Feat

Trailer Features

Single Axle vs Tandem Axle

You’re in the market for a cargo trailer, but are confused by the terminology and options. One common question is, should I buy a single or double axle? It’s a question we get a lot from first time cargo trailer buyers. You may run into a trailer dealer looking to sell you the most expensive option, rather than what’s best for you. Here we will discuss the differences between a single and double axle trailer and which one is best for you.

Single Axle

Tandem Axle

Pros
• Cost less
• Weigh less
• Less brakes and tires to maintain
• More flexible with maneuvering

Cons
• Can’t haul as much as double axle trailer of the same size
• May or may not have brakes

Pros
• Increased stability
• More tires – less impact if you have a flat
• Higher payload capacity
• Brakes required – allows you to control the trailer better
• Less likely to be affected by wind or bumps in the road
• Resell value is greater


Cons
• Cost more
• More parts (tires, brakes, etc) therefore higher maintenance costs

Trailer Brakes

Do you need trailer brakes? Technically, it can never hurt to use trailer brakes. You’ll be decreasing the chances of not being able to stop fast enough in an emergency. It also causes extra wear and tear on the tow vehicles brakes and tires. 

Electric brakes are the most common type of trailer brake. An electromagnet is used to activate the brakes when the driver applies brakes on the towing vehicle. This type of brake gives the trailer more ease when braking. Electric trailer brakes require some type of brake controller that have adaptable settings to control the brake force you need. Vehicles with a tow package comes standard with an electric brake controller. 

All tandem axles trailers come standard with electric brakes. Please call if you have any questions on deciding if you need trailer brakes. 

Payload Capacity

This is the max amount of weight you can haul inside your trailer. We recommend our customers to stay under 70% of the payload weight. It prolongs the life of the trailer and its safter to transport.

Payload is a simple formula.

Axels (Max Weight) – Trailer (Overall weight) = Payload Weight

Example 7×16 Tandem Axle Trailer weights 2,640 lbs. It has two axles. Each axle support 3500lbs. With the total axle rating at 7,000lbs and the trailer weight at 2,260. You can haul 4,740lbs inside that trailer.

Most trailers come standard with 3,500lb axles. You can get 5,200 and 7,000lb axles.  

These are our most popular trailers payload. Please call if you have any questions or need a custom payload.

Size

Tongue Weight

Empty Weight

Payload Capacity

6×12 with single 3500lb Axle

180

1200

2300

6×12 with Tandem 3500lb Axles

270 

1800

5200

7×16 with Tandem 3500lb Axles

339

2260

4740

8.5×20 with Tandem 3500lb Axles

480

3200

3800

8.5×24 with Tandem 5200lb Axles

540

3600

6800