Community Forums

CCFROMFL · 01-30-2018, 03:02 PM

On a travel trailer does a dual axle set up track better and a single axle. Also, what about sway.

BFlinn181 · 01-30-2018, 03:17 PM

Two axles are going to give a better ride because of the suspension design. Tracking is also better than a single axle because you've got two tires on each side to help keep everything rolling straight.

60sumtin · 01-30-2018, 03:19 PM

Yes two are better than one for both reasons.

TonyMac · 01-30-2018, 03:25 PM

Tandem axels want to go straight, the tires will scuff as they turn. Sway is common on poorly loaded tandem axels, you can read a lot of threads herein about that. More than anything, tandem axels just carry more weight. You still need to deal with sway by loading correctly, 10-15% of trailer weight on the tongue. Weight distributing hitches can help, and sway control devices help. But proper loading is essential.

wingnut60 · 01-31-2018, 03:54 AM

I would think sway would be even more common on a poorly-loaded single axle unit....

Reevesfamily · 01-31-2018, 08:24 PM

In my opinion, sway is better controlled with 2 axles. However sway is also a function of loading, speed, and driving ability. Improper tongue weight, too much speed, and distracted driving all contribute to the issue-speed being probably the difference between a recovery and an accident. All three factors are big deals.

BFlinn181 · 01-31-2018, 08:29 PM

Everyone, including me, have weighed in on 2 axles vs 1 axle. No one has addressed the OP's question about 4 axles. How about 3 axles?

L.C.Gray · 02-01-2018, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Everyone, including me, have weighed in on 2 axles vs 1 axle. No one has addressed the OP's question about 4 axles. How about 3 axles?

If the OP has a 4 axle TT, the weight police are going to have a field day with his tow vehicle selection...

**Spdracr39** · 02-06-2018, 10:46 AM

My concern with any single axle trailer is a blowout. A single flat can cause a loss of control or a single bearing issue and you are doomed. On a dual axle you could chain the axle up and make it to the next town if necessary. Generally the number of axles is determined by the GVWR of the trailer so it isn't something you can decide to order as an option. It either is or it isn't single or dual.