The Great Debate: Single Axle Trailers or Tandem Axle Trailers – Which One is Right for You?
August 28, 2023 by Kyle McFarlaneAre you in the market for a trailer to transport goods but not sure whether a single-axle or tandem-axle trailer is best suited for your needs?
Over the years, there has been much debate over which type of trailer offers more advantages. In this blog post, we’ll be weighing up the pros and cons of both types of trailers so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you – be it as a homeowner looking to move furniture, an agricultural business transporting produce or large livestock farmer hauling hay bales. Learn all about how single-axle and tandem-axle trailers compare!
What are Some Pros and Cons
What is a tandem axle trailer? Quite simply, a tandem axle trailer has two axles close together working in tandem. The extra axle is the obvious benefit of the trailer over single axle options. With an extra axle, tandem trailers can carry heavier loads than single-axle options and offer higher payload capacities.
This also means the trailer has an extra set of wheels — this is the giveaway that a trailer is, in fact, tandem. The additional wheels and heavier loads can make tandem trailers more challenging to maneuver and control.
To understand more about the pros and cons of each trailer, it’s important to take a closer look at each style.
What Are the Benefits of a Single-Axle Trailer
Designed to be lightweight yet durable, these versatile trailers can handle almost anything you can throw at them. They’re ideal for a variety of uses such as hauling equipment, transporting motorcycles or even just moving furniture.
The compact footprint of a single-axle trailer makes it easy to navigate tight spaces or narrow country roads. A reliable trailer like the Enbeck utility trailer offers convenience, reliability and value, making it a smart investment for any contractor or homeowner in need of a dependable hauling solution.
The smaller size of the trailer makes maneuvering tight spaces easier. Because the unit is lighter, it helps with better fuel economy than larger tandem models. Also, its straightforward construction and minimal maintenance demands mean the trailer is cheaper to purchase and maintain than tandem models.
What Are the Benefits of a Tandem Axle Trailer?
Unlike single-axle trailers that have just one set of wheels, tandem axle trailers have two sets, which spread the trailer’s weight evenly and give it added stability. This means you’ll have better control on the road, especially during sudden turns or emergency stops.
Tandem axle trailers can also carry heavier loads making them perfect for hauling everything from small boats to construction equipment. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a commercial driver, a tandem axle trailer is a smart investment that will prove invaluable on the road.
The large trailer size does mean it is more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, but it is more stable at highway speeds. The large deck of the trailer and heftier suspension, with load weight spread evenly across each axle, means it is more capable of handling heavier, complex loads than single-axle trailers.
How Do You Choose Between a Single Axle or tandem-axle trailer?
When looking at single axle vs tandem axle trailers, the primary question to ask yourself is what type of loads you are hauling. If you frequently transport heavy, complex loads, a tandem trailer is best, not only because of its size and capabilities. Tandem trailers must have a braking system, a necessary safety feature for heavier hauls.
Find Your Trailer at McFarlane Trailer Sales
Whether a single or a tandem axle trailer is right for you depends on several factors, primarily the type of hauls you transport. Heavier loads demand the space and complexity of tandem options. If you are unsure which trailer type is right for you, come down to McFarlane Trailer Sales and check out the different brands and options for yourself. We are always happy to help.