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

[SkiMore]

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.

[JIMNLIN]

I bought a 14' single axle cargo trailer some years ago as a tool trailer that ran between job sites.
Made one trip from Tulsa, OK to Lubbock TX and back. Never did get the balance right for a nice smooth tow or braking even with the one ton truck.
Traded it for a 14' tandem axle cargo hauler.
Huge improvement.
Pros....4 brakes
...much much better ride and far better handling
Cons.....wasn't any.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28306632.cfm
This guy says;
***After we purchased or single axle TT, I now wish I had purchased a double axle. ***

[fireman41]

Don't have to worry about tires scuffing when making a had trun.

[alcaracu]

we have a 17 ft hi lo about 3200 lbs loaded with a single axle. have towed all over with it and don't mind it at all. actually when it comes time to do me yearly maintenance on the bearings, brakes or replacing tires I rather enjoy my one axle. also I did have a blowout at freeway speeds and no problem with handling the trailer.

[NanciL]

My prior trailer an 18 footer had two, and the one I have now which is a 25 footer has two.

Last month coming home on I-95 going 65 MPh I had a blow out on one of the trailer wheels. All I heard was a pop, and the trailer never even swerved.
I don't think I would have been as lucky if I only had one axle!

If it was me, I would get the trailer with two axles

Another time I had a flat and was able to tow the trailer for five miles on three wheels, and the only problem was it ruined the tire that was flat

Jack L

[You_can_t_take_]

I've had both. I would not buy a single axle again. Less stability, less load capacity, more prone to sway... the list is endless....................

[colliehauler]

I know it is more difficult to back a single axle trailer.

[spike99]

Like a few, I had a previous 19ft TT with 2 x axles. IMO, get TT with 2 x axles. More brakes, smoother ride, less risk of damage from tire blow out, etc, etc. I never regretted my previous 2 x axle TT trailer. I have a 6x10 utility trailer with 1 x axle (3,500 lbs). Knowing what I know today, I should have bought this same size utility trailer with 2 x axles. Lesson learned for my future utility trailer buy. IMO, 2 x axle trailers are much better than 1 x axle trailers (within same 3,500 lbs range).

[SoundGuy]

the bear II wrote:
You normally don't see two axles on anything under 23ft.

As one who owns a 19' dual axle trailer I can tell you there are all sorts of sub 23' models from many manufacturers with dual axles, my own Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS being one of them. While some manufacturers do still skimp on axle ratings Coachmen in my case didn't as my FE has a substantial CCC exceeding a ton whereas similar models from other manufacturers can be half that. Personally, I'd not want another single axle trailer (as were our popups) as they're too quick to turn when backing up and don't offer the cargo carrying capacity I have with my dual axle. That said, it seems to me the OP's question is redundant anyway since any 22' trailer (the length he's talking about) that has a dry weight of 3500 lbs will by definition weigh much more than that loaded & ready to camp, more likely close to 4500 lbs, in which case it's unlikely he'll find a single axle in that size anyway.

[Sandia_Man]

I would choose two axles over just one for a couple of reasons, but single axle trailers have been around forever and there are no real issues with going that route. For that size TT either set-up will perform well.

[the_bear_II]

Two axles increase the load capacity. You normally don't see two axles on anything under 23ft. Some shorter toy hauler models will have two axles.

Only real difference is capacity on the plus side. Stability, more stuff, more brakes, more tire contact patch...etc.

On the negative side more maintenance...4 tires/ 4 brakes/ 4 springs.