Dual axle vs triple axle

[bluwtrman]

I've narrowed my purchase options down to 2 models of one brand. Either the Momentum 350M or 376TH. There's just over a foot of length difference between the two. A big difference to me is the 350 is dual axle and the 376 is triple. Understanding there's also a weight difference, how much consideration should I give to the extra axle. I'm thinking about additional maintenance/repair as well as extra wear & tear from simply turning the trailer on 6 wheels versus 4.
What are the group's thoughts and recommendations to a newbie?

[momentum_rv]

Those two trailers have totally different "garage" capabilities and floor plans. If I were you I would carefully consider what you may want to put in the garage in the future (far more restrictive in the 376TH) and the floor plan, before worrying about the number of axles.

[Bumpyroad]

fj12ryder wrote:
Ah, another reason to prefer duals over triples: higher tolls for that extra axle. Honestly I don't see the reason for a triple axle if the weight can be handled by two axles. You hardly see any heavy regular 5th wheels with triple axles anymore, most are two 8,000 lb. axles if they need the carrying capacity.

"Don't try and justify not doing it, extra axle helps in many ways." Please explain how an extra axle helps if two axles can carry the weight? I'm not referring to an over-40 foot trailer, just say, a 38 foot trailer.

I'm starting to get the same old feeling that ego enters in here, rather than necessity. Of course if you NEED the carrying capacity of 3 axles get them, if not why?
bumpy

[Carlos___Ranae]

It's all about weight and maneuvering. If you are going to travel fully loaded (gas, water, toys and more toys) then go with the triple axle. While at it, if you are going to travel rough roads and maneuver into tight spots, get some decent tires like Sailuns 637. The stress of turning on a dime is tremendous on the side of the tires.

Safe traveling,

[fj12ryder]

lincster wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
Ah, another reason to prefer duals over triples: higher tolls for that extra axle. Honestly I don't see the reason for a triple axle if the weight can be handled by two axles. You hardly see any heavy regular 5th wheels with triple axles anymore, most are two 8,000 lb. axles if they need the carrying capacity.

"Don't try and justify not doing it, extra axle helps in many ways." Please explain how an extra axle helps if two axles can carry the weight? I'm not referring to an over-40 foot trailer, just say, a 38 foot trailer.

After you comment about trying to compare semis to toy haulers..... I'm not going to try and explain anything to you.

Thank you, that's much appreciated.

[lincster]

fj12ryder wrote:
Ah, another reason to prefer duals over triples: higher tolls for that extra axle. Honestly I don't see the reason for a triple axle if the weight can be handled by two axles. You hardly see any heavy regular 5th wheels with triple axles anymore, most are two 8,000 lb. axles if they need the carrying capacity.

"Don't try and justify not doing it, extra axle helps in many ways." Please explain how an extra axle helps if two axles can carry the weight? I'm not referring to an over-40 foot trailer, just say, a 38 foot trailer.

After you comment about trying to compare semis to toy haulers..... I'm not going to try and explain anything to you.

[crazybanshee]

It is not so much as a double verses triple axle trailer but do you have the right truck to pull the 376 with a GVWR of 20,000lbs

[ORbiker]

bluwtrman wrote:
I've narrowed my purchase options down to 2 models of one brand. Either the Momentum 350M or 376TH. There's just over a foot of length difference between the two. A big difference to me is the 350 is dual axle and the 376 is triple. Understanding there's also a weight difference, how much consideration should I give to the extra axle. I'm thinking about additional maintenance/repair as well as extra wear & tear from simply turning the trailer on 6 wheels versus 4.
What are the group's thoughts and recommendations to a newbie?

I have a 2016 GD 380TH. I load a Victory XCT into it sometimes. It's a big bike and the ramp is steep. The ramp into the 376 is lower, so not so steep. Food for thought.

And the living room is pretty d--- nice.

[drmopar]

I have both a dual and triple axle trailers. The tri-axle is a lot better. The wider support on the frame makes a huge difference, since this is supporting your load. Way less flex and better support. Extra brakes are really nice. Who cares about tire costs when you have all the other benefits. Blow a tire?-you can still go down the road. Extra braking? And I had to do a panic stop, and the 6 brakes saved my ass. Tracks better in high winds, less stress on springs, shackles, tires, smoother ride. The interior also benefits, as the movement is not that severe. Just my experience and not my 2 cents worth.

[joebedford]

Tons of trouble with my old tandem axle toy hauler. All the load ratings looked good but serious stuff kept breaking (springs, hangers, tires, axles, etc).

Number one requirement on my list for a new toy hauler was that it be triple-axle. Had it for 6 years - ZERO problems. I don't regret my decision.

Maintenance? Grease the bearings once a year, check the brakes and tire pressures. No biggy.

[lawnspecialties]

Good grief.
Chevy, Ram, Ford
SRW vs. DRW
5er vs. TT
Diesel vs. Gas

Now we gotta throw in triple vs. double axles?

[JIMNLIN]

I've towed several of each tandem....and triaxle....and tandem dual axle trailers up to 42' in my hauling business.
Things I like about a tri axle is straight line tracking over my tandem axle trailers when fully loaded or on a reload run and the best is superior braking (3 axles vs two).
Most on the triaxles I had were with 6k and 7k axle. My favorite was a 21k GN with 7k axles and would out brake both tandem dual 11k axle trailers I had in service , empty or fully loaded.

[fj12ryder]

Ah, another reason to prefer duals over triples: higher tolls for that extra axle. Honestly I don't see the reason for a triple axle if the weight can be handled by two axles. You hardly see any heavy regular 5th wheels with triple axles anymore, most are two 8,000 lb. axles if they need the carrying capacity.

"Don't try and justify not doing it, extra axle helps in many ways." Please explain how an extra axle helps if two axles can carry the weight? I'm not referring to an over-40 foot trailer, just say, a 38 foot trailer.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

fj12ryder wrote:
My thought would be that if triple axles were so great, they'd be on all the semis. I would take a double in a hearbeat.

Explain that statement pliz.

Apples and oranges!

*If* you mean a class 8 HDT *Tractor* it has *tandem* rear wheels, for a total of eight (unless it's running "Super Singles" - then there would be four rear wheels).

An HDT would normally pull a trailer up to 80 thousand pounds.
The majority of the loaded trailer is "shared" by the tandem wheels of the tractor and the dual wheels (4) at the rear of the trailer.

BTW -
Another two axle vs three consideration (CA only).
For CA - the driver towing a "bumper pull" trailer (not a 5th wheel) over 10K GVWR requires a Class A Non-commercial license.
(*Usually* 2-axle TH's are under 10K)

5th wheel from 10K to 15K requires a special endorsement (written test only), above 15K requires the Class A Non-commercial DL. (Written and driving test).
Almost ALL 3-axle trailers will be over 10K and the driver needs a Non-com Class A.

Hint:
The CHP monitors off-road areas (especially the dunes) and checks for appropriate DLs.
Also - easy opportunity to check for driver's who have had too much liquid "fun" during their of-road "adventures".

[fj12ryder]

My thought would be that if triple axles were so great, they'd be on all the semis. I would take a double in a hearbeat.

[lincster]

Triple all the way.
I have towed my trailer for 12 years.
Never had tire scrub or anything like that.
Wheel bearings every other year, so I have 2 extra, big deal.
Don't try and justify not doing it, extra axle helps in many ways.