway dream.

The issue isn't as much the ride as it is the stress when one rubber torsion axle has to carry most of the weight of the entire trailer when you hit a bump that is greater (or close to) the travel of the axle. When you hit a 6" speed bump and the axle only travels 5", one axle will carry the entire weight of the trailer for that bump. A leaf spring has an equalizer so you get the travel of the equalizer plus the travel of the leaf springs. If you aren't hitting large bumps, a rubber torsion tandem trailer should tow real nice and ride nice as well.
If I were picking the "ride" of an individual axle, I would pick the rubber torsion over the leaf spring. The other issue is lateral stress when cornering. It isn't real bad with tandem axles, but it can be tremendous with triple axles. Some rubber torsion axle manufacturers don't recommend their RT axles for triple axle configurations because that stress can pull the rubber swing arm right out of the axle tube.
They all have their positives and negatives. Most of the time a person doesn't get their choice when buying a trailer. Another down side of the rubber torsion axle is that the rubber is usually only good for about 25 years. Then it is time to buy a new axle because you can't replace the rubber. In many cases the TT needs a rebuild by that time anyway. A positive attribute to the rubber torsion axle is that it can be used as part of the structural integrity of the trailer frame and it is easier to install. A real nice positive attribute to the rubber torsion axle when using the Flexiride axle is that the torsion arm angle can be adjusted in about 30 minutes. That can come in real handy.

I'm always learning here, thanks.

westend wrote:
If considering alike travel trailers, one having single axle and the other, a tandem set, I would choose the trailer that is built better. There is a lot unknown how a trailer will tow, regardless of axle count. Tandem axles will support more weight and for some, that is a great attribute. I have a 22' with tandem axles supporting 5K lbs. It tows like a train and stops adequately.

Even though I respect Avion69 quite a bit for his trailer building skills (and he's helped me a ton), I'd differ a bit on the ride quality of sprung axles over torsion bar for a small TT application. My current TT has two torsion axles with shocks (I've forgotten the ratings). It is the smoothest towing trailer I've owned (current count is 6). Part of that may be due to the low attitude but the torsion axles are a highway dream.

The issue isn't as much the ride as it is the stress when one rubber torsion axle has to carry most of the weight of the entire trailer when you hit a bump that is greater (or close to) the travel of the axle. When you hit a 6" speed bump and the axle only travels 5", one axle will carry the entire weight of the trailer for that bump. A leaf spring has an equalizer so you get the travel of the equalizer plus the travel of the leaf springs. If you aren't hitting large bumps, a rubber torsion tandem trailer should tow real nice and ride nice as well.
If I were picking the "ride" of an individual axle, I would pick the rubber torsion over the leaf spring. The other issue is lateral stress when cornering. It isn't real bad with tandem axles, but it can be tremendous with triple axles. Some rubber torsion axle manufacturers don't recommend their RT axles for triple axle configurations because that stress can pull the rubber swing arm right out of the axle tube.
They all have their positives and negatives. Most of the time a person doesn't get their choice when buying a trailer. Another down side of the rubber torsion axle is that the rubber is usually only good for about 25 years. Then it is time to buy a new axle because you can't replace the rubber. In many cases the TT needs a rebuild by that time anyway. A positive attribute to the rubber torsion axle is that it can be used as part of the structural integrity of the trailer frame and it is easier to install. A real nice positive attribute to the rubber torsion axle when using the Flexiride axle is that the torsion arm angle can be adjusted in about 30 minutes. That can come in real handy.

Mine is 18ft and a 1982 and it's a tandem axel

Ever tow a single axle trailer and watch the tires? They spend a lot of time airborne, a lot more than most people realise. I wouldnt want that for a TT.

Personally I will only try to own tandem axle trailers, even if the GVWR is low. The simple tow so much nicer.

As far as most trailers under 23'being single axle I call BS. Very rare TT's are single axle. I have owned a 22' tandem axle, and been around many trailers under 23' that are tandem axle and maybe 1 single axle.

If considering alike travel trailers, one having single axle and the other, a tandem set, I would choose the trailer that is built better. There is a lot unknown how a trailer will tow, regardless of axle count. Tandem axles will support more weight and for some, that is a great attribute. I have a 22' with tandem axles supporting 5K lbs. It tows like a train and stops adequately.

Even though I respect Avion69 quite a bit for his trailer building skills (and he's helped me a ton), I'd differ a bit on the ride quality of sprung axles over torsion bar for a small TT application. My current TT has two torsion axles with shocks (I've forgotten the ratings). It is the smoothest towing trailer I've owned (current count is 6). Part of that may be due to the low attitude but the torsion axles are a highway dream.

I have a newly acquired 1991 prowler 19e. its got doubles and pulls fine. cant imagine it being nearly as friendly to tow on singles.

double axles increase the tolls.