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Single or Tandem Axle Utility Trailer

Discussion in 'Towing' started by AMarkham40, Apr 2, 2017.

  1. Apr 2, 2017 at 2:08 PM
    #1
    AMarkham40

    AMarkham40 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Roanoke, Virginia
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    2014 MGM DCSB TRD O/R
    Looking to purchase my first trailer. I'm not sure if I should get a single or tandem axle. It will only occasionally be used to haul my 61" zero turn & a load of mulch or rock when landscaping around the house. A single axle is probably all I need but I know a tandem rides a lot better plus you have the advantage of trailer brakes. I have a 2014 TRD Off-Road with tow package. Thanks for any advice.
     
  2. Apr 3, 2017 at 4:42 AM
    #2
    Skidog1

    Skidog1 Well-Known Member

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    I vote for the single axle. Easy to move by hand20160409_103516.jpg . Lighter to pull. You are unlikely to pull anything over 3500 lbs.
     
    Keep on Truckin' likes this.
  3. Apr 3, 2017 at 5:29 AM
    #3
    neilbedwell

    neilbedwell Well-Known Member

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    Deep in the hills of Eastern KY
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    I have both - a really well built 16ft tandem axle trailer with brakes and a 5x8 tractor supply el-cheapo that I had to re-floor and rewire.

    Which one do I use consistently? Well, oddly enough it's the 5x8.

    I have to use my tractor to move the tandem axle trailer around the property and get it ready to hook up. That makes hooking up and using it a much more time consuming project. I use an atv to lug around the small trailer (or pull it around by hand) and it's just so much easier to work with so it gets used the most.

    That said, if I'm going a long way or hauling something long/heavy, the tandem trailer is just so much smoother. It's heavy but it's a lot smoother. If I'm pulling both atv's around, I definitely use the tandem - for one because it rides better and secondly because if I blow a tire or have an issue it's far less of an "event" when there are 4 wheels instead of 2. No offense Skidog, but I wouldn't haul $10K+ worth of ATVs on a single axle trailer like that. If you have a blowout, the chances of the trailer flipping over are much higher. Not worth the risk for me.

    All depends on how you intend to use it. Good luck.
     
  4. May 11, 2017 at 4:09 AM
    #4
    jake72

    jake72 Well-Known Member

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    N.E. PA
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    2019 trd off-road dcsb mt
    Single axel aluma hd trailer. They are heavy solid trailer and don't bounce at all empty. I have the 7712h tilt and is a really nice trailer.
     
  5. May 14, 2017 at 9:20 AM
    #5
    Kaerntner

    Kaerntner Well-Known Member

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    You can get brakes for a single axle.WHY?This truck is more then capable of stopping your trailer.Single axle 4000#?Twin axles weight rating usually around 7000#?Increase your following distance.Read and DON'T rely on trailer brakes
     
  6. May 14, 2017 at 9:24 AM
    #6
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Jandy
    Lancaster, PA
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    The axles of a trailer kinda determines the load rating of the trailer. So... even with a single axle, you'll want to check the 'rating' of that axle itself.

    For example - I've owned a dual axle trailer. Each axle was rated for 3500lbs. With two of them, the trailer was rated for 7,000lbs.

    Not all axles are the same or have the same hardware. Whatever your NEEDS are in terms of load - match up your trailer & axles to handle it.
     

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