Trailer axles

Single trailer axle VS Tandem trailer axle

Single axle trailers have one axle with two wheels. Tandem axle trailers (also known a dual axle trailers) have two trailer axles with four wheels.

Some people will argue that single trailer axle is fine they are lighter and reduce maintenance because of less parts. They do cost less, they are easier to maneuver by hand and easier to maneuver in tight situations.

10x6 tandem box trailer covered in mud carrying a Polaris SxS — Tandem axle 10×6 box trailer used for hunting – carrying a RZR Polaris side by side

There are a few reasons I like tandem axles.

They are a lot more stable when they aren’t attached to the vehicle. Less likely to tip up etc if you stand on the back or unintentionally put some weight on the back.
If you break; an axle, a hub, a wheel or a spring sometimes you can run the trailer on one axle (be mindful you have halved your GTM) by removing the wheels of one axle (preferably the non-braked wheels).
Better suspension set-up for off-road
Tow better at high speeds
Spread of load across the chassis
A flat tyre has dramatic less affect
Lower rated tyres (weight carrying ability)
A lot less wear on the tyres
Easier to learn to reverse

If your going to have a reasonable length trailer, a tandem axle is just common sense. As your spreading the load across the chassis which is important under heavy duty use like we do going out west.

With tandem axles it’s also harder to increase your draw-bar weight (you still need to need aware of it though).

Construction

It would be good at this point to point out to buy solid axles and not weld on hubs. Less points for breakages is a good thing, especially on corrugations along way from home.

photo of roller rocker springs with mechanical disc brakes — 2000kg trailer load limit roller rocker springs with mechanical disc brakes

Axle placement

Be mindful of your axle placement, there are lots of camper trailers out there with single axles placed to far back and this puts massive draw bar weight on your vehicle.

Draw bar weight is included in your GVM and excessive weight ruins the ride handling. At www.trailersauce.co.nz they recommend 75mm rear of centre.

Trailer axles recommendation

Tandem trailer axles are the way to go. I’ve spoken to quite a few hunters about their trailers. Only those with single axles have regretted not going tandem and would definitely go dual axle it if they did it again.