Trailers are a must-have instrument for every business that trades in goods, manufactures products, or is in the transportation field. Trailers are an investment that lasts long and provides all the services you need.
It doesn’t matter whether you are planning for an adventurous weekend, want something to load your goods on, or just want to shift furniture. You need something to transport them to a particular location. And what can be a better option than a trailer that is capable of doing whatever you need?
However, choosing the best trailer is yet another headache that everyone has to go through. So, how can you pick the right one?
Let’s start with the basics, there are two types of trailers- single axle, and double-axle (tandem trailers).
A single-axle trailer can carry up to 4000 pounds of load easily. If you have a light-weighing good that you want to ship, then a single axle trailer is your call.
But, what sets them apart from tandem axle trailers?
Don’t worry, be patient.
We will discuss the whole part in detail, just be with us.
In this blog, we will discuss the basic difference between single-axle and tandem-axle trailers. That has been on the trend list for a while in 2024.
Let’s get started!!

What is a Single Axle Trailer?

Single-axle trailers are one of the most common types of trailers used by most people worldwide, especially in Australia. In a single axle, you will find two or even more wheels adjoined to the sides.
It’s simple, minimalist design makes them perfect for lightweight shipments like boats, and furniture.
Unlike bulkier multiple-axle trailers, these single-axle trailers can be navigated to even tighter spaces without any concern.
Single axle trailers come in various sizes, you can buy any that aligns with your requirements and needs. They typically come from 4 to 6 feet wide, to 8 to 12 feet long in length.
You even get options in single axle trailers, whether you want an enclosed one or an open one, totally depending on your need.
Generally, open single-axle trailers are used for hauling equipment or construction materials. Whereas, if you focus more on safety, you should go for enclosed single-axle trailers.
An enclosed one provides your cargo safety and security at the same time.

How Do Axles Work in a Trailer?

For a trailer to be functional, and properly transported, an axle is one of the most required things. You can say it is the main component that provides a trailer its identity.
The axle of your trailer supports the weight of your goods and load and allows the wheel to rotate and move for transportation. This axle is attached to your trailer using springs, or sometimes torsion systems. Which in turn helps in absorbing the fuss and shocks of the terrains, and provides a smooth ride.
These axles to the trailers are so essential that without them your trailer is nothing but a box in case of an enclosed one, and a platform in case of an open one.

What is a Tandem Axle Trailer?

A tandem axle trailer, popularly known as a double-axle trailer has two axles positioned side-by-side to each other.
This position of the axles helps in supporting the load better. Hence, it is capable of handling more weight and staying steadier on the road. Which is not so easy in the case of single-axle trailers.
Where single axle trailers are minimal and more manoeuvrable, we can see that the tandem axle trailers are quite the opposite. They can handle weight and stability better.
Generally, tandem axle trailers are used for transporting heavier cargo, like cars, boats, and construction instruments. And if you compare the size range of these trailers with single axle trailers, these are quite big 6 to 8 feet wide and 12 to 20 feet long.
Tandem axle trailers have the capacity to ship up to 7000 pounds and sometimes even more.
The main difference between a single axle trailer and a double-axle or tandem axle trailer is their ability to carry weight. Where single axles are only capable of carrying light-weight, these tandem trailers are capable of both heavyweight and stability of transport.
Let’s get to know the advantages and disadvantages of single-axle trailers and tandem-axle trailers.

Advantages of single axles trailers:

1. The single-axle trailers are quite lightweight and are perfect for towing, and manoeuvrability.
2. You don’t have to spend a fortune in buying and maintaining your single-axle trailers.
3. The design of these trailer types is quite simple with only a few moving parts.
4. Due to their small size and lightweight, these single-axle trailers are quite easy to store.
5. They feature low deck height, which makes loading and unloading way easier than ever.

Disadvantages of single axle trailers:

1. They can only carry loads with low weight.
2. Due to single axle, these trailers are not capable of providing stability at a high speed, and on uneven terrains.
3. There are more risks of swaying or tipping if any of the tires fail.
4. There are fewer to no options for large, and heavy cargo.

Advantages of tandem axle trailers:

1. There are low to no risks of getting swayed or tripping, due to failure of any tire.
2. They provide better stability at high speed, and on uneven terrains.
3. Can haul much more weight than single axle trailers could ever.
4. There are 4 brakes in tandem axle trailers rather than 2 in the case of a single axle. Hence, providing better security for your cargo.

Disadvantages of tandem axle trailers:

1. If you compare tandem trailers with single-axle trailers, they are quite more on the expensive side.
2. They are heavier than the single-axle ones.
3. The cost of fuel consumption is also higher.
4. They are less manoeuvrable.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right trailer type for your needs is a big deal, but with proper guidance and information, you can make a decision quite easily.
With the help of trailer manufacturers in Melbourne, you can freely design a trailer and ask for suggestions that fit your needs and wants perfectly.
In this blog, we discuss the minute details and differences between single axle car trailers and tandem axle trailers that you need to know to transport your shipment.
Hope, this blog helped you. Let’s meet in the next one!