2 or 3 axles?

Corm · Nov 30, 2000

After looking for a 7' x 18' trailer to haul my tractor with for quite a while, I'm strongly leaning towards having one built the way I want it. I found a fellow close to me that has built several of them, and his work is real nice. My question to you guys concerns the number of axles. He has built several trailers that have a 7000# capacity, and are just what I've been looking for, except I want one that has a 10000# capacity. He can achieve this by putting heavier dual axles under the trailer, or going with 3 axles. I hadn't considered 3 until he mentioned it, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. It seems to me that spreading the weight over a larger area would be advantageous in soft ground, more tires would give me a larger safety margin in case of a blow out, and the extra braking power would also be a safety factor. Are there any disadvantages to a 3 axle setup?

Thanks in advance for any advice you fellows can offer.

Corm

gordon · Nov 30, 2000

Yes there is one disadvantage to a three axle trailer. A toll bridge will cost you more and so will a turnpike. Other than that you have more braking power. Better drivability and easier balance point or should I say a wider balance point. What size hubs is he planning to use?
Gordon

Rowski · Nov 30, 2000

Corm

I to have been looking at trailers in the 10,000# to 12,000# range. I went to a place in Hinseburg (southish from Burlington) called Upper Ten Trailer sales. The had a really nice 12,000# trailer 82" (between fenders) x 18' 2 axle (16" wheels) with torsion suspension and brakes on both axles, adjustable spring assit ramps, 9,000# jack for $3450.

The trailer really impressed me. Looked VERY rugged. Bulk head was really heavy duty. The hubs on the wheels are huge.

I'm sure the three axles have some go points. The bad points that come to mind are more rubber to replace when worn out, More springs to wear and get weak, more shackles-bushings- and pivots to wear.

The phone # for Upper Ten is 1-800-533-0504 ask for John Adsit.

Let me know what you end up doing. Maybe your guy could give a price break for 2 trailer orders /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

Derek

Corm · Nov 30, 2000

Gordon, I don't know what size hubs he is proposing to use. I just added it to my list of questions... Thank you very much! He did say he recommends torsion axles. I don't have any experience with them, but I've been told they are the way to go.

Rowski, Thanks for the info. I looked at the Upper Ten trailers this summer and I agree with you 100%. Their trailers and workmanship are top notch. One thing I didn't add to my original note is that this fellow I met is willing to let me help him build the trailer, considerably reducing the cost to me. He is also willing to teach me the ins and outs of welding (I was recently given an arc welder, and aside from some shop class training in High School, have no experience with a welder). So for me this is a super deal - a good trailer at a good price and some invaluable education to boot! Now if I can find a good body man willing to teach me the correct way to prep and paint it when it's done, I'd really have it made...

Corm

scruffy · Dec 1, 2000

I think I would stay to the heavy duty tandem axle set. Why? Ever watch your tires when backing your trailer? Particularly when cutting it sharp, you will have a definate dragging of one axle set, and contortion in the tires to accommidate the turn, this will also have a certain amount of 'dragging' one axle set through the turn. I would think that a tri axle set would excerbate the dragging effect and wear/stress on tires, axles and frame connecting points. To what degree I could not say, but some of the engineering type board members could come up with a much better idea. On a twenty, twenty one foot trailer, I would think it would almost be a necessity, but not on an eighteen foot trailer.

TexasJeff · Dec 1, 2000

I have a 2 axle 10000 lb rated 24 ft gooseneck (spring suspension)8 hole 16 inch wheels 6000 pounds per axle rating LOVE IT. Paid $2750 elec brakes,5 ft ramps, break away kit and treated floor ect. My big horse trailer has 2 6000 lb torsion axles and I agree torsion is the way to go when loaded. I do not know how the torsion axles handle empty, because my horse trailer weighs 4500 without horses

Thomas · Dec 1, 2000

Ed,
By the sound you have done your home work.
Since you have a tractor w/ a FEL plus attachment to haul,I believe a 3 axle trailer would better,and we both know living here in N.E. how theses road can be...pot holes..mud..sharp corners..etc..

Have the gentleman build your trailer to last put that extra steel on,also the third axle should handy the extra steel.

The only draw back I can see would be backing into a tight area.

Are you going to have a tilt bed or folding ramp or a slide ramp.

Take care over there in the green state,or should I write white state now since its snowed.. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Corm · Dec 1, 2000

TexasJeff - Man, what a gorgeous trailer, and at a super price! I'm jealous! Is the whole trailer 24 feet long, or does it have a 24 foot bed? If I could get one like that for that price around here, I wouldn't even think about trying to build one. After looking for a few months around here, I'd hazard a guess and say a trailer like yours up here would go for at least $3500.

Rowski · Dec 1, 2000

Corm

I would not pass up a deal like that! With the experience you will gain you will almost end up with the trailer for free/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif . I have though about doing my own too but for my situation I'm WAY to busy. The guy at Upper Ten told me the torsion is best. He said the torsion springs come with a five year unlimited mileage warranty. As for painting try this link http://www.por15.com they have a free catolog. This paint is as hard as nails. Can be applied with a brush (when finished you would never know it was brushed on{glossy}). Just used the one that is not UV sensetive. If you are intersted is seeing what the painted surface looks like just stop in at my shop.

This is an awsome chance to a good trailer, go for it!

I'm jealous now!!!!

Derek

Corm · Dec 1, 2000

Thomas - Thanks for your input. I hadn't considered a tilt bed, I've been planning on having ramps that slide in under the bed of the trailer. I've rented a few trailers that have the folding ramps that store in a vertical position. While they worked well, they rattled like crazy going down the road. I also like the way the slide in ramps look (small concession to vanity...).

Take care over there in the Granite State. I was born in Manchester, and used to live in Suncook. Are you familiar with the area?

Corm