Are you looking around to buy a trailer in Sydney? Well, you need to first examine what type of trailer would be right for you and your task as there are different types of trailers available these days in different sizes and variants from which you can choose from. The most common confusion for many buyers is whether they should opt for a single-axle or tandem trailer to complete their daily chores.
Build quality and the number of axles determine the performance of the trailer. That’s why it’s imperative to know how you’ll use the trailer, so accordingly, you can select the trailer that best suits your needs. The most obvious difference you can easily make out by just looking at the single-axle and tandem trailer is:
- A single-axle trailer comes fitted with one axle and one set of wheels.
- A tandem trailer comes fitted with two axles and two sets of wheels.
We’ll now delve deeper into both single-axle and tandem trailer, and look at their advantages and drawbacks, to provide you with enough information, so it gets easy for you to choose the right one for your needs.
Single-Axle Trailer
Single-axles are lighter and smaller compared to tandem trailers and that’s because they come with just one axle and one set of wheels. If you’re going to carry only small to medium loads, then a single-axle trailer is all you need to complete your everyday tasks. They are typically bought for home use and can be effortlessly hauled behind a small car.
Advantages of Single-Axle Trailer
- It has low ownership cost precisely because of its small size and uncomplicated build.
- Low cost to maintain because it has only one pair of wheels and tyres along with bearings and brakes.
- Given its small and compact size, steering it through narrow spaces is effortless.
- Due to its lightweight, it’s easier to tow and is more fuel-efficient.
Drawbacks of Single-Axle Trailer
- Tyres can wear out quickly because the weight of the load is evenly spread over two tyres instead of four tyres.
- It doesn’t come integrated with a braking system that can exhibit some safety concerns.
- It has restricted capacity to tow payload and you need to always comply with it, so you can’t tow heavy loads in it.
Tandem Trailers
Tandem trailers come integrated with two sets of wheels, so they are perfect for those who want to haul heavier loads. They come with two axles paired together with extra tyres that help scatter the weight of the load comfortably. Tandem trailers provide a higher payload compared to single-axle trailers, so they are best for handling heavier loads.
Advantages of Tandem Trailers
- It is bigger than a single-axle, so you can effortlessly tow bulkier loads.
- It has better suspension.
- It evenly scatters the weight over both axles and a set of wheels.
- It doesn’t bounce and swing and is more firm and stable on the road.
- It is pretty stable at highway speeds.
- As the tandem trailer comes integrated with brakes, it will help you to stop when you want to, much-needed when towing a heavy load. Trailers rated between 750kg and 2000kg should have brakes as per the law.
- Flat tyres will not halt you in your tracks as they are pretty easy to change and you can do it even without a jack.
- As it comes with the heavy-duty build quality, transporting heavy loads regularly is effortless.
Drawbacks of Tandem Trailers
- It isn’t that easy to steer through smaller spaces or driveways.
- It is not as fuel-efficient as a single-axle trailer as it is bulkier and puts on more weight.
- Higher maintenance costs because it comes with the double axles, four wheels and tyres.
- Tandem trailers are bigger, so they need a more complex structure; thus, they are generally pricier.
The Bottom Line
What should you select – single-axle or tandem trailer? Well, you’ll have to select based upon the type of load you’ll be hauling; for instance:
- If you just have to tow lighter loads now and then, buying a single-axle trailer is adequate for your needs.
- However, if you have to tow heavier loads frequently, then a tandem trailer would be perfect for your needs.
In case you need assistance for buying single-axle or tandem trailers in Sydney, then get in touch with Mario Trailers – the most reliable trailer manufacturer in Sydney that has over 24 years of solid experience in designing and manufacturing superior quality trailers including box trailers and custom made trailers.
