Question for the experts....If you have two enclosed trailers, the SAME size 6x12.single axle, and the other tandem axle, loaded with the SAME load.....Which trailer would have the LESS tongue weight?I understand that a Tandem can carry more weight, however I am not trying to do that. I am hoping that if I upgrade from a single axle to tandem (carrying motorcycles) That I will be able to lessen my tongue weight. right now I am at 440 lbs and will be using a 18" hitch extension. (the tow vehicle is a 3500, hitch rating not a issue).And I do not want to convert to a super hitchthanks in advance

Tongue weight is something YOU set by placing the load. Main rule of putting more on front of the trailer is to avoid sway. Dual axle will give you less sway, so you might get away with tongue with minimal load, while single axle trailers loaded in the rear are accident waiting to happen

Move the bikes a slight amount back and see what that does for your tongue weight. 440 seems a little high unless you have quite a large number of bikes. What is the tongue weight empty?

jimh425 wrote:Move the bikes a slight amount back and see what that does for your tongue weight. 440 seems a little high unless you have quite a large number of bikes. What is the tongue weight empty?that is the problem...I am carrying 3 bikes...2 dual sports (295 lbs each)...and a bigger bike (400 lbs)...there is no room to play with..I did put the heavy bike in the back and turned around one of the small ones to put more weight backwards....before I go out and buy another trailer I am curious if anyone has any experience with a tandem...WITH THE SAME LOAD...having less tongue weight.

The chart on this page says the double has a higher tongue weight for 6x12. I suppose it could make sense if the frame is heavier.http://www.southerntrailerdepot.com/features/trailer-weights

I did tow 18k equipement trailer with triple axle. Pintle hook not giving any stability, yet no sway issue, unless I loaded 12,000 lb bulldozer with blade facing front.For some reason the air flow did make the difference.

Tongue weight | Good Sam Community

jimh406
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2017
The chart on this page says the double has a higher tongue weight for 6x12. I suppose it could make sense if the frame is heavier.

http://www.southerntrailerdepot.com/features/trailer-weights
rastaman33609
Explorer
Jul 19, 2017
jimh425 wrote:
Move the bikes a slight amount back and see what that does for your tongue weight. 440 seems a little high unless you have quite a large number of bikes. What is the tongue weight empty?

that is the problem...I am carrying 3 bikes...2 dual sports (295 lbs each)...and a bigger bike (400 lbs)...there is no room to play with..
I did put the heavy bike in the back and turned around one of the small ones to put more weight backwards....

before I go out and buy another trailer I am curious if anyone has any experience with a tandem...WITH THE SAME LOAD...having less tongue weight.
jimh406
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2017
Move the bikes a slight amount back and see what that does for your tongue weight. 440 seems a little high unless you have quite a large number of bikes. What is the tongue weight empty?
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2017
Tongue weight is something YOU set by placing the load.
Main rule of putting more on front of the trailer is to avoid sway.
Dual axle will give you less sway, so you might get away with tongue with minimal load, while single axle trailers loaded in the rear are accident waiting to happen

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