tri-axle versus duals

[Renze]

Same thing from Holland:

At my previous employer we used to build 5th wheel trailers. Some wanted a low floor height so we used triple 1800kg (3968 lbs) torsion axles on small 13 or 14 inch wheels. Very often they twisted the tubeless tire off the rim, or bent a torsion swing arm against a kerb stone, which caused even more tire wear.

With 2 axle duals on 8 ply 195/65R16 tires, we never had problems. With the slightly higher 205/65 R17.5 commercial truck tires, even those that turned all day on narrow paved yards wouldnt need new tires in a couple of years.
Off course a tandem dually comes with rigid axles and leaf springs, which is much more durable than independent torsion arms.

triple torsion axle on light duty tires is a cheap choice. tandem dually on (light) commerical tires, will have lower overall running costs, unless you use the trailer so little that the tires age more than they wear from use.

 

[davo727]

Isnt it mostly a money deal- Almost double the cost for the pair of 10K axles and wheels, and tires as opposed to the 3 axle -7K setup?

 

[wushaw]

Isnt it mostly a money deal- Almost double the cost for the pair of 10K axles and wheels, and tires as opposed to the 3 axle -7K setup?

I would agree with cost also.

 

[Renze]

I would agree with cost also.

purchase cost, but long term annual cost is way lower with HD tandem dually....

 

[JoelD]

I have a tri-axle deck over (in avitar). I am looking to go tandem axle. There is a bunch of scrub and turning sharp. Also, when unloaded the trailer is almost perfectly neutral, therefore, handfull when pulling empty down the highway.

Would be interested to know advantages of tri over dual other than weight capacity with tires and all being equal.

I'll be looking to go dual.

Joel

 

[farmboy12]

yep tandem duals are the way to go, same old story of tires falling off on slow tight turns loaded. I dont know why they are so popular, 3-7000# axels would equal 21000# , my T. duals are rated 25900 w 12k axels.

Is a 3rd 7k axel generally cheaper then a beefier pair (2)
I guess you get an extra 2 tires with the duals,
Does anyone make a dual wheel Tridem?

If you mean trie axle dually, then yes, they do. Even with smaller 10k axles. I've seen them, 35+5+5 with 3 dually axles. And they are gooseneck. E-W Trailers in Oklahoma makes them, they list a lot on eBay.

Also, the big ones with air lift often are found on large over 50 ton lowboy trailers for road tractors.


Kyle

 

[scoutcub]

Wow -

Looks like overwhelming response is duals....and that's what I will switch my spec to!
To answer a few responses, yes, I know Loadmax does offer triple 10K dual axles. The pushers are designed for the BIG equipment trailers and trucks as Kyle mentioned.
Pricewise, the duals are more expensive...but not double the cost, unless davo+ were talking about the cost of axles only. From my limited
research thus far, looks like an additional 1K for the same 30' trailer for duals.
Hey NewBlue - Where'd you get that sweet deuce-and-a-half? I've got LOTS of time behind the wheel of those back in the Corps. Assuming you did a full restore? Sure looks nice and brings back memories. Very nice NH and Dodge as well, even though I'm a Cub and Ford guy!

Thanks to all for the great input, it's been extremely helpful.
Anyone interested in a 2005 14K Load Max 18'/4' with gate?

 

[Newblue]

Thanks, I got the Deuce about 20 miles South of Louisville. The guy I bought it from painted it CARC camo from the light brown it was before. The only thing I have done to it was to replace the axle seals and repack the bearings. Oh, and I also put new canvas seat covers on it. I painted the triaxle to match the Deuce but the wife said it had to go before I bought the gooseneck. Now the Deuce is trailerless but it will survive!

Mike

 

[firemanpat2910]

one more thought, on toll roads you often are charged by the axle. cost could add up if you pulled every other weekend or so.

 

[QRTRHRS]

one more thought, on toll roads you often are charged by the axle. cost could add up if you pulled every other weekend or so.

That's what lift axles are for, just make sure that weight watchers are not sitting beyond the toll booth, lol!