GN Trailer: 3- 7k or 2-10k axels

Turkeyman · Apr 6, 2006

I am considering buying a 30 ft ( flat) GN trailer. My 22 ft tag is neither long enough nor has the capacity I need. A 24 foot- 14K GVW will weigh 4500lbs, allowing me to carry 9500 lbs legally. My tractor, FEL and mower weight that much now.

So I am leaning towards a 21-25,000 gvw trailer. Should I get 3 - 7k pound axels or 2 - 10k axels? I think I want the 3 -7ks, because 1. flats are easier to change, 2. would also provider me another two brakes. But have been told with 3 axels the last one will drag in corners due to the trailer pivot. Also heard that off road the last tires will pop off the rim due to pivot.

I am unsure of the advantage to the 2- 10k pound axels with 8 tires.
I have never towed any GN so any thoughts you have would be appreciated.
Thanks
Kevin

Bird · Apr 6, 2006

I think you've heard right. The only way I'd buy a 3 axle trailer is if I really had a specific need. If I needed a trailer to handle that kind of weight I'd consider a 2 axle trailer with duals (8 wheels instead of 6). One of my brothers lives in a 3 axle 38' fifth-wheel travel trailer with 2 slideouts. He's had more than his share of tire problems ever since he got it.

DavesTractor · Apr 7, 2006

I've had both. The triple spreads the load along the frame and tows great going down the road. It is hard on tires. When I had to turn tight while loaded (like when I turned into some place that I regretted) I'd look for some gravel or a wet spot or anything that would help the tires slide easier in the turn.

The dual tandem uses a much heavier axle and turns better, plus less wear on the tires. The triple axle is generally cheaper, but when you look at the size of the axle tube and the bearings, the difference is obvious.

Either will work fine, but I prefer the dually. In either event, you will need a CDL if you don't already have one.

EddieWalker · Apr 7, 2006

Do you have to have a commercial license to pull a trailer that puts your gross vehicle and trailer weight over 25,000 pounds?

I also heard, but don't know for sure, but the extra axle will classify the trailer as commercial and fall under a different tax bracket.

Eddie

Farmwithjunk · Apr 7, 2006

Avoid tri-axle trailers like the plague. Tire troubles will abound. Also some states interpret trailer laws differently in regards to tri-axles.

Duallies are more stable .

Some tri-axles drag the FRONT axle when turning. Some rip apart the rear tires. Makes no difference. Still expensive to operate.

RollTideRam · Apr 7, 2006

I would think that duals would be better on narrow roads. I know with my car hauler, it is easy to drop the right side tires off the road. JC

Turkeyman · Apr 7, 2006

Here in SC, I am fine without a CDL up to 25,999 lbs.
The tri axel is out , but now leaning towards a duel pierced trailer.
Thanks for all your help.

john_bud · Apr 7, 2006

Turkeyman,

Sorry to pop your ballon, but you are a LARGE ticket waiting to be written! FEDERAL law requires a Class A CDL for anyone towing a trailer that is 10,001 pounds or more. Many DOT enforcement officers won't just write a ticket and send you down the road, they will force you to have the trailer moved by someone with a CDL. (Real fun on a weekend to find an available CDL class A buddy!!!)

An unloaded truck 25,999 and less does not need a CDL. But a gross combined load of truck plus trailer must be less than 25,999 AND the trailer gross load must be 10,000 or less. Some states have a loophole for farmers transporting equipment between farms / fields less than some distance (50-100 miles). Do a Google search on your state and CDL requirements. Post back if I'm wrong - I'd hate to have give out bad info!

I know, it's not what you wanted to hear (sorry!).

jb

Edited to add link so SC CDL page
SC CDL

RedDog · Apr 7, 2006

I drive tractor-trailer for a living, and have had both. Once you have a tandem dual, you will not go back to a tri-axle!!

Guys ahead of me have mentioned some of the reasons.

RedDog

DavesTractor · Apr 8, 2006

My latest trailer is a pierced frame dually. The deck height is about 5" lower this way. Also consider a torque tube if you carry off balanced loads (left and right) as it keeps the trailer from twisting.

In California, pulling a trailer rated at 10.001 or more requires a class A. I was ticketed for this very thing a couple years ago and they would not even let me drive home.