2 or 3 axles?

Corm · Nov 30, 2000

After looking for a 7' x 18' trailer to haul my tractor with for quite a while, I'm strongly leaning towards having one built the way I want it. I found a fellow close to me that has built several of them, and his work is real nice. My question to you guys concerns the number of axles. He has built several trailers that have a 7000# capacity, and are just what I've been looking for, except I want one that has a 10000# capacity. He can achieve this by putting heavier dual axles under the trailer, or going with 3 axles. I hadn't considered 3 until he mentioned it, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. It seems to me that spreading the weight over a larger area would be advantageous in soft ground, more tires would give me a larger safety margin in case of a blow out, and the extra braking power would also be a safety factor. Are there any disadvantages to a 3 axle setup?

Thanks in advance for any advice you fellows can offer.

Corm

gordon · Nov 30, 2000

Yes there is one disadvantage to a three axle trailer. A toll bridge will cost you more and so will a turnpike. Other than that you have more braking power. Better drivability and easier balance point or should I say a wider balance point. What size hubs is he planning to use?
Gordon

Rowski · Nov 30, 2000

Corm

I to have been looking at trailers in the 10,000# to 12,000# range. I went to a place in Hinseburg (southish from Burlington) called Upper Ten Trailer sales. The had a really nice 12,000# trailer 82" (between fenders) x 18' 2 axle (16" wheels) with torsion suspension and brakes on both axles, adjustable spring assit ramps, 9,000# jack for $3450.

The trailer really impressed me. Looked VERY rugged. Bulk head was really heavy duty. The hubs on the wheels are huge.

I'm sure the three axles have some go points. The bad points that come to mind are more rubber to replace when worn out, More springs to wear and get weak, more shackles-bushings- and pivots to wear.

The phone # for Upper Ten is 1-800-533-0504 ask for John Adsit.

Let me know what you end up doing. Maybe your guy could give a price break for 2 trailer orders /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

Derek

Corm · Nov 30, 2000

Gordon, I don't know what size hubs he is proposing to use. I just added it to my list of questions... Thank you very much! He did say he recommends torsion axles. I don't have any experience with them, but I've been told they are the way to go.

Rowski, Thanks for the info. I looked at the Upper Ten trailers this summer and I agree with you 100%. Their trailers and workmanship are top notch. One thing I didn't add to my original note is that this fellow I met is willing to let me help him build the trailer, considerably reducing the cost to me. He is also willing to teach me the ins and outs of welding (I was recently given an arc welder, and aside from some shop class training in High School, have no experience with a welder). So for me this is a super deal - a good trailer at a good price and some invaluable education to boot! Now if I can find a good body man willing to teach me the correct way to prep and paint it when it's done, I'd really have it made...

Corm

scruffy · Dec 1, 2000

I think I would stay to the heavy duty tandem axle set. Why? Ever watch your tires when backing your trailer? Particularly when cutting it sharp, you will have a definate dragging of one axle set, and contortion in the tires to accommidate the turn, this will also have a certain amount of 'dragging' one axle set through the turn. I would think that a tri axle set would excerbate the dragging effect and wear/stress on tires, axles and frame connecting points. To what degree I could not say, but some of the engineering type board members could come up with a much better idea. On a twenty, twenty one foot trailer, I would think it would almost be a necessity, but not on an eighteen foot trailer.

TexasJeff · Dec 1, 2000

I have a 2 axle 10000 lb rated 24 ft gooseneck (spring suspension)8 hole 16 inch wheels 6000 pounds per axle rating LOVE IT. Paid $2750 elec brakes,5 ft ramps, break away kit and treated floor ect. My big horse trailer has 2 6000 lb torsion axles and I agree torsion is the way to go when loaded. I do not know how the torsion axles handle empty, because my horse trailer weighs 4500 without horses

Thomas · Dec 1, 2000

Ed,
By the sound you have done your home work.
Since you have a tractor w/ a FEL plus attachment to haul,I believe a 3 axle trailer would better,and we both know living here in N.E. how theses road can be...pot holes..mud..sharp corners..etc..

Have the gentleman build your trailer to last put that extra steel on,also the third axle should handy the extra steel.

The only draw back I can see would be backing into a tight area.

Are you going to have a tilt bed or folding ramp or a slide ramp.

Take care over there in the green state,or should I write white state now since its snowed.. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Corm · Dec 1, 2000

TexasJeff - Man, what a gorgeous trailer, and at a super price! I'm jealous! Is the whole trailer 24 feet long, or does it have a 24 foot bed? If I could get one like that for that price around here, I wouldn't even think about trying to build one. After looking for a few months around here, I'd hazard a guess and say a trailer like yours up here would go for at least $3500.

Rowski · Dec 1, 2000

Corm

I would not pass up a deal like that! With the experience you will gain you will almost end up with the trailer for free/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif . I have though about doing my own too but for my situation I'm WAY to busy. The guy at Upper Ten told me the torsion is best. He said the torsion springs come with a five year unlimited mileage warranty. As for painting try this link http://www.por15.com they have a free catolog. This paint is as hard as nails. Can be applied with a brush (when finished you would never know it was brushed on{glossy}). Just used the one that is not UV sensetive. If you are intersted is seeing what the painted surface looks like just stop in at my shop.

This is an awsome chance to a good trailer, go for it!

I'm jealous now!!!!

Derek

Corm · Dec 1, 2000

Thomas - Thanks for your input. I hadn't considered a tilt bed, I've been planning on having ramps that slide in under the bed of the trailer. I've rented a few trailers that have the folding ramps that store in a vertical position. While they worked well, they rattled like crazy going down the road. I also like the way the slide in ramps look (small concession to vanity...).

Take care over there in the Granite State. I was born in Manchester, and used to live in Suncook. Are you familiar with the area?

