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07-23-2013, 06:30 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 406
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Tandem axle trailers
I know this may be a dumb question but what, if any, are the major differences between towing a tandem vs a single axle trailer? I've never towed anything longer than the 17Z so any advice would be appreciated. I am, as you might imagine, most nervous about backing up if anything.
Thanks.
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2013 Starcraft Travel Star 229TB
2011 Jayco X17Z(traded in)
2010 Jayco Jay Series 1207(traded for the 17Z)
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 CC 6.0L/3.73
ITBC
Reese "Pro Series" 800lb Trunnion WDH w/sway control
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07-23-2013, 07:10 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Forest
Posts: 634
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I think the dual axles are easier to back. That being said the chief difference in the two is that the dual axle can carry and is needed to carry more weight.
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07-23-2013, 07:17 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mostly the US
Posts: 10,002
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I've towed both single and dual. Rule of thumb back in the day.. if single, you can pull up to about 3000+-ish pounds. Dual wheels mean a heavier duty tow vehicle due to heavier tt. Towed single with a mini-van and 1/2 ton. Towed dual with only a half ton (.. wouldn't have with the minivan LOL). Big difference was the length and how to take tight turns, etc etc etc. If you have the right tow vehicle and set-up, other than length, you may not notice the tt back there
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Denise, DH, grandkids, and two rescue pups
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07-23-2013, 07:19 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mostly the US
Posts: 10,002
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Other thought.... whatever scares you the most about towing a longer length tt... Try searching on Youtube for that concern (ie: backing a trailer). There are some great how-to-tow videos out there
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Denise, DH, grandkids, and two rescue pups
-2016 Jay Flight 29QBS Elite
-2016 Ford F-250 XLT 4x2, 6.2L EFI V8, 4.30 Elec Lock, Heavy duty Alt
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07-23-2013, 07:42 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Twin Falls
Posts: 930
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Single axle trailers turn without scuffing tires, you only have two tires to blow out while driving, and as healthi stated they are lighter... that about sums up the pros
Tandem axle trailers are more stable, have less propensity to sway, better distribution of weight, better ride (less bouncing)...
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2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins
2012 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 297 BHS
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07-23-2013, 09:10 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 9,780
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyrotor
Single axle trailers turn without scuffing tires, you only have two tires to blow out while driving, and as healthi stated they are lighter... that about sums up the pros
Tandem axle trailers are more stable, have less propensity to sway, better distribution of weight, better ride (less bouncing)...
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X2
I would also add that a longer trailer is more stable and is easier to back up, as it does not react as quickly. If you are comfortable with your 17Z, you will not have any issues with that new 26’ Starcraft.
One thing you will notice while backing up, your tires may not look like they are in line with each other. That is normal, as there are a lot of stresses and the rims will flex and the sidewalls will flex, as the tires will scuff. It is all normal.
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07-24-2013, 06:16 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 406
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Sounds like I should be ok once I get used to the extra length, thanks everyone.
__________________
2013 Starcraft Travel Star 229TB
2011 Jayco X17Z(traded in)
2010 Jayco Jay Series 1207(traded for the 17Z)
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 CC 6.0L/3.73
ITBC
Reese "Pro Series" 800lb Trunnion WDH w/sway control
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07-28-2013, 08:45 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SE Sask.
Posts: 246
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Coming from someone who, years ago, learned to back 50' trailers into place with one try, trust me when I say the longer the trailer, the easier to back. We have a 197 Feather and it is ten times as tricky to back as those old 50" trailers. Actually, the longer the distance between the hitch pin and the center of the trailer axle(s) is what makes it easier. Trailer length in itself isn't the determining factor. Clear as mud, eh?
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2012 Jay Feather 197 w/pull-out
1997 GMC Sub 1500 4x4;
or 2015 Ford F150 4x4 SuperCrew EB
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07-29-2013, 07:40 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 519
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kjohn73
Coming from someone who, years ago, learned to back 50' trailers into place with one try, trust me when I say the longer the trailer, the easier to back. We have a 197 Feather and it is ten times as tricky to back as those old 50" trailers. Actually, the longer the distance between the hitch pin and the center of the trailer axle(s) is what makes it easier. Trailer length in itself isn't the determining factor. Clear as mud, eh?
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X2
Lots of factors to include to say what's easier towing but in general the longer the easier towing and easier to back up. IMHO A properly set up combo should provide some level of reassurance and not stress .
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