Single-axle or double-axle trailer? Which to choose?

Looking for a new or used trailer? We know that choosing the right trailer can sometimes be difficult, especially if you're new to the business.

There are so many different types of trailer, and they all have different uses. So which trailer can meet all your needs? 

Today, we're taking a look at the different types of axle found on the most common trailers, and presenting the advantages and disadvantages of each choice to help you make the decision that's right for you!

As you've already guessed from the title, we're going to be talking about twin-axle and single-axle trailers, but more importantly how each style of axle brings different things to your tow. 

The physical difference between these two types of axle is fairly obvious, but we're going to take a closer look at them.

It's very simple: single-axle trailers have one axle (one set of wheels) and double-axle trailers have two.

Apart from the obvious differences between the two, there are many reasons why one type may be better suited to your needs than the other!

The single-axle trailer

By far the more popular of the two, the single-axle trailer is the ideal trailer for most uses, for a number of reasons, including price of course. 

Having half as many wheels and only one axle not only means that there are fewer components, but also that the design of the trailer is much less complex. 

A single-axle trailer will be used for lighter loads, so most single-axle trailers don't need a braking system, which reduces the complexity of the design and the number of components. And of course, fewer parts means lower maintenance costs and fewer problems.

So why buy a double-axle trailer? Well, single-axle trailers have their drawbacks. The main disadvantage of a single-axle trailer is its relatively limited loading capacity.

As the entire load is carried on a single axle and only two wheels, the maximum load capacity is much lower than that of double-axle trailers.

Having only two wheels also exposes you to a higher risk of having your journey brought to a halt in the event of a puncture - with a double-axle trailer, you can still get home safely without having to repair the puncture or change the wheel at the side of the road.

The double-axle trailer

The advantages of the double-axle trailer

Double-axle trailers offer a whole range of advantages, the main one being size and load capacity. As you'd expect, more axles and more wheels mean heavier loads. 

This makes them ideal for large boat trailers and goods trailers. With twice as many wheels, the load is distributed more evenly, making these trailers more stable when loading, unloading and towing over long distances.

Greater stability on the road means there's less risk of the trailer wobbling or losing grip on loose or uneven surfaces. For these reasons, twin-axle trailers are a preferred option for towing over long distances or if robustness and stability are important to you.

The disadvantages of the double-axle trailer

So what are the disadvantages of a double-axle trailer? Apart from the fact that it costs more because of its more complex design and construction, there are other disadvantages worth considering. 

The most important of these is the trailer's manoeuvrability. All that stability is great when you're towing on a motorway, but it becomes a bane when you're trying to manoeuvre in tight spaces. 

Four wheels limit the turning radius of the trailer, and if you add to that the larger size of the trailer, you're faced with a serious challenge. This can even be a problem on smaller roads, so it's worth thinking about it before you make your final decision.

Trailer servicing and maintenance

Regular maintenance of your trailer is essential to ensure its longevity and safety on the road.

Because they are mechanically more complex, double-axle trailers require special attention. Remember, for example, to check the condition of the tyres, brakes, bearings and suspension on a regular basis.

For single-axle trailers, on the other hand, maintenance is simpler and less costly, but should not be neglected.

Summary of advantages and disadvantages : Single vs. twin-axle trailer

Trailer type	Benefits	Disadvantages
Single-axle trailer	- Cheaper to buy and maintain (fewer components). - Easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces - Lightweight, ideal for lighter loads.	- Limited load capacity - Less stability on long journeys. - Increased risk of complications in the event of a puncture.
Double-axle trailer	- Greater load capacity - Greater stability on the road, particularly on long journeys. - Can support heavier loads.	- More expensive to buy and maintain - Less manoeuvrable, especially in confined spaces. - More bulky and difficult to store.

Some legal and regulatory considerations for trailers in Belgium

Before making your choice, don't forget the Belgian towing regulations. 

In Belgium, if the total permissible laden weight (GVW) of your trailer exceeds 750 kg, it must be fitted with an independent braking system. In addition, the driver must hold an appropriate driving licence, such as a B+E licence, if the GVW of the combination (towing vehicle + trailer) exceeds certain limits. 

You should also make sure that your trailer is properly registered and that safety equipment, such as lighting and signalling, complies with current standards.

Conclusion

There are many considerations when buying a new trailer, the number of axles being just one of many. Nevertheless, it is an important factor that influences almost every aspect of towing. 

The number of axles is dictated by the load capacity you need for your trailer. But if you have the choice between a single-axle or twin-axle trailer, think about how you intend to use your trailer:

How far will you be travelling? 

Double-axle trailers are ideal for long-distance towing.

Where are you going to store it?

Single-axle trailers are much more practical when it comes to manoeuvring in tight spaces, and they generally take up less space.

What is your budget?

Double-axle trailers are more expensive, but you'll get a more robust trailer that, if properly maintained, can last longer than a single-axle trailer.

Which vehicle will the trailer be hitched to? 

Double-axle trailers are heavier and therefore not necessarily suitable for a small towing vehicle.

Are you looking to buy or hire a trailer? Do you have a single or double axle trailer to rent? Take a look at Qijco, the leading hardware, gardening, construction and tools classifieds site in Belgium.