Corm

Corm · Dec 1, 2000

Rowski - Thanks for the paint info. Looks real interesting! I will definitely order the catalog, and I may take you up on your offer to see what the finished product looks like.

Corm

art · Dec 1, 2000

Listening to the people we have converted from three axle to a tandem twin axle every one says they pull easier, turn easier and have less problems. If you can find a heavy twin I would take it.

gvw · Dec 1, 2000

For my .02$ I will never own another 3 axle trailer nor will any of my associates that pull "heavier weight" trailers especially goose necks. The problem - especially with the goose necks is that you can turn them very short especially when backing. What happens is that the front or rear tire - depending on which tire/axle has the most load/traction - that tire can be "torqued off of the rim. Nothing like haveing several tons of hay or equipment that you are trying to move into place and have one of your tires spin off the rim - been there done that! For my money dual axle (axles of the approriate weight design of course)with single or tandem tires depending on the weight to be carried wins - hands down.
Torsion axles are great for highway but are limited when one gets into the rough stuff. If one is hauling accross the bumpy stuff "slipper springs" with a center yoke win in my book - I've had both and prefer the torsion for highway and springs for "big loads" 16000# + and haulin accross the bumpy stuff.

Thomas · Dec 1, 2000

Ed,
You might want consider somewhere in middle front of your trail heavy duty metal ring,for you can use a come along to pull items on,also in latching items down....just a thought.

I know about 50% of Manchester,live all of my life in this area.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

scruffy · Dec 1, 2000

gvw, thank you for stating your experience, that is/was what I was thinking would happen, but while coming close to doing the same on a tandem, I never have.

dullpain · Dec 1, 2000

Corm - I agree with Scruffy and GVW's assesment of the 3 axle trailer. For your size and weight requirements a Tandem would better suit you I believe. You can see a pic of my trailer undder Trator Photos message titled Kubota Hauler.

I also agree with GVW on the Torsion Axle. I have never seen a large, heavy duty trailer with Torsion axles, but there is a lot I haven't seen yet too. The manufactuers of Torsion axles may have made vast improvements lately. Manufacturer of interest to me would be Henschen Industrial for Torsion. I would go with conventional Slipper springs if I were building today. As for your weight, or width you can purchase a myriad of different rated conventional axles. Some places to research you say - WELL wonder no more.

www.championtrailers.com & they will send you a nice catalog too.

www.bigtextrailers.com - nice on line catalog that will give you ideas.

Dexter Axle - 222 Collins Rd. - Elkhart Indiana 46516 Ph 219-295-1900 www??

Henschen Industrial - 522 N Main St. - Jackson Center, Ohio 45334 Ph 513-596-6125

Northern Tool - Item #17622 - Vol 1 - How to Design & Build Trailers - $23 discusses all you are asking (nice little book). They also sell a Vol 2.

Hope it all helps and let us know if you assist in building your own trailer. It would be a good experience and then you could teach Harv & me how to weld. In your research if you come across any other Trailer / Axle / Hitch / Component catalogs or sources please share as I like to keep abreast.
lem

Bird · Dec 1, 2000

McCallum, I find your listing of axle manufacturers interesting. I don't know about the others, but I do know just a little about Dexter. In 1990, I had a 5th wheel travel trailer with an entire suspension system that was too light, so I visited the Dexter factory one morning, sat down with one of their engineers, and we custom designed a complete system; first selected the axle tubes, the type and size of hubs and bearings, type and size of brakes, springs, wheels, etc. When we finished I asked, "How long will it take you to make them." He looked at his watch (getting close to noon) and said, "Well, I couldn't have them ready for you before tomorrow afternoon." Needless to say, I was amazed that they would be ready that quick, but he said, "We're making 1500 a day here." And they were ready as promised, and a lot cheaper than I expected, too.

Bird

Corm · Dec 1, 2000

You guys have convinced me that two axles are better than three! I really appreciate all the input! The collective knowledge of you folks, and the super attitude of everyone that contributes to it, is what makes this forum such a powerful tool and a fun place to spend time.

My plan is to help build a 7' by 18' tag-along trailer with dual 5000# torsion axles, brakes on both axles, 16" wheels and tires, battery powered break-away, flat bed covered with P.T. lumber (no beaver tail), short 6" rails or 'sideboards' along the sides, plenty of welded on pockets to hook chains to along the sides of the frame rails, at least a couple of rings attached through the bed and into frame rails down thru the center, and slide-in 5' ramps. I'll cover it all with a coat of black paint to match my yellow and black Cub. I'll post a picture or two when I'm done. We should be starting construction in mid Feb.

Other than wiring and lights, did I miss anything? Again, thanks to all of you for your input. Much appreciated!

Corm

TexasJeff · Dec 1, 2000

Corm It has a 24 ft bed overall length is roughly 32 ft. About the slide in ramps. Have had some and it is hard to make them heavy enough not to bend a little then they are a real B***H to slide back in. The trailer dealer I bought my big horse trailer and my big lowboy from quit selling the slide in ramps because of that bending problem. The flip up ramps also give you and idea exactly where the back of your trailer is when pulling a empty trailer.
I currently have
16 ft lowboy I built 7,000 lb capacity
24 ft lowboy 10,000 lb capacity
3 horse slant load trailer 12,000 axles with small living quarters Just made a round trip to Tn 2000 miles round trip pulling the horse trailer for my Wife's national competition NATRC competetive trail She placed 5th out of 45 We normally pull our trailers 5 to 10 thousand miles per year.

TexasJeff · Dec 1, 2000

Just a thought If you want 10,000 capacity you need 6,000 axles because you need to subtract the weight of the trailer. My 24 ft gooose neck weighs about 2000 pounds empty