Straight axle vs. drop axle?

[JDgreen227]

I have a utility trailer (2990 lb GVW) with a straight axle, no brakes, and was skipping over a multi-state sales newspaper where the builder/seller of utility trailers was claiming "we use drop axles, no straight axles" like the drop axles he used were more costly than a straight axle.

Might be a stupid question, but for a utility trailer like mine, would there be any advantage to having a drop axle over a straight axle? Thanks.

 

[BobRip]

The trailer bed is lower on a drop axle. This makes loading and unloading easier. You loose ground clearance though.

 

[JDgreen227]

The trailer bed is lower on a drop axle. This makes loading and unloading easier. You loose ground clearance though.

I figured out the ground clearance/bed height issue before I purchased but was wondering if there was another plus factor the drop axles would give....thanks.

 

[BobRip]

I figured out the ground clearance/bed height issue before I purchased but was wondering if there was another plus factor the drop axles would give....thanks.

There may be others. I just don't know.

 

[ultrarunner]

Some will say the trailer is more stable with a lower center of gravity...

I have drop and straight utility trailers... there is a noticeable deck height difference.

I use the drop axle most of the time, the lower deck height let me use the tailgate as a ramp for moving things like refrigerators or I can back up to a city curb and drive my riding mower right in... no ramps required.

Now, my home made dump trailer has a straight axle and it benefits my dump design by being higher up, there is more room or travel for dumping when I raise the bed

Drop axles are generally forged as far as the drop goes because it has to be made stronger... I have seen one or two drop axles with the spindle bent from too much weight of going over a pothole loaded.

 

[JDgreen227]

Some will say the trailer is more stable with a lower center of gravity...

I have drop and straight utility trailers... there is a noticeable deck height difference.

I use the drop axle most of the time, the lower deck height let me use the tailgate as a ramp for moving things like refrigerators or I can back up to a city curb and drive my riding mower right in... no ramps required.

Now, my home made dump trailer has a straight axle and it benefits my dump design by being higher up, there is more room or travel for dumping when I raise the bed

Drop axles are generally forged as far as the drop goes because it has to be made stronger... I have seen one or two drop axles with the spindle bent from too much weight of going over a pothole loaded.

Thanks for your input, my trailer has a five foot long rear ramp gate so deck height isn't an issue. I would rather have ground clearance instead of a lower deck height.

 

[Diamondpilot]

As said before ramp angle is the main advantage. They are very common on boat trailers because it allows the trailer to get in deeper while keeping the tow vehicle farther away from the water.

Chris

 

[newt92]

I have drop axles on my 16' flatbed trailer. Ordered it like that, and I built a 3' gate for it. Lower deck height with only a 3' tall gate = less wind drag too. Yea, it has less ground clearance, but I love the trailer.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I have drop axles on my 16' flatbed trailer. Ordered it like that, and I built a 3' gate for it. Lower deck height with only a 3' tall gate = less wind drag too. Yea, it has less ground clearance, but I love the trailer.

I'm with you on the ground clearance vs. load height. I like my trailer LOW. I do scrape the tail at times and occasionally the tongue, but I love it when I can load my tractor at a 10 degree loading angle.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I like my low trailer also but it does not have drop axles. Its deck height is only 14" and its a 18'x82" 7,000# trailer. No dove tail or gate, just slide in ramps from the rear. Very easy to use and load. Only weighs 1,250# empty so it has a 5,750# payload. Perfect trailer for me.

My last trailer was a 25+5 GN Deckover 25,000# unit. Hated it. Hated the GN for the loss of my truck bed. Hated the deckover for its load height and ramp angle. Hated the Dove Tail for its loss of flat floor space. Only liked its heavy duty load capacity but for no more than I used it I can pay someone to move my heavy stuff for a $100 or so. The darn thing weighed 5,800# and some change empty.

Chris