Dual-Axle vs Single-Axle Trailers: Is One Better Than The Other?

In a comment on a past post, one of our readers asked about the benefits of a dual-axle trailer versus a single-axle trailer for hauling with their large SUV (thanks, Jane!). We answered her question in general, but the differences are considerable. So, in this post, we cover the differences between single- and dual-axle trailers (also called “tandem” or “tandem-axle” trailers), and the pros and cons of each.

What Is an Axle?

A trailer’s axle is the bar or rod that extends between a set of wheels (on opposite sides of the trailer) to maintain their position as they rotate. An axle has a shaft or beam to which the wheels are attached using bearings that allow them to rotate freely. A trailer’s axle assembly includes the beam or shaft, the hubs, the hanger hardware (the parts that connect the axles to the trailer’s frame), and various suspension components. Trailer axles vary in size and weight capacity based on the different types of trailers (single axle vs tandem axle, or even triple axle or more).

What’s the Difference Between a Dual-Axle & Single-Axle Travel Trailer?

The primary factor for RV manufacturers choosing between single-axle and dual-axle configurations is a trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). As trailers get heavier, they need more axles, wheels & tires to support and spread the weight evenly. However, length, weight, and torque are all factors that determine whether a single-axle or dual-axle setup is required.

Many trailers have double axles to accommodate heavier loads. But a longer trailer may require two axles for increased stability while traveling, even if it isn’t especially heavy for its length. Bottom line — single-axle travel trailers are generally smaller and lighter.

Typically, the most significant benefit you’ll get from a dual-axle setup is an improvement in stability when towing. Two axles help the trailer to track better and also help to resist sway. That said, dual-axle trailers are heavier (since, again, weight is typically the primary reason for the second axle). They’re also more expensive, have more tires to maintain and replace, require somewhat more maintenance, and usually require a wider turning radius. A single-axle trailer will be lighter, making it more fuel-efficient, as well as easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

What Are the Pros & Cons of a Single-Axle Trailer?

Let’s examine the key advantages and disadvantages of single-axle vs. dual-axle trailers:

Pros of a Single-Axle Trailer

There are several benefits to a single-axle travel trailer.

Lighter Weight

A lighter trailer of a smaller size doesn’t need more than a single axle. Additionally, the one axle and only two tires contribute to the lower weight and better fuel economy. And finally, lighter weight generally means less wear and tear on components.

Lower Cost

Smaller, lighter trailers that require only a single axle are less expensive than larger, heavier ones. And the greater the number of axles, the greater the number of tires (and RV tire covers) you’ll need to buy and maintain.

Less Maintenance

Fewer axles mean fewer components to maintain — fewer wheel bearings to lube & replace, and again, fewer tires to inflate, maintain, or replace.

Easier to Maneuver

A single-axle trailer is generally easier to maneuver than a tandem. That’s because larger, longer, dual-axle trailers require wider turns and are generally less maneuverable.

Better Fuel Economy

Whether you have a single-axle or dual-axle trailer usually figures into the fuel economy you’ll get from your towing vehicle. Single-axle trailers contribute to better fuel efficiency while towing, partly due to their smaller, lighter size and weight, and also due to less rolling resistance with only two trailer tires on the road.

More Nimble Off-Road

Single-axle travel trailers tend to be better suited for off-road camping, especially if the trailer has good ground clearance. That’s not to say that dual-axle trailers can’t be great for off-roading too… we spent a month in numerous hardcore off-road situations in a two-axle Black Series camper. But it had independent suspension, which is a whole ‘nother step up from a solid axle (which is far more common, and mostly what we’re referring to today).

Cons of Single-Axle Trailers

Despite the numerous benefits of a travel trailer with just a single axle, there are a few cons to consider.

Less Load Capacity

For travel trailers, a lower load capacity could translate into reduced cargo carrying capacity for water, storage, gear, and other personal effects. Of course, if you’re considering smaller single-axle trailers, you’re probably looking for compact size and are prepared for lower capacities all around.

Less Stability When Towing

Whether you tow a single- or double-axle trailer, stability is essential. A single-axle trailer generally offers less stability than a dual-axle trailer. This is partly due to weight and, more importantly, to the additional axle and tires. Double the tire-to-road contact area means tandem trailers have more grip on the pavement.

