Should I Buy a Single Axle or Tandem Axles? | Everything You Need to Know

By reading this blog, we’d assume that you don’t have a clue about which type suits your use case. We also think that you have a lot of questions running through your mind right now. Where can you find it? Is one type better than the other?

So, what exactly is a single or tandem axle? A single axle is just one axle with a wheel connected at each end, while a tandem axle has two or more axles. The choice between single or tandem solely relies upon you.

Choosing whether to get a single or tandem axle for your caravan or trailer can require a significant amount of research and time. While there are advantages and disadvantages related to both so we did the research and found out a few things you need to know!

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Is A Single Axle Worth It?

Like many things in life, a single axle also has pros and cons. We have compiled the advantages and disadvantages of going for a single axle caravan or trailer. These are the advantages of a single axle:

Lower tow weights

A lighter weight means the fuel economy is better
Cheaper to purchase
Easier to park in a tight spot

Less expensive to maintain (i.e. tyres. bearings, and etc.)
Easier for cornering/increased manoeuverability
Ability to move by hand

While its disadvantages are:

Increased pitching and bounce on the tow ball
Less weight can be carried

Trailers below 750 kg GTM are not required to have brakes and depends upon the owner (which is a safety issue)
Increased wear of tyres as the weight load per tyre is higher
No suspension means the load is subject to greater bounce

Is A Tandem Axle Worth It?

Yes. A tandem axle is worth it but it also has some shortcomings. Listed below are the advantages of owning a tandem axle caravan or trailer. These are:

Tows straighter
Increased stability for highway speeds

Increased durability
Less bounce on the hitch and contents
Better suspension

A flat tyre causes less hassle, the tyre can possibly be changed without a jack
750-2000 kg GTM required to have brakes (which makes it safer)
When loaded properly, it will bounce less

Smoother to pull
Better resale value

While its disadvantages are:

Prone to swaying
Limited turning radius
Tyres can slide sideways and scrape (crabbing)

Increased cost for upkeep (i.e. more tyres and spares)
More expensive to purchase
Heavier to tow

Heavier weight (which also increases fuel consumption)
Unlikely to notice a blowout while driving that can result in the shredding of the tyre (unless you have tyre pressure monitors)
Required to have all wheels straight to prevent movement/twisting while unhitching

How Do They Compare?

Whether you purchase a single or tandem axle caravan/trailer will depend on your needs. If you are going to tow light weights every now and then, a single axle trailer should be sufficient.

However, if your towing over long distances, heavier weight loads or concerned about safety then a tandem axle is a better choice. Many caravan owners will say that investing in a tandem axle from the onset is a worthwhile investment.

What Are the Things That You Should Consider?

The most important thing that you should consider when choosing the type of axle for your caravan or trailer is the cost.

Even if you manage to find the single or tandem axle that perfectly suits your needs, you won’t have it if you can’t afford it. So, choose according to your budget. The other things to consider are:

Weight: if you are only going to be carrying light loads, a single axle will be sufficient. However, if you need to haul heavier loads then you are best off with a tandem.

Distance: if you travel only short distances, a single axle should suffice. While going on long distance trips or on highways would only make sense with a tandem axle.
Use: a single axle is perfect if you will only travel sparingly (once or twice every few months). However, if you plan to use it every weekend or multiple times in a month, you are better off with a tandem axle.
Suspension: this will greatly affect the tow quality along with the weight of your caravan or trailer.

What Are the Two Forms of Axles?

There are two forms of axles that are used on the majority of caravans/trailers, leaf sprung or torsion. Torsion axles are mounted onto the frame of the trailer. There are also four rubber cords in the axles tubing which helps to assist the torsion axle by creating suspension and providing shock absorption. While leaf spring axles is a shackle that is a fundamental component of the suspension system, which attaches the leaf spring and the vehicle frame.

What Are the Things That You Should Remember?

In order to prolong the life of the axle and lessen the need for maintenance, you should:

Make sure not to overload the weight of your vehicle. This is more important with single axles with no brakes.
The width of your vehicle may require you to have wide towing mirrors which are required by law.
Consider the width of the trailer/caravan, a good rear view makes it easier to reverse.

Use anti-seize lug nuts to make it easier when changing tyres.

How Do I Tow Properly?

Towing properly might sound simple but there is really a lot of subtleties on how to properly do it. Here are some tips and tricks on how to tow properly. You should remember:

When reversing, turn the back of the tow vehicle to the left so that the trailer/caravan will turn to the right and vice versa. Do it slowly to be sure not to oversteer. Have someone at the rear to direct and keep an eye out just in case.
Practice makes perfect when it comes to towing and reversing. So, if you’re don’t know how to go find an open parking space/area and set up some ‘fake garages’ or ‘parking spots’ to get the hang of manoeuvering.
Be careful when you accelerate as the rate at which it increases is significantly reduced, due to the extra weight

Make sure to leave a decent gap between you and vehicles in front, as it may take a little longer to come to a stop due to the extra weight you are carrying
When overtaking be sure there is sufficient space for you and your towing vehicle
Always check your mirrors and blind spots

Decrease your speed when going downhill and it will reduce the need for heavy braking
To save fuel, moving the accelerator smoothly instead of dramatically will limit the excess use of petrol
Be observant of what is going on ahead to avoid unnecessary or emergency braking

Increase your speed slightly on an incline to avoid excessive gear changes
When turning, your towing vehicle will take a shorter path, so take the widest path you can to avoid your towing vehicle cutting corners
Be steady on your steering wheel, sudden turning can cause more sway for your towing vehicle

Consider reloading your towing vehicle if it continues to sway too much

How Do I Recover from A Sway?

Recovering from a sway is an important thing to learn. It would also make your trips safer. Here are just 4 steps to recover your vehicle from a sway.

Reduce your speed
Hold the steering wheel straight (do not try to control the sway by turning the steering wheel)
Do not brake or speed up

Get to a safe place to stop, and adjust your load

How Can I Recognize the Signs of a Failing or Defective Axle?

You need to be aware of when your axle begins to show signs of wear and tear so that you are able to proactively prevent any serious accidents from occurring. The things to look out for include: