Tandem vs Triple Axel

[RMK-King]

I have been thinking about a 29-33' enclosed and was wondering if it would be better to get a triple axel or stick with tandem? I have heard triples sway less but tire scrub when turning sharp corners? Thoughts?

 

[shell_guy]

I have always been a tri-axle guy, gives you one more axle if you ever get a flat, the track straighter, they follow the truck better in the curves. They will scrub a bit but only if you are making a really tight turn in a parking lot.

 

[Bacon]

I like tandems. You can turn sharper without the tire scrub and as long as the axles and tires will handle the weight it will be fine. A well built trailer should not sway with either 2 or 3 axles.

 

[Mark's RMK]

Axles

I have a R&R 7-1/2' x 24' box 5' V nose triple.

I was really nervous about how it would turn, etc.

I have to say it's not much of an issue as how often are you even driving into McDonad's or the gas station? Most driveways have plenty of room where you don't have to turn all that sharp anyhow.

I just towed 4000# of tile the other day and it just doesn't pound the back of the truck at all and I can't even feel it hitting the bumps in the road. Seems to float right over them with the three axles.

I've not towed a long tandem so I can't really speak to the total differences but it's sure nice having that extra GVW with the third 3500# axle.

 

[Coldfinger]

Regarding tire scrub - consider how long the tires will be on the trailer because I'm guessing the tires will need replacement due to age well before the tread wears out.

I think they say 5 years for tires but to me I wouldn't worry too much until they are 7 or more years old. On the other hand, if a blown tire will rip into expensive aluminum fenders or siding, then replace closer to 5 years.

 

[Dragontex]

I have a 31' Mirage with triple 3500 lbs axles. I would not trade it for a tandem axle. It pulls straight no matter what the conditions. I have had it since 2007 and I had to replace the original tires for the first time last month.

 

[76xlt]

i would also vote triple axle. they tow better.

 

[Xcelerated performance]

If you put some real axels under your trailer you will never need the third one. Like two 7000 or 8000 and your good to go, and you can put good tires on it too

 

[Mafesto]

As mentioned earlier, it's nice when you get a flat to just pull the wheel & keep on rolling.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

I would prefer the triples..with that said, look at what your max gross weight loaded will be, if you can get 2 axles (and tires and springs) to carry that much weight at 75% of thir rated max..they will haul the load no problem and live a nice long life..if you exceed that 75% threshold, there is a chance you could have more flats, more broken/bent parts..Just what I have found from years of towing..We have huge frost heaves up here,big enough to easily launch a loaded trailer into the air, very common to bend axles/ break springs and such, at least with the tripple if you did bend an axle/break a spring, you could short chain that axle after pulling the tires and be able to keep on your way even if you had to reduce speed by 10-20 mph....

 

[snow_god]

If i were to get another trailer it would be a triple. Have a tandem 27' now and it sucks to pull. But just something to keep in mind and i dont know how other states are. But here in wisconsin if u have a triple by law your suppose to have a cdl lincense.