single or Tandem for off road?

[JokerOne]

I'm looking at independent torsion suspension for a 6x12 build that will be used on Forest service roads, and BLM land. (no rock climbing, mud crawling, etc.).

I know the argument about a tandem will be helpful at speed during a blow out.

Anybody had any experience with this sort of rig over these sorts of roads with a Tandem?

thanks in advance.

[Rainier70]

I've pulled both single axle and tandem axle trailers on hundreds of miles of gravel/boulder national forest and BLM roads. The problem is that my trailers aren't the same size or the same height from the ground. So it is hard for me to really compare accurately.

I have been able to get the 4 ft longer one with the tandem axles into many of the same dispersed campsites, but some I won't try because of the extra length and lower ground clearance.

The tandem seems to be less maneuverable when backing or turning sharp. That could be from length as well as multiple tires.

I have noticed that the trailer with the tandem axles doesn't seem to bounce as much on the washboards and potholes. It is also nice that the trailer doesn't end up low on the ground with a slow tire leak either. On the other hand when I replace tires it will be four rather than two, but I am hoping that the 4 wear longer since the load is dispersed. The obvious advantage is greater load capacity if you need it.

Hope that helps some.

[beachguy005]

I don't know the geometry but I've wondered about the difference in approach and departure angles between single and tandem axle. I've a single axle on a 5x12 and I know I've dragged my backside a couple of times in NF roads. Would be interesting if someone knew the actual geometry of it.

[swoody126]

towed a single torsion axle rig on "maintained" NF roads in the Colorado Rockies and then around on 2-track roads in the NF above Creede n Lake City(south western part of the state) for several years

it only took making repairs after the 2nd trip to convince me to switch from the stock torsion suspension to leaf springs n straight axle keeping the same tires and axle location

the damage was caused by issues alluded to above w/ the concern about tail dragging...

the natural height of the torsion suspension was enough lower that the dragging/clearance issue was a real problem

once the frame was raised one set of arched springs mounted on top of the axle higher the issues subsided enough that repairs were no longer required upon returning home

i might repeat something i have said in other threads about trailer track width being NO WIDER than the TV's

getting to and from many of the really nice(free) camp sites in the NF involved some noodling in n out n around trees and rocks

if your TV is 4x4 backing a tandem shouldn't pose many issues

if the TV is 2wd then buck knifing a trailer into that ideal location can become difficult if the trailer has 2 sets of wheels & axle and the weather is anything less than DRY

back then i was a 2wd kinda guy butt now have 2 - 4x4's w/ a hitch on the front for stuffing trailers into tight spots

i would still personally suggest a single axle rig riding on leaf springs mounted on top of a straight axle if NF travel is your target/quest

btw, i had to look for a while b4 i found my current 6x12 cargo w/ RV latching side door and dbl cargo doors(no ramp) on the back all sitting on a single leaf spring axle

sw

[Andrew Herrick]

Depends what you mead by off-road.

Tandem axles will work fine on maintained forest and back roads, and they come with all the benefits you mentioned as far as load capacity, reduced trailer sway, etc.
Real "hardcore"off-roading? No ...

One poster asked about geometry.

A tandem axle doesn't greatly change the approach, departure and breakover angles. On paper, it increases the first two and decreases the last ... but that's not really accurate in the real world. Anytime you get close to the maximum approach and departure angles on a tandem trailer, you risk lifting one set of tires completely off the ground. This is especially true with solid axles. As you can imagine, doubling the weight on a set of tires is asking for real trouble :p

[aggie79]

The differences in a single and tandem axle aren't so much because the overhangs are what diminish the approach and departure angles.

I guess you could go with a sheep wagon design with the axles/wheels at the corners to reduce the overhang geometry...



...but I'm not sure where you can get the front steer axle and the design may be a little tricky in backing or traveling at highway speeds.

[Andrew Herrick]

The differences in a single and tandem axle aren't so much because the overhangs are what diminish the approach and departure angles.

I guess you could go with a sheep wagon design with the axles/wheels at the corners to reduce the overhang geometry...

...but I'm not sure where you can get the front steer axle and the design may be a little tricky in backing or traveling at highway speeds.

Those are everywhere I live! I'm kinda jealous ... wish there was a way to make one practical for traveling camping.

[hankaye]

Andrew Herrick, Howdy;

I used to live just a short drive North of your local where these guys are located in Mt. Pleasant, Ut.
Here's a link to one of their models. Click on the link for the Catalog. They still make some 4 in
the corner wheeled models. I think they used to test pull some of the original models up on the
Wasatch Plateau.
http://www.wrcamps.com/camp-models/outfitter-xl/

hank

[Andrew Herrick]

Andrew Herrick, Howdy;

I used to live just a short drive North of your local where these guys are located in Mt. Pleasant, Ut.
Here's a link to one of their models. Click on the link for the Catalog. They still make some 4 in
the corner wheeled models. I think they used to test pull some of the original models up on the
Wasatch Plateau.
http://www.wrcamps.com/camp-models/outfitter-xl/

hank

Looks nicer than my house!

[KTM_Guy]

Those are nice on the inside, but butt ugly from the outside.

[JokerOne]

I've pulled both single axle and tandem axle trailers on hundreds of miles of gravel/boulder national forest and BLM roads. The problem is that my trailers aren't the same size or the same height from the ground. So it is hard for me to really compare accurately.

I have been able to get the 4 ft longer one with the tandem axles into many of the same dispersed campsites, but some I won't try because of the extra length and lower ground clearance.

The tandem seems to be less maneuverable when backing or turning sharp. That could be from length as well as multiple tires.

I have noticed that the trailer with the tandem axles doesn't seem to bounce as much on the washboards and potholes. It is also nice that the trailer doesn't end up low on the ground with a slow tire leak either. On the other hand when I replace tires it will be four rather than two, but I am hoping that the 4 wear longer since the load is dispersed. The obvious advantage is greater load capacity if you need it.

Hope that helps some.

thanks for the reply.

[JokerOne]

thanks to all who replied.

I have a unlifted Jeep JKU with a tow capacity of 3500#.

I'm thinking i'm pretty much limited to a single axle due to the weight restrictions.

Looking like its going to be a 6x12 single axle.

I was interested in hearing the results of a straight axle over a torsion axle.

[tony.latham]

I was interested in hearing the results of a straight axle over a torsion axle.

This is like asking about guns vs. no-guns. You're going to get some anchored opinions.

I'm a fan of torsion axles (and radial tires). True independent action.



The military has switched to Dexter Torflex axles on their new "utility trailers."



Tony

[Iconfabul8]

I went with 45 deg down start torsion axles on my 6X12 and am real happy with the clearance. Here are a few pics.

[JokerOne]

I was interested in hearing the results of a straight axle over a torsion axle.

This is like asking about guns vs. no-guns. You're going to get some anchored opinions.

I'm a fan of torsion axles (and radial tires). True independent action.



The military has switched to Dexter Torflex axles on their new "utility trailers."



Tony

Tony, thanks!