Which Trailer?

[redharley]

OK here's what I use my current trailer for[which is a 16ft landscape with ramp,2 axles]I haul 2 ton of coal,stone,sand,mulch and so on.I use it to haul 2 motorcyle's on various vacation's usally about 500-1,000 mile's once twice a year at most.Also use it to haul my kubota BX tractor with loader once in a while,plus general hauling.I would like to go to maybe a 12ftx6.5ft. Should I stay with dual axles? I understand there are some siinigle axles out there rated at 5,000. I think I could haul almost 1 1/2 tons on one of these and be ok, of coarse I would want brakes but the weight saving with one axle would be nice on those longer trips.Any body have any thought's,if you own a single axle would like to hear if you would do it again.Some folks I've talked to say a single axle will not ride as good as a dual. Thganks for your imput

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would not go with single axle. Blow out would be a big concern with all the towing you do. There will be no weight saving going from 2 3.5K axles to 1 5.2K axle due to the axle/suspension is heavier, the brakes are much heavier, the wheels are 6 lugs and much heavier, the tires are also heavier. The only advantage I can see is the single axle does not tear up turf when using in the lawn.

Really no cost savings either. Everything is more expensive like tires, wheels, brakes, bearings, ect.

Chris

 

[whistlepig]

I agree with Diamondpilot. Tandem axle is the way to go. They ride and pull much better than single axle. And they for sure will last a lot longer pulling the loads you are talking about.

 

[LBrown59]

You neet at least 2 axels and 4 brakes .

Why drop down to a 12 footer when the 16 footer is closer to what you need but 18 feet would be even better?

 

[whistlepig]

On tandem axles you can get by with one braking axle on a 7,000 trailer maxed out. Anything heavier than that needs brakes on both axles. It's a fine line.

 

[dal929]

I'm actually getting rid of 2 trailers, a dump body 6x12 10k gvw and a 6x12 single for 1 2x14 tandem 7k gvw. It was too uncomfortable to load my BX or mini ex into the dump body and they were both 2 heavy for the single for anything more than around town. I would say you should stick with the tandem.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You neet at least 2 axels and 4 brakes .

Why drop down to a 12 footer when the 16 footer is closer to what you need but 18 feet would be even better?

Did you not read what he wrote? He already has a bigger trailer and wants something more convenient for pulling small loads.

Chris

 

[buck12]

I think a lot depends on the weight of the motorcycles you tow. I have a single axle 10' utility trailer that I use to haul mulch, small loads of dirt, ATV, etc. I also have a dual axle 18' trailer that I use to tow my tractor. Each has its purpose. For any real weight I want dual axles and brakes. If you are talking two dirt bikes a single axle would be fine. If you are talking two hogs I would stick with what you have. Just my two pennies.

 

[redharley]

Thanks for the info so far, yes I do haul my wife and my Harley's weigh about 1500lb plus what ever else get's thrown in trailer.I should also mention that when I haul coal,stone ,mulch and such I always use the tractor and loader to unload.The 16 ft is no problem around here for hauling but on longer trips it seems to creat more problems such as parking it in small areas,dealing with small area's around hotels,camp grounds and such. I was looking at a steel sided type landscape trailer 6 1/2 x 12 you can get with siingle or dual axles as a possible replacement,also have thought about keeping what I have and getting a smaller single axle for those longer trips with the bikes but I am used to a ride of 2 axles and brakes.If you go single with no brakes it is with in my price range.Keep the idea's coming

 

[redharley]

Thanks Diamondpilot your weight relation per axle makes sense I did not think of this before.Thats why these forums are handy, L Brown my 16 ft trailer is never close to full when hauling stone and such I belive I can get 7,000Gross easy on a 12 ft and my tractor and such should fit also thanks

 

[Diamondpilot]

If you go single with no brakes it is with in my price range.Keep the idea's coming

In PA where you live brakes are required by law on any trailer over 3,000# and it also requires a brake-away kit. So there is no room to save any money and still be legal.

Chris

 

[redharley]

Just meant that I could keep my 16 ft and purchase a smaller 10ft just for the longer bike trips. But from everything I read I would miss those dual axle's.

 

[jimainiac]

I bet the best place to go for advice on what type of trailer to haul the two bikes on would be your local Harley dealer. Or a motorcycle website. (Is there such a thing as MotorcycleByNet?) Nothing like getting input from someone who's been doing it. I like the safety aspect of the two axles, and there's no qestion that two axles give a smoother ride, but there's a lot to be said for the compactness and convenience of the single axle trailer, as long as it's good and rugged and in tip-top shape.

 

[wallace]

In PA where you live brakes are required by law on any trailer over 3,000# and it also requires a brake-away kit. So there is no room to save any money and still be legal.

Chris

And that is on EVERY wheel 1 Axel 2 Axel and even 3 Axel!

 

[KeithInSpace]

...yes I do haul my wife and my Harley's weigh about 1500lb plus what ever else get's thrown in trailer.

Oh, so you occasionally haul your wife as well as your Harleys. Well that changes EVERYTHING. As long as you don't throw her into the trailer...

Very sincerest of apologies...I think small grammer mistakes are so funny sometimes...

 

[redharley]

No apologies needed,A little humor is always welcome,thanks for looking.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I really like how a single axle trailer handles, if you ask you can find a 7K axle under a 12' dump. I have a friend that has one that handles really well. I have a 12' tilt with 8K axle and yes it has brakes and gets used more than the other trailers.