Single vs Double Axle Towing! Advantages and Disadvantages!

Many people have interest in camping, but don't know what to expect when towing. This video should give you some guidance...
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[@warrensmith148]

I've been towing various trailers and caravans for over 50 years and don't agree with your evaluation Justin. In my opinion, it's NOT whether the trailer has one axle or more that makes backing it easier or more difficult, it is the distance from the tow hitch to the axle(s). Trailers that have dual axles typically are longer (like car trailers) and so tend to be easier to back up. Trailers with a single axle tend to be small (like a 5' x 8' box trailer) and typically also have a short 'A-Frame', making them trickier to reverse. If you think about a boat trailer that is built for a boat with an outboard motor, the single axle will be towards the rear of the trailer and therefore the distance from the hitch to the axle will be much greater than the small box trailer, and therefore will be fairly easy to back up, despite having a single axle. I have 3 trailers here - a 5 x 8 box trailer (single axle), an enclosed bike trailer with a long 'A-Frame' (single axle), and a large car trailer for our race car (dual axle). The box trailer is the hardest to back up, but it's not because of a single axle. If it had 2 axles it would still be just as tricky to back up. It's just simple physics.

[@JustinShanholtzer]

I would 100% agree with your statement for trailers overall. However the point of the video is regarding specifically the rv business. Most RV manufacturers build single axle trailers to be towable by mid sized SUV’s…. If you position the axle further back, I’d agree it turns slower - BUT it increases the tongue weight and therefore most of your mid sized SUV’s hitch capacity would be unable to tow that trailer safely. Most brands are moving the axle as far forward as possible with a short a frame to lighten the tongue load. Therefore if you get a tandem axle camper, it is in-fact EASIER to back up. In addition to that, I don’t know of any camper manufacture doing an extended a frame -which again to your point, would make backing up easier… Many variables, and I’m sorry if the Video came across as blanket statement for trailer towing- my experience is towing thousands of different trailers and 5th wheels campers from all the people I’ve helped over the years. Thanks for watching!

[@geod3589]

I have a 5 x 8 box trailer for my lawn mower and it is a bear to back up.

[@justanotherday1345]

Boils down to, Learn how to tow what you have. If your a beginner like all else that is new to you, there is a learning curve. Once you get experience, you will be able to tow , back up and park anything.

[@Dachamp2001]

I'm a trucker by trade 23yrs in the seat. My opinion a trailer is a trailer. My 6x12 is a single axle every time I take it out. I have to back it down my street to get it back into my driveway because my neighbors are retards js 🤷‍♂️ you just got to pay attention to the trailer and your mirrors 😅

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

I agree with Warren.

[@easemailboxes]

Having just purchased a 8.6m boat on a dual axle , with the weight coming within 100kg of trailer mass limit and 10kg ball weight and only ever towing small loads before, I am very grateful for your talk...... It was probably a bullshit story but made me feel more confident anyway! Thanks! (mitsubishi Triton: Trailer 3060kg, ball weight 302kg, Triton compliance limit: 3100kg, ball weight 310kg).

[@robgrune3284]

to be fair, some good points made here. single axle trailers are usually small: small are always more difficult to reverse, whether 1 or 2 axles. larger single axle trailers have less tire wear usually; especially when moving in tight places. tandem must be perfectly aligned: if not, expect rapid wear and blow outs. each has pros and cons. the real issue is weight bearing. for RV, axles are usually placed at the 60/40 position along the frame. for a single axle, this position can be more prone to sway and more difficult to reverse. placing the axle further to the rear solves many such problems; but will place greater load at the hitch, which is why usually such trailers will have comparably a lower gvw. to see this in real-life, observe semi-trailer rigs.

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Great feedback Rob! Thanks for watching!!

[@Fresh-uc9vb]

pretty cool Jason, pretty cool. Thanks for the info.

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Thank you sir!! 👊🏼

[@kellingtonlink956]

Great advice Thanks for sharing your insights.

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Thanks for watching! If you haven't already, please subscribe!

[@peachtreee4649]

Single or dual axle...it's a pain in the butt to back up on sand, mud, and icy snow with the trailer empty. 😁

[@bradleyshelton294]

Awesome video! Great explanation of the difference between single and tandem axle! Next gotta hit the topic of fifth wheel vs travel trailer! 😂

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Most definitely! It’s a game changer lol !

[@bradleyshelton294]

@@JustinShanholtzer yes sir!!

[@idiotonbike]

Good thing you had a single axle trailer on when you got lost because you’ll never swing a tandem around with just manhandling! Got lucky that day ;)

[@JustinShanholtzer]

You’re so right ! Lol

[@houcemammar5766]

Single axle can make a uturn in tight spot Tandem loaded will scrape tires bold !!! Sideways.

[@anthonycuellar41]

Convinced me to get the tandem . Thanks man

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Double axle is the way to go!

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Thanks for watching!

[@CDLClassA]

I just bought a tandem axel utility trailer today. Tandems are great! And they can also handle more weight.

[@cereid85cr]

In both cases, a single axle would give you better fuel economy than a double axle would. Less roll resistance.

[@byronarellano2391]

The problem you had with backing up in a single axel trailer is your hand placement, guaranteed you had your hand on the top of the steering wheel trying to turn it, never try backing up with your hands on TOP of the wheel, all was put your hand at the bottom 100% differences, you want the trailer to go left turn the wheel to the left, right to the right, hand o top of the wheel is total opposite, thus makes it very had to navigate.

