Single Axle vs Tandem Axle

[hankaye]

CHMLEON, Howdy;

All of us have scratched our heads, rubbed chins, and asked for opinions.
We can only give ya information as to why each of us did what we did.
The decision is yours, it may cause a headache or 2 (maybe more), get a
pad (graph paper is best), and pencil with a ginormous eraser. draw a big
rectangle and fill it in with what you expect (Hope),to have and where.
Once you have everything where it feels right size it all then see what size
the container (rectangle), needs to be. Then you'll have a better idea of
what it might weigh so it will help you decide if you need 2 or can do with
1 axle. Someone posted what various building materials weigh on here awhile
back. Might try the Search function to find it or someone may know where
it is and post a link to it.
Meds are kickin in .. noight noight...

hank

[CHMLEON]

I was more concerned with length and stopping than weight.
I bought my 7x12x7 -1540lbs empty, to be towed with my Liberty. Tow ratings on the Liberty are a bit confusing. I towed my CT about 45 miles home and it's been parked in my pole barn. So I really can't say how it would be. I did tow unloaded 6x12- no V no brakes about 200 miles and then returned some what loaded. No problems. Did feel pushing from trailer when stopping but plan ahead and it's not a problem. I also noticed a pull when pushers passed - flat nosed rear engine RV -buses Trucks. Those are the only time I noticed I was not just in my Jeep.
Since you have a Liberty you know how small the foot wells are. I have physical problems that my KK aggravated. I hated trading it in I still had plans for mods. I had 5 more payments and my KK would have been paid off! But I stopped in to check out a pickup. And ended up getting it. Integrated brake controller - great now I have 2 new unused brake controllers.

Once I make up my mind on the trailer, if your interested in selling one of those brake controllers I would probably be interested in buying. I don't currently have one.

[CHMLEON]

CHMLEON, Howdy;

All of us have scratched our heads, rubbed chins, and asked for opinions.
We can only give ya information as to why each of us did what we did.
The decision is yours, it may cause a headache or 2 (maybe more), get a
pad (graph paper is best), and pencil with a ginormous eraser. draw a big
rectangle and fill it in with what you expect (Hope),to have and where.
Once you have everything where it feels right size it all then see what size
the container (rectangle), needs to be. Then you'll have a better idea of
what it might weigh so it will help you decide if you need 2 or can do with
1 axle. Someone posted what various building materials weigh on here awhile
back. Might try the Search function to find it or someone may know where
it is and post a link to it.
Meds are kickin in .. noight noight...

hank

Yeah, that's exactly what I was hoping for was experience. If everyone was saying that they are going through a set of tires every 500 miles, crazy swaying above 50 mph, or broken axles on single axle trailers below 3500# then I would have went with a tandem axle.

If I attached it correctly, there should be a Floorplan that I put together in a 7'x12' body with a 31" v-nose. I won't be hauling any toys, just a place to "camp".

uploadfromtaptalk1433416414539.png (147.16 KiB) Viewed 1949 times

[hankaye]

CHMLEON, Howdy;

Of course you would use a computer program to do the art work ...
told ya my meds were kickin' in.
Looks like you have a nice plan. What types of items do you plan for
the voids on either side of the commode?

hank

[CHMLEON]

Lol... I've been working though designs for a bit. My original started as a 7x16 but I had to shave some weight off when I discovered that my manual transmission Liberty had a max tow capacity of 3500#.

Both the spaces will be closet/utilities. The space to the right of the commode will probably be a closet/plumbing. The space to the left of the commode will probably be a closet/electrical. I also intended to have a 80"x60"x18" utility/storage space under the Queen size bed. I'll have shocks mounted under the bed to assist in the bed lifting process.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

If it was my choice I would get a single dexter torsion never adjust brakes vs duel spring axel.

[Prem]

Jeep Liberty? Make your vehicle (and clutch) last by keeping the trailer weight down around 2,000#. You can do that with a single-axle, all aluminum trailer and still have decent interior volume.

Electric trailer brakes are a must-have also with such a light tow vehicle. Could save your life and that of others. Not kidding.

[MtnDon]

My preference for a SA also comes from 40+ years of towing assorted trailer types and sizes over thousands of miles. I have had one on the go tire failure. One. And that one was way back when I was new to the game of towing. It was absolutely my own fault for 2 reasons. Number one reason I did not check the tire pressures before taking off on a trip. Number two reason was the tires were old, but looked great. The tire dealer pointed out the age (8 years...the trailer was used).

Since then I do two things. I use a tire pressure gauge frequently. I also buy new tires every 5 years no matter how good the old ones look. Haven't had a road failure since and that includes thousands of working miles towing utility trailers hauling construction supplies.

[lrrowe]

Number one reason I did not check the tire pressures before taking off on a trip. Number two reason was the tires were old, but looked great. The tire dealer pointed out the age (8 years...the trailer was used).

Since then I do two things. I use a tire pressure gauge frequently. I also buy new tires every 5 years no matter how good the old ones look. Haven't had a road failure since and that includes thousands of working miles towing utility trailers hauling construction supplies.

MtnDon, by your example, which I do not doubt by the,way, I must be running on borrowed time with my 18 years on my utility trailer. Some cracks showing and I agree I must go get them replaced now. They are Goodyear Wranglers.

[chukarchaser]

The casita folks have been all over the place looking for the answer to blow outs. Casitas are built with Goodyear marathon trailer tires. Light truck tires by numerous manufactures maximum tire pressure to below max. 10 ply versus 8 ply. Tow speeds. Replacing tires every 3 years. Storing trailers off the tires. Covering tires up during storage. All have resulted in countless blow outs. Some have even installed a way of monitoring tire tempeture while towing.

My personal opinion is if you tow in summer months in the south your at maximum risk overheating tires. People who live up north who don't have blowouts is comparing apples to oranges. Trailer weight balanced over 4 tires instead of two means less heat being generated. It only takes one blowout to change your whole opinion from single to double axle