Single Axle vs Dual Axle Trailers

So, you’re in the market for a trailer, but the sea of options is making your head spin.

You sift through jargon like “deckover” and “GVWR,” article after article, one sales pitch to the next. Lucky for you, you’ve come across Mid State Trailers. Our bottom line is to make sure your hauling needs are met, not to oversell you on equipment that’s overkill for your unique use case. It doesn’t matter if you’re a hobbyist working on the next big project, a small business owner treading your own path, or an outdoor enthusiast embarking on your latest cross-country adventure: we have you covered.

Let’s break it down, shall we?

Among the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for a single-axle or a dual-axle trailer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between these two types of trailers and help you understand how they impact your hauling experience so that you can find the one that’s right for you.

The Basics: Understanding Trailer Axles

Before we delve into the specifics of single and dual axles, it’s important to know the function of axles in your trailer. Think of axles as a trailer’s backbone–they bear the weight of both the trailer and its cargo, ensuring a safe and smooth journey. Axles consist of a central beam around which the wheels are attached, and they come in various weight capacities, such as a “5000 lb trailer axle,” for example.

Single-Axle Trailers: Simplicity and Maneuverability

Let’s start with single-axle trailers. As the name suggests, these trailers have only one axle, which means they’re equipped with a single set of wheels. The simplicity of this design has its perks, especially if you’re in the business of towing lighter loads. Single-axle trailers are generally lighter, making them easier on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, and therefore your wallet.

Advantages of Single Axle Trailers

Maneuverability is another perk of single-axle trailers. They boast a tighter turning radius, making navigation through narrow spaces, busy streets, and tight corners simpler. If you’re a solo traveler, a craft hobbyist, or a small business owner in an industry such as landscaping who needs to transfer lightweight tools and equipment between job sites, a single-axle trailer could be an excellent fit.

However, it’s essential to note that single-axle trailers do have limitations when it comes to load capacity. They might not be the best choice for transporting bulky or heavy cargo due to the weight constraints of a single axle. If that sounds familiar to your use case, you may want to turn your head in the direction of a dual-axle.

 

Dual-Axle Trailers: Stability and Increased Payload

Now, let’s shift our attention to dual-axle trailers, also known as tandem-axle trailers. These trailers are equipped with two axles and four wheels, distributing the weight of the trailer and its contents more evenly. This setup offers several advantages that cater to those hauling heavier loads.

The increased weight-bearing capacity of dual-axle trailers can be a game-changer, depending on your use case. Thanks to the extra axle, these trailers can handle a higher payload compared to their single-axle counterparts. If you’re planning to transport larger items, such as furniture, construction materials, or vehicles, a dual-axle trailer is likely the way to go. After all, fewer trips made possible by higher capacity can save more than a few bucks; heaven knows gas prices will never be as forgiving as they may have been in your youth.

 

Dual axle trailers also provide a higher level of safety should a tire ever go soft or flat.  One of the rules of  safe trailer travel is to check your tires and tire pressure before every trip. The reason is clear – a trailer with a flat tire will sway and wobble creating a very dangerous situation, especially with heavier loads and at higher speeds. Having dual wheels on each side of the trailer can add a critical, redundant layer of safety when one tires goes flat.

Does Axle Type Correspond to Certain Trailer Types?

Absolutely! The choice between a single-axle and dual-axle trailer often aligns with the type of trailer you’re looking for and the intended purpose of your hauling needs. Two common trailer types and their typical axle configurations are as follows:

  1. Flatbed “Deckover” Trailers: Flatbed trailers are versatile workhorses used for transporting all sorts of goods, from equipment to building materials, with the added benefit of rear and side loading/unloading. Single-axle flatbed trailers are excellent for lighter loads, like landscaping tools, small appliances, and low volumes of raw material. On the other hand, dual-axle flatbed trailers shine when you’re dealing with bulkier cargo, such as lumber, machinery, or even multiple vehicles.
  • Gooseneck Trailers: Gooseneck trailers, often used for heavy-duty applications, benefit greatly from dual axles. These trailers attach to a hitch in the bed of a pickup truck (rather than the bumper), distributing the load’s weight over both the truck and trailer axles. The added stability of dual axles ensures a smoother ride and minimizes the strain on your towing vehicle, though they are not compatible with every vehicle. Goosenecks are your go-to for towing large loads of up to 38,500 lbs over long distances.

Matching Your Needs: Which Axle Type Should You Choose?

Ultimately, deciding between a single-axle and a dual-axle trailer boils down to your specific use case. Consider these factors to help you make an informed choice:

  1. Cargo Weight: If you’re mainly hauling lightweight items or recreational gear, a single-axle trailer might suffice. For heavy cargo, dual axles provide the necessary stability and payload capacity.
  2. Maneuverability vs. Stability: Are you maneuvering through urban streets or towing long distances on highways? Single-axle trailers are more agile, while dual-axle trailers offer enhanced stability for highway journeys.
  3. Frequency of Use: If you’re an occasional hauler, a single-axle trailer could be a budget-friendly option. However, if hauling is a regular part of your personal life or business, investing in a dual-axle trailer might be a wiser long-term choice. While it may cost more upfront, getting matched with the right equipment is essential to saving costs in the long run.
  4. Future Growth: Consider your potential future needs. If you anticipate taking on larger loads in the future, a dual-axle trailer provides room for expansion without needing to upgrade.

Choosing between a single-axle and a dual-axle trailer involves weighing your cargo, hauling needs, and the type of trailer you require. To reiterate, single-axle trailers offer simplicity and maneuverability for lighter loads, while dual-axle trailers provide stability and increased payload capacity, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. Our team at Mid State Trailers understand the importance of this decision, so we want you to be able to confidently select the right trailer axle configuration that will make your hauling experience smooth and efficient, whether you’re cruising with one axle or rolling with two. If you would like a quote or have any questions about our trailers, give our friendly trailer experts a call at (336) 857-2888!

Mid State Trailers
6542 NC HWY 47
DENTON, NC 27239

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