Single-axle and dual-axle trailers offer various benefits depending on which kind of travel trailer you prefer. The difference between single and dual-axles includes weight capacity, size, length and braking, among other distinctions. To choose a trailer that fits your needs, consider each axle’s benefits, pros and cons.
The short answer is that a single-axle trailer has one axle on each end of the wheel, while a dual-axle trailer has two axles placed close together to distribute weight safely. Single-axle trailers often come in smaller sizes and are relatively easy to handle, while dual-axle trailers are larger and can carry more weight and passengers.
Axles play an essential role in braking and steering the trailer. With a rod that fits onto the wheels attached to the vehicle, axles ensure the wheels align correctly and hold up the vehicle’s weight. The size, type or number of axles often determine how much weight the trailer can handle and the vehicle’s load capacity.
Some types of axles include the following.
Though you’ll see many of these axles in various vehicle applications, spring and torsion axles are the most common axles found in travel trailers.
Spring axles use a flat spring in proportion to the trailer’s load. Placing springs over or underneath the axle can lower the trailer’s height. Spring axles often give the trailer improved stability and detach quickly, making maintenance and repair easier. While cheaper than torsion axles, spring axles can be safe and effective.
Torsion axles have long rubber cords inside a tube, attached to an inner piece. The core piece connects to the torsion arms without metal-to-metal contact and produces a quieter axle. These kinds of axles often do not require as much maintenance besides regular lubrication of the wheel bearings.
The differences between a single-axle and dual-axle trailer depend on your size preferences, load abilities, parking needs, budget and towing requirements, among many others. Look at the number of people you plan to travel with or your fuel budget or towing vehicle capacities. However you plan to travel, the many differences between a single-axle or dual-axle trailer can tell you what trailer will fit your needs.
Try considering these areas to understand which trailer you want.
To compare single-axle and double-axle travel trailers, you will want to look at each type’s weight, tires, smoothness and resale value. By comparing and contrasting the various pros and cons of each trailer, you may be better informed to make your final decision.
Consider how much food and supplies you want to bring on your trip. Some trailers can handle more weight than others, and you may also need extra room for more passengers. Weight distribution is another essential factor. A single-axle trailer may not have the best weight distribution, while a dual-axle trailer comes with special axles that help distribute extra weight. Dual-axles may make for better rides on back roads and a steadier drive.
The number and abilities of the trailer tires should be another comparison you look at. Dual-axle trailers often come with extra tires that assist you if a tire blows out. Single-axle trailers may not come with spare tires, but their compact nature ensures less tire maintenance overall.
Ride smoothness is a primary consideration for trailer owners. While there is not much difference between the smoothness of each kind of trailer, you’ll want to find one with less bounce, sway or roughness.
If you plan to sell your trailer after a few years, you may want to consider the value of single-axle or double-axle trailers over time. Consider investing in a new trailer that will hold its value. You can even make additional upgrades or changes to enhance the vehicle and make more money once you’ve decided to sell.
There are many advantages of investing in a single-axle trailer.
You should carefully consider the potential drawbacks of single-axle trailers before purchasing a new one. While the benefits may outweigh the downsides, you’ll want to be completely informed.
Many customers appreciate dual-axle trailers for their large size and ability to handle a high number of people and supplies. Dual-axle trailers also have several benefits besides size and weight capacity.
While dual-axle travel trailers come with various helpful features and essential benefits, every customer should consider these potential drawbacks.
A travel trailer’s weight capacity is one of the best ways to find the correct choice for your needs. Often, a single-axel trailer’s weight limits don’t have the flexibility for higher demands and are much better suited for lighter supplies and fewer passengers. On the other hand, double-axle trailers can handle heavy weights and more passengers.
Depending on how many people you plan to travel with and how much you are willing to tow, either trailer may be a good decision. It all hinges on how much you want the trailer to carry, as an overloaded trailer could result in an accident. To determine which type of trailer to use, you’ll want to look closely at gross combined weight, tongue weight and hitches.
A vehicle’s gross combined weight includes the total weight the trailer can handle. It can be imperative when choosing a trailer that can fit your supplies and passengers. To calculate the GCW, add the towing vehicle’s weight and the weight of the luggage, occupants and fully loaded trailer. Compare this number to the manufacturer’s GCW rating to see if the weight capacity is within a safe range. If the number is below the GCW rating, the size of the trailer is right for you, but if it is above the rating, you may want to consider a larger trailer.
Another factor to consider is tongue weight, which measures the weight on the hitch. Try to have the least amount of weight resting on the hitch as possible, as a high tongue weight could cause the joint to sway or negatively impact steering. The calculations may look different depending on whether you want a single or dual-axle trailer. You may have to purchase a tongue-weight scale for a dual-axle trailer.
Besides finding your trailer’s proper weight capacity, ensure you have correctly sized hitch balls. The size should correspond to the trailer’s size and length. While smaller trailers may use a smaller hitch, a large trailer often needs a special hitch to fit the size, as an ill-fitting hitch ball may accidentally detach while driving.
At Big Tex Trailer World, our company offers incredible service and assistance finding trailers and trailer parts. We’ll help you find the best trailer to fit your needs and offer advice and support before, during and after the sale. While our company will never pressure you to buy a part you don’t want, we can service your brand and type of trailer whenever you need it.
Big Tex Trailer World has one of the largest parts and accessories selections, allowing our company to offer excellent customer service and commitment to unmatched inventory. Contact us today to speak to a Big Tex representative, or call us at 888-885-1005.
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