Do You Want a Single- or Tandem-Axle Trailer?
Trailers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, types, and more, providing you with hundreds of different options that range from hauling large vehicles to just hauling a couch on moving day. One of the many decisions you’ll want to make to narrow down your options is whether you want a single- or a tandem-axle trailer. We here at Lone Star Trailers want to help smooth out your search for the perfect trailer, so we’ve put together a brief comparison between these two options, below. To learn more, or to see the trailers we have for sale, contact our store in Lacy Lakeview, Texas, today!
Single-Axle Trailers
When we call a trailer “single-axle,” it means just what it sounds like. These have one axle anchored to two tires, often placed at or just behind the midway point between the trailer’s front and rear. It’s designed to use the hitch point and two tires to maintain its balance on the road.
Pros
- Affordable. These trailers simply use fewer materials than the tandem-axle version, meaning you save money up front.
- Maintenance. Because there are fewer moving parts, maintaining your trailer is simpler and cheaper, saving you money in the long run.
- Maneuverability. With a single axle, these trailers tend to be more agile, particularly in small spaces.
Cons
- Stability. With only two tires and the hitch for balance, each point takes on more weight and momentum at high speeds, requiring more careful driving.
- Wear and tear. Over time, because more weight is being put on fewer components, these trailers experience more wear and tear.
- Weight limits. Both of the above cons means single-axle trailers can’t and shouldn’t carry as much weight, requiring more trips if you have a lot of cargo to move.
Tandem-Axle Trailers
Also called double-axle trailers, these rigs have two separate axles with two tires each, providing four tires in total. These are typically placed close to one another either at the back of the trailer or just behind the midway point.
Pros
- Stability. With more points of contact, these trailers are less prone to trailer sway and stay stable at higher speeds.
- Weight limits. More points of contact means less weight being placed on each, so tandem-axle trailers can handle more weight.
- Brakes. These trailers also come equipped with their own brakes, giving you more stopping power and helping to prevent instability while braking.
Cons
- Cost. These trailers are more expensive up-front due to the extra material of the second axle and braking mechanisms.
- Weight. The extra material also means the trailer weighs more, requiring a more powerful tow vehicle.
- Maneuverability. Tandem-axle options are also less maneuverable than their single-axle counterparts.
In the end, it all depends on which advantages matter most for your specific needs. If you have any questions, or you’re just ready to see the single- and tandem-axle trailers we have available, contact us at Lone Star Trailers. We proudly serve Waco and Temple, Texas—let us serve you today!