What does tandem mean on a trailer?

Choosing between a single or tandem axle trailer? Here are the benefits and disadvantages of each. Larger payload trailers do have the requirement to have dual axles, however, for the mid-payload range, it is personal preference as to whether you choose single or double axle.

Single Axle Trailers

A single axle trailer, as the name implies, has one axle with a wheel connected on each end. It’s attached to the trailer either via the springs or directly on to the trailer bed with clamps or supporting hardware.

Advantages of single axle trailers:

• Great for towing lighter weights and short distances.
• Single axle trailers weigh less so they’re more economical to tow.
• Often cost less to buy.
• Are easier to maneuver than a double axle trailer of the same size.
• Easier to park in a tight spot.
• One fewer set of tyres, bearings and brakes to maintain and replace.

Disadvantages of single axle trailers:

• They can’t haul as heavy a payload as a tandem axle trailer of the same size.
• Single axle trailers below 750kg GTM are not required to have brakes, so it’s up to the owner to make a call about this important safety issue.
• A single axle trailer will be harder on tyres as they carry more weight per tyre than a dual axle trailer.
• If you get a flat tire whilst driving, you will immediately pick up a trailer wobble.
• If it doesn’t have suspension, it won’t cushion the load so well or provide a stable ride over bumps.

Tandem Trailers

Double or tandem trailer axles have two axles placed in close proximity to each other to help disperse the weight load of the cargo.

Advantages of tandem axle trailers:

• More suitable solution if your towing over long distances and are concerned about safety.
• More stable at highway speeds.
• Usually, have much better suspension.
• A flat tyre is less of a dramatic event and if it happens the tyre could possibly be changed without using a jack.
• Tandem axle trailers are safer. If they’re rated to carry 750kg to 3000kg, they are required by law to have brakes, while anything over 2000kg must have brakes on all axles.
• When properly loaded, a dual axle trailer will bounce less and is less prone to swaying.

Disadvantages of duel axle trailers:

• A tandem axle trailer often costs more.
• Depending on the brand, they are often more difficult to maneuver
• It weighs more so fuel economy suffers.
• The more axles, the more maintenance is involved, such as four wheels to maintain with bearings, grease and tyres.

Choosing between a single or double axle will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, ensuring you are purchasing a high quality manufactured trailer from someone with knowledge and experience in the field so you can guarantee safety and longevity with your purchase.

#VSB1 (vRevision 6), single axle, tandem axle, trailer tips

red horse trailer image by studio vision1 from Fotolia.com

Once you learn the meaning of the word "tandem," it's easy to figure out what a tandem-axle trailer is. Tandem means "one following or behind the other." A trailer with two axles, one behind the other, is a tandem-axle trailer.

When compared to a single-axle trailer, a tandem-axle trailer travels down the road in a straight line more easily. Tandem-axle trailers absorb more shock, so they produces less bounce, which keeps your cargo more secure. The second axle also makes the trailer more stable, durable and strong.

Tandem-axle trailers tend to be harder to maneuver. For example, their turning radius is limited. Additionally, they are usually more expensive to purchase than single-axle trailers, and require four tires instead of only two. Also, the second axle adds extra weight, which requires the vehicle pulling the trailer to use more power, in turn lowering gas mileage.

There is sometimes confusion among the terms "tandem-axle trailer" and "tandem tractor trailer." They are not the same. A tandem tractor trailer is a big-rig tractor truck pulling two big-rig trailers, one behind the other. While these terms are sometimes confused because they sound similar, the fact that tandem-axle trailers are sometimes called tandem trailers, and tandem tractor trailers are sometimes called tandem tractors, only adds to the confusion.

Tandem trailers come with two sets of wheels and dual axle; the extra set of wheels is aimed to support heavier loads and render firmness. When you’re on the market to purchase a brand new trailer, you’ll have to choose between a single and tandem (dual axle) trailer. Do the axles have an impact on the trailer’s performance?

All right, let’s find out the difference between single and tandem (dual axle) trailers.

• A single axle trailer has one axle with a wheel fitted on each end. It’s fixed to the trailer through the springs or straight on to the trailer bed with clamps or fitting support hardware.
• Whereas tandem (dual) trailer axles have two axles that are placed close to each other to assist scatter the cargo’s weight load.

Single Axle Trailer Benefits:

• Only two wheels and tyres, bearings and brakes to maintain, repair or replace.
• As they weigh less, single axle trailers are more economical to tow.
• It’s easier to park in a limited space.
• It’s effortless to steer compared to a dual-axle trailer of an identical size.
• It is less expensive.

Tandem (Dual Axle) Trailer Benefits:

• Typically, has superior suspension.
• When appropriately loaded, a tandem (dual) axle trailer will bounce lesser and is also less susceptible to swaying.
• Tandem (dual) axle trailers are safer than single axle trailer. If they need to carry load ranging between 750 kg and 2000 kg, it’s obligatory to equip the trailer with brakes by law.
• They are quite reliable and stable while travelling around.
• Getting a flat tyre is not that agonizing and if it does occur, the tyre could be easily replaced without using a jack.

The complexity in finding a sturdy, high-quality tandem trailer in Sydney is a thing of past!

Mario Trailers identified the benefits of a dual axle trailer and the extra functionality that they provide like better braking, handling/ firmness and the capability to carry heavier loads. At Mario Trailers, our tandem trailers commence from 8 X 5 sizes and they are equipped with brakes. Our tandem trailers are equipped with standard mechanical override brakes, but we can fit out electric brakes as well if you so desire. In addition, you can choose from standard to high sides for the tandem trailer. Tandem box trailer (8×5 sizes) fits a huge range of uses and can be crafted for medium or heavy-duty specification. Additional functionality can be added by defining the tilt/ tipper mechanism, fitting a detachable bolt on cage, fitting slide under ramps, tool boxes and so on. Mario Trailers give the first consideration to safety when making trailers and ensure each trailer adheres to the stringent Australian design rules.

When you want to buy tandem trailers in Sydney, visit Mario Trailers – you’ll be pleased to buy a superior quality and value for money tandem trailer, as well as, you’ll be happy that you came to us for we provide a fantastic after sale customer service. Surely, word gets out about excellent customer service not just during the sale process but also after the sale, which is the precise reason why repeat customers keep coming back each and every time to Mario Trailers.

The Bottom Line

It all boils down to your precise requirements that will determine whether you need to purchase a single or tandem trailer. If you haul occasionally then a single axle trailer would be just perfect. However, if you’re hauling over long distances or are worried about the safety then a tandem trailer would be ideal for you.

Related: Tandem Trailer: A Simple Buying Guide