Help from people who use bumper pull trailers

[dpgllg]

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

[wnjj]

BB_TX wrote:
Even my 12’ utility trailer has axles with brake mount flanges. On my list of things to do.

I used R&P carriages for my brake kit in case you need a source.

[Optimistic_Para]

And AFAIK if you cross into another state, THEIR laws control, not the state your trailer is registered in. In NY, anything over 1,000 lbs needs brakes. Here's the different laws:

https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/

[Boomerweps]

In PA, GTWR of 3,000# & up require trailer brakes. You will have 3.5k axle for that size trailer without brakes. So, 12x6 or 7' will weigh about 1200# empty or more leaving you 1800 legal cargo capacity maximum to work with. Spare tire weigh comes out of that since spare tires are options on cargo trailers.
I had a 10x6x6 enclosed cargo trailer, single axle, no brakes. I used to have it max loaded with band and sound gear and it would push my Ford Expedition around at stop lights!
With the much better weight capacity and having brakes considered, I strongly recommend a tandem axle version. IMHO, anything over 10' NEEDS brakes.
When shopping for cargo trailers, keep in mind the advertised size is the EXTERNAL box dimensions. And different makers will have different interior dimensions even with the same basic sizing. On my little 8.5x4x4, I can fit a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood only if it's tilted. However, it was still 3" bigger interior width than the other common local brand.

[DutchmenSport]

The question about single or tandem axles should be driven based on what you are planning to haul. Find out the load rating of the single axle trailer and see if it has enough payload to accommodate your heaviest needs in the future. Otherwise, get the tandem axle which can carry more weight.

About backing up single vs tandem? With a 2500 silverado, you will not notice anything different between a single and a tandem. However, if you plan to move the trailer by hand, tandem axle trailers, even very well balanced trailers that have a tongue weight light enough you can reasonably lift by hand, will still be difficult to turn. Whereas a single axle of the same weight and length is very easy to turn by hand because it's pivoting on only 1 tire instead of 2.

I have a 10 x 6 foot bed open utility trailer with a single axle. I keep a tongue wheel on the tongue jack and moving the thing around by hand (on my aslphalt drive way) is extremely easy. However, it it had tandem axles, I know it would be much harder to turn it, due to simple friction on the 2nd set of tires.

Basically, the single vs tandem axle question should be driving based on your anticipated load weight, not how convenient or inconvenient it may be to navigate by hand.

[BB_TX]

Even my 12’ utility trailer has axles with brake mount flanges. On my list of things to do.

[KM_Rolling]

I currently have 3 flatbed trailers. 2 single axle 1 double. None have electric brakes. And in tens of thousands of miles towing them have never wished I had them either.

If you're not pulling enough weight to warrant a double axle, I don't see where you would need trailer brakes given your TV.

Like stated, double axle is nice in case of a flat. In over 30 years pulling trailers I've had one flat, and it was on a double axle. Made things much easier on the side of the interstate.

Backing up makes not difference to me on double or single. The longer the trailer, the easier to back up.

[coolmom42]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.