Greater Risk From a Tire Blowout

In the event of a tire blowout, the risk of losing control is greater in a single-axle trailer than in a multi-axle trailer. That’s because if you only have two tires (one on each side) and you have a blowout, there’s no second tire on that side to support the trailer. Which means the wheel of the blown tire is going to drop down and hit the pavement. This sudden drop can cause an almost equally sudden loss of control.

On the other hand, if you’re towing a tandem axle trailer, a blowout will still leave you with one intact tire on that side. This will usually leave the trailer with enough support to allow you time to bring it to a safe stop.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Dual-Axle Trailer?

As is the case with single-axle trailers, dual-axle trailers (also called double-axle or tandem-axle trailers) offer both pros and cons.

Pros of Dual-Axle Trailers

Dual-axle trailers have a series of positive features when compared to single-axle models:

Increased Carrying Capacity

Again, dual axles generally mean you have a larger trailer with increased carrying capacity. Some of that capacity will be used up by the larger trailer and extra axle, wheels, and tires. But larger/heavier campers almost always have greater cargo capacity than smaller ones.

Greater Straight-Line Stability

When towing, two sets of tires in line with one another help reduce the sometimes “squirrelly” behavior of a trailer, particularly in windy conditions or when being passed by other vehicles (which of course creates wind, too). However, it’s essential to note that this is also dependent on the trailer hitch height being correct and the cargo weight being properly distributed, which can help avoid excessive trailer sway.

For more information, please see our posts on proper trailer hitch height and trailer sway control.

Extra Safety

With a dual-axle trailer, you’ll have increased safety in the event of a single-tire blowout because the three remaining tires should carry the load long enough to allow you to come to a safe stop. However, this makes having a TPMS system extra crucial because without it, you might not know a tire is flat. That could lead to a second blowout due to the remaining tire now being overloaded and continuing to drive on it.

For important information on tire pressure monitoring systems, see our post RV TPMS – What it is and Why You Need It.

Improved Braking Redundancy

Many people believe dual-axle trailers offer better braking in general, but it really depends on the weight per tire/wheel and the braking capacity of the brakes. So, it’s not universally true that a tandem axle always offers better braking. However, a dual-axle trailer offers the benefit of braking redundancy, meaning that if one brake fails, three other brakes are still available. It also offers twice the tire contact area on the road surface for greater braking traction.

Cons of Dual-Axle Trailer

Dual-axle trailers also have a few disadvantages to consider:

Higher Cost

Larger, heavier trailers cost more to purchase and maintain. There are twice as many axles to lube, twice as many components to maintain, and twice as many tires to replace. They also require larger, more expensive towing vehicles.

Increased Weight

Again, due to the increased weight of a dual axle trailer, a larger towing vehicle is required to tow it.

Less Maneuverable

Because dual-axle trailers are generally longer and require a wider turning radius, they’re less maneuverable in tight spaces. A single-axle trailer is likely your best choice if you want the most nimble trailer and are okay with a smaller space and lower capacities.

More Sensitive to Being Off-Level When Hitched

If the trailer hitch is too high or too low, the weight will be shifted to the front or rear axle. This could lead to a dangerously overloaded tire that could blow out. If you’re unfamiliar with how to level a travel trailer the right way, read our post about this critical topic.

Dual-Axle vs Single-Axle Trailer – Which is Better?

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both single- and dual-axle trailers, so there’s not really one clear winner. While it’s generally true that a dual-axle trailer handles better when towed, the added costs, decreased maneuverability, and need for a larger, more expensive, less fuel-efficient towing vehicle mean that a smaller, more nimble, lighter single-axle trailer has more appeal for many RVers.

Ultimately, manufacturers determine the number of axles a trailer has based on its weight, length, and several other factors. So the consumer’s choice is limited and comes down to what’s most important to you in terms of weight, maneuverability, cargo carrying capacity, size, etc.

UPDATE! NEW TRAILER TOWING & WEIGHT LIMIT POST, VIDEO & CALCULATOR!

We’re excited to announce that we’ve released a new video and blog post all about Trailer Towing & Weight Limits. We’ve included a FREE towing and weight calculator that we designed to do all the math for you, making sure your rig is properly balanced and within all weight limits. Don’t let a sagging trailer alert everyone in the campground that you’re overweight, and don’t let the dreaded trailer sway ruin your trip (or worse)!

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