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.

[johnnyrv]

two axles = more tolls. had both and prefer one axle. both tow ok

[colliehauler]

One thing with a single axle trailer you don't have tire scrubbing when turning sharp. On small TT with dual axle most of the time they had 13 inch tires where a single axle had 15 inch tires, on the ones I looked at.

[jerem0621]

I've had both a single axle (current) pop-up camper and a 32 ft dual axle TT. They both tow smoothly. Backing is not an issue with either one.

I heard that dual axle trailers ride smoother...can't say that they do as both of my trailers ride smooth. The maintenance is less than 1/2 the price on the single axle (less tires and they are smaller).

I've had a single axle utility trailer for years, never had a problem with bounce or sway on any of them.

IMHO...it's a non issue...buy the trailer you like and if it has two axles..so be it...if it has one..so be it.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Sunbird]

I had two 19' tandem axle trailers followed by two 17' single axle trailers. My experience is that with tandem axles you have twice as many tires to blow out.

17' and smaller are usually single axle. Bigger than that single axles are very rare. The manufacturers add the second axle to carry the additional weight. How big a trailer you want is a personal decision.

[tragusa3]

I found less than 1k payload on my single axle to be limiting. We also had a bearing failure in the desert and realized right there how stranded you can be with a single axle. Of course, some travel with a spare hub... come to think of it, I may travel with one even on my 2 axle trailer.

[Fisherman]

Like the majority has indicated, dual axle trailers float, single axle trailers tend to bounce more.

[SoundGuy]

rbpru wrote:
I would think the only reason the manufacturer would select one or two axles is because of its intended use.

I wouldn't count on it. Take a look at the specs for the current 2015 version of my own Freedom Express 192RBS - CCC a generous 2182 lbs ... friends of ours are about to take delivery of an almost identical trailer, a Starcraft Launch 21FBS - CCC a mere 1190 lbs even though both are double axle trailers. :E

The devil is in the details. :W

[rbpru]

I would think the only reason the manufacturer would select one or two axles is because of its intended use.

Two axles would usually indicate they expect more stuff to be hauled. The manufacturers are rarely accused of over designing a TT.

[SoundGuy]

samhain7 wrote:
Do you mind me Pm'ing you for more info. I'm just east of the smoke.

By all means! :B

[dadmomh]

Agree with Soundguy....our HTT 23SS, which was box only 20'+ had 2 axels, as does the 21SS. The 19 model, which was likely box about 16 or so had one axel only. One advantage of 1 axel over 2, for sure, is 2 less tires to buy when it's time.

[profdant139]

As a long-time single axle person, I would go with dual axles if they are available on the model you like. The cons are extra cost (so what?) and a loss of some storage space (because of the extra wheel well). The biggest pro is safety -- a blowout on a single axle can be very serious, while on a dual axle trailer it is not a big deal.

I would also think that when towing in mud or sand, a trailer with four wheels would "float" on top and would not dig in, the way a two-wheeler would.

But they don't make a dual axle in the model we wanted, so here we are with one axle. Life is a series of compromises.

[samhain7]

Do you mind me Pm'ing you for more info. I'm just east of the smoke.

[SoundGuy]

SoundGuy wrote:
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

samhain7 wrote:
Not to hijack this thread, but Soundguy....I just spent the better part of an hour going over your trailer album. That is the most tricked out trailer I have ever seen!!!!!

Ha Ha! Thanks ... but these are just ideas that have worked for me, tried and tested over the years with a variety of campers from popups to a hybrid and travel trailers. Believe me, there have been quite a few I tried that didn't work out so well! The intent has never been "trick out" any camper for the sake of it ('though my wife would probably disagree :W ), just make things a bit easier when we're camping. We're just west of The Big Smoke.

[SkiMore]

Thanks for all the information. I kinda figured 2 axles was better. I guess it must add some weight and cost. I think I will try to go that route.

Samhain7: Thanks for mentioning SoundGuys album. Lots of good stuff there.

[samhain7]

SoundGuy wrote:

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

Not to hijack this thread, but Soundguy....I just spent the better part of an hour going over your trailer album. That is the most tricked out trailer I have ever seen!!!!!
Where exactly in Ontario are you and how much do you charge for consulting!!! 😉