Over the years, our customers have asked many times whether the inherent versatility of the single axle trailer or the powerhouse qualities that make up our tandem axle trailer takes the cake as the best trailer we carry. Truth is, both of these trailer options have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to one another. The greatest determining factor in which trailer is right for you boils down to how you plan on employing your trailer. Here, we’ll do a side-by-side comparison highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each trailer type to help you decide which option is right for you.
The Single Axle Trailer
Renown’s single axle trailer has one 3500 lb. drop leaf spring axle which connects two ST 205 15” radial tires. Because of their versatility, the single axle trailer is a very popular unit so we always have an ample number in-stock and ready to roll of our lots. The standard features of our single axle trailers create a tough, dependable unit, at a low price point, and with enough muscle to accomplish an incredible array of different tasks. With many custom options available, we can build out the perfect set up for your unique application.
Advantages of Single Axle Trailers
- Less expensive than a tandem axle
- Easier to maneuver around town and to park in tight spaces
- Fewer tires and brakes means less to maintain
- Better fuel economy for your vehicle
- Can be pulled by vehicles with smaller towing capacity
- Great for in-town cargo transport
Disadvantages of Single Axle Trailers
- Smaller payload capacity than an equal-sized tandem axle
- Single axles are not currently required by the DOT for units to have their own braking systems to help your vehicle stop. Tandem axles come with brakes on both axles.
- More weight on one axle and two tires can translate to more wear and tear on these components over a tandem
Renown’s Tandem Axle Trailers
Our stout tandem axle trailers have two, separate 3,500 lb. drop leaf spring axles that each has its own set of brakes. These beefy axles connect two sets of ST 205 15” radial tires, which can be customized with a variety of wheel options. So, what is a tandem axle most suited for? The short answer – heavier loads and longer hauls. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Advantages of Tandem Axle Trailers
- Can haul increased payloads over a single axle
- Affords greater control and stability, especially from crosswinds
- Brakes on the trailer help you stop; this is very important when you are hauling a heavy load
- Better equipped for highway/long-distance travel
- Will generally not sway as much as a single axle
- A flat tire is compensated for by the additional tire on the side making getting off the road safer and easier. This also makes changing the blown tire easier.
Disadvantages of Tandem Axle Trailers
- Generally more expensive than single axle trailers
- Tandem axle trailers weigh more than single axle trailers
- Will not be as fuel-efficient with your vehicle over a single axle
- Where they are enforced, tolls for tandem can be more expensive versus a single axle trailer
- Four tires on a tandem axle trailer mean having four tires to maintain and replace and four hubs to lubricate. By nature, tandem axles simply have more to maintain.
What to Look for When Deciding Between Single Axle vs Tandem Axle
No one understands exactly how you desire to use your new trailer better than you, but our experienced sales staff are really good at helping guide you to the right trailer based on the requirements you present. We’ll take the time to go over all the possibilities you envision for you and your enclosed trailer to find the perfect set up to meet your needs.
When you are torn between the single axle and tandem axle trailer options, ask yourself these three questions:
- Where will I drive my trailer?
If you are a handyman and need your trailer to bring your tools and equipment all-around a city, the best option is probably a single axle trailer. If you are looking at hauling heavier loads longer distances, like on the highway, then a tandem axle will probably be more beneficial in the long run.
- What will you be hauling in your enclosed cargo trailer?
This all comes down to payload capacity. Simply put, our tandem axle trailers can safely carry significantly more cargo than our single axle trailers.
- What can I realistically afford?
Our financial service providers can help find the best funding options for financing your new trailer, but consider your long-term goals with the trailer. Tandem axles tend to be more expensive, so if everything you need your trailer for can be accomplished with a single axle trailer you can save money by going with the less expensive single axle.
How to Choose the Best Enclosed Cargo Trailer
From Rock Solid Cargo to Anvil Trailers we are proud to carry the best of the best when it comes to enclosed cargo trailers on the market today. We are often asked which of these manufacturers makes the best trailers. In reality, each manufacturer we carry has quality products, built on dependability, and conduct their business by the same principles that we hold ourselves to. In that light, there are several categories to look at when comparing trailer options side-by-side:
- Lowest Price: while the old adage “you get what you pay for” rings true for most transactions, within the three manufacturers we are proud to carry you can definitely find a great trailer at a great price. This is usually the chief driver with many consumers and we are incredibly adept at blending affordability and functionality in one great trailer package. We also offer a monthly special, allowing special pricing for different trailer options on our line. Be sure to check back regularly to see what sales are running in a given month.
- Durability Ratings: do your research or ask your sales associate to help you compare the different components used in the trailer’s manufacturing. Aspects like a thicker aluminum skin can translate to the outer shell withstanding the elements longer, which can increase your trailer’s overall lifespan.
- Customization Options: while customization options are really only limited by your imagination, look at the different options available to you with a stock model. Options like having an array of different base colors you can choose from can help you find the right trailer for your personal or business use.
- Customer Reviews: online reviews should always be taken in perspective. There are many fake reviews out there and other times one bad experience led someone to rant and rave, but it doesn’t necessarily give a true depiction of the brand. That being said, Google does provide a good platform from which to look at how these trailers stack up against each other based on ratings. Note things like service after the sale, which can be an incredible advantage. For example, Rock Solid Cargo doesn’t require bringing a trailer back to them for repairs like some other manufacturers do. Ease of service after sale is also an important consideration as you consider your trailer purchase.
- Warranty Period: most all manufacturers will list their warranty information on their website but you can also ask your sales associate to provide this information. Like above, consider what happens if you have trouble in the future and how accessible the manufacturer is making themselves towards providing an easy warranty process.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Trailer?
Our team takes great pride in how we conduct our business. We choose to be a firm with integrity, treating customers as we would want to be treated. This means we don’t employ pushy sales people. Our professional team members are partners in your success and will take the time to understand your needs before recommending the perfect set-up for your unique situation. Our trailers can be accessorized with a virtually unlimited number of different options to outfit the trailer for whatever you need it for. Whether that’s a custom construction trailer or our popular food truck trailer, we have the ability to build a trailer from the ground up and have it delivered straight from the manufacturer. However, if we meet with a customer and find we don’t have the right trailer to match their needs, we’ll gladly say so and recommend other dealerships that might be able to help. That’s the Renown difference. We would much rather see you go somewhere else over putting you in something that’s not entirely right. Whether anyone notices or not we choose to do the right thing in our business, day in and day out. It’s one small reason we’ve enjoyed continued success and give thanks to Him who continually provides.
Ready for a completely different trailer buying experience? Check out our online inventory or come in and see for yourself. Questions? Call, chat, or email us now.
Tandem trailers also put less weight on the tow vehicle bumper