[@odellmccain1993]

Thank you. This makes perfect sense and easy to follow. I had to rent a uhaul trailer because they were put of trucks and was SO CONFUSED trying to back it up. A lit of trial and error. Finally started to get the hang of it when it was time to turn it back in. Interested in a cargo trailer in the future and this will help a lot. Thanks 😊

[@SmokeyBear363]

Nah

[@ionrazvan126]

It s even easier without hands

[@terrywilson7518]

Great custmer service

[@jamessandifer3405]

PLus a shorter trailer reacts much quickly too. I learned this towing a 4 x 8 single verses a 5 x 10 single.

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Absolutely!

[@mcdouche2]

This guy’s name isn’t Justin, it’s Chad. Someone get him a shirt that says “Ouch” on the front.

[@overlandready]

a load of tosh, to be fair, the trialer's characteristics are about where it pivots which is down to the axle's centrepoint, on a single axle it is the axle, on a twin, it's in the middle of the 2 axles, on a tripple it's the centre axle. Short trailers have a greater effect than long trailers from the vehicle's movements. sway is down to bad loading/weighting and hitch height etc... Twin axles will sway just as easily as single axle trailers if they have the similar stress characteristics. Probably better to look into the science than the limited experience you have.

[@shanewinters3009]

Bingo!

[@ElVeteran44]

What you recommend just for tow 2 motorcycles is that, most of time one, SA 6*12 or TA?

[@BrandonWest87]

I pull two motorcycles on a single axle 12 foot trailer all the time. I’ve even one done 3 bikes on that trailer. The two typically towed together are a 2021 Honda Goldwing at ~800lbs and a 2022 Honda Rebel 1100 at ~550lbs for a combined approx weight of 1350lbs. Trailer is approx 1000lbs unloaded with a GVWR of 3500 meaning I’m at 2350lbs loaded (sans any gear) and left with a reserve of 1650lbs. I run a 3500lb axle and 205/75R15 load range D tires with a mounted spare, all tires the same and rated for 81mph. I’ve added brakes and pull with a Fastway E2 weight distribution hitch (mostly for the sway control). Trailer pulls, stops, and backs without issue. I’ve pulled at 80 down the interstate, pulled down horrendously rutted out gravel/dirt roads, and done the same with the trailer carrying a 2000lb Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000. A single axle for a 3500lb total load is plenty.

[@jeremymcmichael7371]

Tandem axle trailer is longer means the axles are sat back further. That's why it's a slower reaction time to turn. Single axle trailers, the axle is closer to the vehicle. That Is towing the trailer?

[@JB_WhoWork]

🔥🔥🔥

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Yesssirrrr 🔥🔥

[@user-ns3qx1qb4f]

It's not the number of axles but the length that determines how quick a trailer will react. Short trailers do react sooner than long trailers.

[@chesterd1950]

Looking for a tandem 6X10 enclosed for my 2021 Honda GoldWing; reasonable price/can be used

[@BrandonWest87]

I have a ‘21 Wing too. Don’t bother with an enclosed trailer unless you’re storing the bike in there when not riding it. I use a utility trailer with mine and it’s not a problem. Goldwings are meant for soaking up miles, not riding in trailers! 😎.

[@bakervinci163]

Are the axles diff with the two ?

[@JustinShanholtzer]

No both were traditional axles with leaf springs!

[@Yoglawm]

Contemplating whether to build a single or double axle trailer - there's also the cost difference lol.

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Hahha decisions… what will you be towing it with?

[@Yoglawm]

@@JustinShanholtzer tacoma. Using for lumber & building materials. Had to build special 5x14 flatbed for easy loading. It has to be 5ft because there's no need for anything wide, building materials are usually 4ft wide. The beauty of customization!

[@shanewinters3009]

About 75% of what he is saying is wrong. Don’t get your information about trailer towing from a guy who can’t back a trailer.

[@jamesmudd4162]

It would be easier to follow what he's saying if a video was playing while he was talking.

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Great feedback, will make a much better video for the future!

[@umberct]

Justin, you are in an echo chamber

[@citizencaine6738]

Yep. May have been a good video but had to turn off because of audio. Maybe a better microphone?

[@mowomedia4801]

I wanted to watch the whole video but that 'on camera mic' and room is annoying echo.

[@freeagent212]

Bobs burgers

[@JustinShanholtzer]

yup. preciate that.

[@michaelcorey9890]

You are not the guy to compare and contrast tandem axles vs single axles with your self admitted inexperience

[@michaelcorey9890]

Story @2:00 bahahaha. First time towing? Get a commercial driver's license son.

[@kccarrtheoregonhillbillyhi4803]

You have no idea what you're talkin about

[@niteninja0133]

If you have to disconnect then you shouldn't tow since you have no idea what you're doing

[@JustinShanholtzer]

I’m sorry you missed the point of the video. Be kind to others and don’t hide behind a keyboard.

[@h8GW]

Seriously, try not to shame others without at least adding productive input. Otherwise you're just wasting yours and other folks' time.

[@johnnywishbone1349]

It’s happens to us new trailer drivers. I’ve always learned the hard way! Had turned around in someone driveway and jackknifed the heck out of it. Man I’m glad I recovered it somehow lol

[@everettware3466]

@@JustinShanholtzer everybody does it. I’ll stop somewhere and check my map if I need to turn around. A small enough trailer can be unhooked if it doesn’t have a load.

[@ronfox5519]

Theres always one pindik in every crowd.

[@SamC379]

Horrible video

[@JustinShanholtzer]

Thanks for the kind words! I’d agree, bad video quality, and story line sucked. Actually surprised it got so many views. Nonetheless we all start somewhere!

[@mowomedia4801]

@@JustinShanholtzer Mainly the poor audio, get a mic close to you or use a lav mic. People will accept poor video (in this case slight blurry) but they won't deal with poor audio.