By Cheri Sicard
If you have wondered about the pros and cons of single-axle RVs versus double-axle trailers, this video from Josh the RV Nerd will answer all.
Pros and cons of single-axle trailers
Single axles weigh less and cost less in general. This is natural, since a single axle can only hold so much. These RVs will be smaller and sit closer to the ground.
You might think that sounds great, but there are drawbacks. The biggest one is if you get a blowout. Things can get hairy very fast with a single-axle trailer. You are going to have to fight to maintain control.
Also, because single-axle trailers tend to have narrower bodies, they can be less stable and sway more going down the road. The narrower the trailer, the less stable it will be. However, with a proper tow vehicle, it is not a huge cause for concern.
Pros and cons of double-axle trailers
Of course, weight, price, and usually size increase with double-axle RVs. This can be good in several ways.
For one, your cargo carrying capacity increases, as does the chassis and size of the RV. After all, you now have two axles supporting the load.
Very few narrow-body tandem-axle trailers are produced, but there are a few.
However, the way these smaller tandem-axle trailers are produced is not ideal in that they sometimes sacrifice structural integrity, something covered in the video.
Of course, there are many benefits to towing double-axle trailers, including an overall smoother towing experience, less sway and bounce, and, most importantly, increased safety during a flat tire or blowout. And trailer tire blowouts do happen.
I can speak to having the safety net of a double-axle trailer while having a flat.
I didn’t have a blowout, but one of my tires lost air to the point of being completely flat. While driving, I was unaware it had even happened!
Luckily, I stopped for gas before it had gone on too long and spotted it. But from the perspective of driving, I could not even tell anything was going on back there. This is not necessarily a good thing, but far preferable to what could have happened with a single-axle trailer.
In the end, both types of trailers have advantages and disadvantages. The final choice will come down to your personal needs and how you plan to use the RV. But knowing the pros and cons can help you make a more informed decision.
[Note: Haylett RV is now Bish’s RV.]
##RVT1169
Three days before the new tires were to be installed, we had a blowout on a 14’ single axle, KZ Sportsman in a construction zone, with a semi on the left, and concrete on the right. It tracked straight, so I just kept going for a few hundred yards, gradually slowing, til I got to a wider area where I could pull-off. Not fun, but not a huge problem, just don’t panic. Cost us a new wheel, the tires we were buying anyway, and about three hours of our time. The construction company covered the service call. Given the circumstances, that’s probably as good as it gets.
We also had a tire lose all its air on a single axle trailer while going 45mph leaving Yellowstone a few years ago. Pulling it with a 2008 4WD Ranger, but still tracked straight as we slowed down to a nearby wide place to change the tire. Tire was destroyed and the wheel was bent so had to replace them both…actually replaced all the tires with a better load grade tire while we were at it.
This was a 3150 lb (empty) trailer.
Con for dual axle you have to keep them level so that each axle/tires are carrying an equal load or close to it. I have both and the single axle is much easier to maneuver without putting stress on the sidewalls.
The ‘equalizer’ is there to keep equal load on each axle. That’s why it is called an equalizer.
Either single or dual axle, a trailer should always be towed level.
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
I think the additional safety of a dual axle setup is worth the expense.
When I tire goes down, keep in mind that the absolute worst thing you can do is hit the brakes (unless you absolutely have to).
Odd that nobody commented on the HUGE difference in backing up a single vs. a double axle. I used to tow a 35′ double axle boat trailer and never had any problems backing up. Never. One and done, literally.
A few years ago, I was helping with a move and rented a small U-Haul single axle trailer. The thing scissored like mad with even the smallest input to the steering wheel. It gave me a mini fit. Unrelated, but I’ve heard that the short jet ski trailers (single axle) are even MORE difficult, if not impossible, to back in.
The single axle was not the issue as to why that Uhaul was hard to back up.
You had by your own words a “Small Uhaul Single Axle Trailer” which is MUCH HARDER to back up do to the short length of the trailer. NOT the single axle!
have had two blowouts on the same trip but not at the same time but within 500 miles on our way back from Texas to Seattle on my double axle TT. The first one I replaced with the spare but when the second one blew I had no choice but to call for help. Fortunately we were not far from Lodi Calif where the road service was based and after having a new tire replaced and we limped into the shop where I had the rest of the tires replaced. When the tires blew I was not aware of the first one until another driver waved me down but I felt and saw the second one. With two axles I was not panicked but knew what to do and just gradually slow down and pull off.
You can always have NO TRAILER and this discussion becomes moot!