I have compiles a list of the Pros and Cons of single and tandem axles, as well as my thoughts on them. I am planning on doing a ~6.5x12 ctc camping trailer, with the intention of towing it fairly long distances including lots of off road (gravel, washboard roads, light off road trails, not rock crawling!, etc) I figure that the trailer fully loaded will probably be ~2500 lbs.
Single Pro:
weigh less - yeah, like 150 lbs less
cost less - a few hundred bucks, who cares
more maneuverable -that is a concern
don't have to level - I'll have a hitch that is setup perfectly, so whatever
doesn't need brakes - yeah, but then it doesn't have brakes
Single Con:
less payload - not a concern
doesn't have brakes - can have brakes, I'd kinda like to have brakes
harder on tires due to weight - that is a concern
Tandem Pro:
more stable at highway speeds - sounds great
flat tire much less catastrophic and easier to change - sounds great
safer due to blowouts and having brakes - sounds great
less prone to sway - sounds great
track straighter in wind - sounds great
bounce less - sounds great
more payload - who cares?
better approach and departure angles - I added this one, I think it's significant
Tandem Con:
costs more - a few hundred bucks, who cares
weighs more - even if 200 lbs more, whatever
road tolls - don't have tolls around here, so would be uncommon on trips
more maintenence - also more redundancy!
have to tow flat - again, hitch height would be set perfectly
At some point in a few years, I am considering taking a trip literally around the world with the trailer. After considering all the pros and cons, it seems like a no brainer on a trailer of that size to do tandem axles. I think it'll help out significantly off road, and the redundancy seems worth it for the small weight and cost increase. I especially think halving the load on the tires will help reduce the chances of puncture Anyone have any thoughts on the issue? I would probably be putting ~2000 lb axles on a tandem, or a 3500 lb axle on a single.
Also, what is everyone's thoughts on spring vs torsion? I originally wanted to do torsion axles as they ride smoother and have better ground clearance, but it sounds like they don't hold up as well on washboard roads, and spring axles work together going over bumps and rocks.
Thanks!