Towing Single or Tandem Axle - Comparison

[johnlee]

I am trying to decide between 2 travel trailers with both being around 3,000 lbs and under 22 ft long with one having a single axle and the other tandem (tandem is a little heavier) and leaning towards the single axle unit but seeing and hearing all sorts of comments with likes and dislikes and hoping someone has experience pulling both. Negatives on single that I've heard is that you can pull any faster than 55 MPH on highway and they tend to bounce more and at times sway. I understand that an anti-sway bar should correct the sway issue but wondering. Also, is gas mileage any better if only have 2 wheels instead of 4?

[Witch Doctor]

I say go with the tandem, much better ride and safer if you get a flat or blowout.

[BooBoo23]

For a smaller TT I would prefer a single axle. Less towing resistance, less tire wear (you always slide 2 of the tires on a turn with tandems), easier to maneuver. As far as towing over 55mph, that should be plenty fast enough for any TT (55-60). As long as your weight distribution is proper shouldn't be a problem. One less set of brakes but for a small TT that should be ok. Also, proper size axle and tires is important to carry the load.

[Batts-toy]

I prefer tandem due to possible flat situation, look at the allowed weight you can load in each then consider what you want to load up to take camping, this may help you decide.

[AquaMan]

If you have a long wheelbase vehicle, backing a single axle is more difficult than a tandem. IMO.

[donanddona]

Have you looked at max rated tire speed. I generally travel at 53. Yea, retired, no hurry, full timer. I have seen very fast, swaying RVs. Of course I normally never have to pass.

[09grizzly1]

If the trailer weights are close to 3000 lbs as you say then I would go for the tandem axle as it would give you more carrying capacity(2-3500 lbs capacity axles compared to 1-3500 lbs axle and more braking power if needed).
09grizzly1

[DDC]

I've had both and find the tandem more stable.

[YoungKopernik]

My experience:
Weight is the biggest issue, get axle/s that give you 20-40% margin with good tires; bigger axles will give you bigger breaks.
Short trailers(1 axle, 2 axle or 6 axle) respond extremely fast and can be hard to back up.
For short distance, more maneuverability single axles are good.
For long distance, smoother ride multiple axles are good.
Safety-wise multiple axles are nice but take care of your trailer and you shouldn’t have any problems.
John

[tanddc]

I prefer the tandem as well. Yes they crab around the corners but you just cant beat the additional stability. Also, when you hit pot holes on a single, the are rougher than a tandem (unless of course it is a really big one

[azjerry]

My previous trailer was 3300# max on 13" load range C tires. After subtracting a reasonable tongue weight, the tires were at their absolute max weight capacity. That worried me. Dual axles or larger higher capacity tires would have been nice.

I was able to find (and it wasn't easy) load range D tires which gave an extra 120# or so capacity to each tire.

Moral: Check the weight vs the loading of the tires. That might make the decision easy.

[OldCoot]

Hands down, go with the tandem axles.

[Salmon Hunter]

If all else is equal I would go with tandem axles.