Should You Buy a Single- or a Dual-Axle Trailer?

Whether you need a trailer to transport large vehicles or move pieces of furniture or equipment from one location to another, you will want to get a sturdy and reliable model for your work. 

As your local trailer dealer, we at Chattanooga Trailer & Rental know that you will need to make various decisions when finding the perfect trailer for your transportation business. One of the most important considerations you will want to make is deciding whether to get a single- or a dual-axle trailer. Our experts have put together a few comparisons between the two types of trailers to help you narrow down your options—so keep reading to learn more.

The Basics of Single-Axle Trailers

As is clear from the name itself, single-axle trailers feature one axle anchored to two tires. Usually, you will find the axle placed at or just behind the midway point between the trailer’s front and rear. This unique design uses the hitch point and two tires to maintain its balance safely.

The Pros of Single-Axle Trailers

Single-axle trailers are agile and more maneuverable, and they are made using fewer materials, which helps keep costs low. As they feature fewer moving parts, these models are easier and cheaper to maintain, meaning that you can save more money in the long run.

The Cons of Single-Axle Trailers

Single-axle trailers put more weight on fewer components. This often leads these models to experience premature and frequent wear and tear. If you use it to carry less weight than it is capable of, you might need to make extra trips to transport whatever cargo you want to move. This means additional fuel expenses and wastage of time and effort. You will also need to be mindful that these models have only two tires and a hitch for balance, meaning that you will require more careful driving.

Dual-Axle Trailers

These are also called tandem-axle trailers, and they feature two separate axles with two tires each. With four tires in total, dual-axle trailers are more stable and reliable for transporting heavy equipment and supplies.

The Pros of Dual-Axle Trailers

As stated earlier, dual- or tandem-axle trailers feature more contact points, and they are less prone to swaying at higher speeds. This gives them the stability needed to transport heavier and bulkier payloads. As the weight of the cargo is distributed between both axles, these rigs can handle the extra weight.

Dual-axle trailers come outfitted with their brakes. This gives you the extra stopping power to prevent instability while braking.

The Cons of Dual-Axle Trailers

Dual-axle trailers are more expensive than single-axle models. They are also heavier, and you will need a more powerful vehicle to haul your rig safely. The size of these trailers along with their weight and unique design make them less agile than their single-axle counterparts.

We hope this guide helps you determine whether a single or a dual axle trailer is better for your specific needs. If you have more questions or want to explore a few models yourself, visit Chattanooga Trailer & Rental. We have dealerships in Chattanooga, TN, and Richmond, VA, so swing by today.