single vs. dual jacks on a 22-25 ft 14k deckover bp/tag trailer

[disney]

Hello. And good morning to all. I have been keeping my eyes open for an equipment trailer, and I have noticed that some of them have dual jacks, others have just a single jack. Usually they are basically the same 4" drop leg jack--only the quantity, and placement are different (near center for singles, edges for duals), although some of the singles might be a 12k jack instead of 10k. What are the real benefits/ drawbacks to one over the other? Here's what I can think of;

Dual jacks pros;
Could add stability, but with a pair of wide axles in the back, is it even noticeable?
The dual jack might be less likely to sink in, on softer ground.
Jacks might last longer as each only has to work half as hard, but I expect weathering to be a larger factor, than use.

Dual jack cons;
Cost
Added weight of 2nd jack, and cross tube (I realize it's not much in the grand scheme of things, but...)
What happens if one side is on firm surface, and the other is hanging in the air/or just sinking in the ground (ie not supporting anything)??

Single jack pros.
Cost less/only one to maintain/go bad& have to replace
Less weight = more capacity/fuel economy (I know we are not talking much)

Cons
Stability??
Might sink more??

Please give me your experiences & preferences.....But if I get used, It will likely stay what ever came with it.... Thanks to all.

 

[LD1]

Dual jacks are nicer if you frequently unhook the trailer while loaded. Less effort to jack up, more stability, larger footprint. They are also nicer if you tend to load and unload the trailer while unhooked also. Not talking about equipment, but pallets or other things that you can unload from the side with a forklift or tractor, cause through the process of unloading you encounter unbalanced loads.

My 25' 12Ton GN has only 1 jack. Never seen any need for a second one the way I haul. And I dont think I would even want a second one. Just one more drop leg to extend out and retract every time I hooked/unhooked.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I have two goose neck trailers. My large one has two jacks and yes it is extra work. The large one you would consider unloading with out being hooked up to a truck. The small one never. And I'm not talking about unloading pallets. I'm talking about driving a vehicle off.

 

[LD1]

I dont care how big the trailer is, I would never consider loading or unloading without it being hooked up.

Unless you are talking about unloading a 500# lawn mower from a 30' 24k trailer.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have a 14K with a single jack, would not want dual jacks. Have had it for 8 years and have loaded the V417 many times without the trailer hooked on the truck. I can do it safely because of the supports built on the ramps and 4WD not pushing against the ramps, trying to slide the trailer.

Here is one from the day I got it, showing the 4' Pop Up Dovetail in the up position.

Used it this way to haul square bales, the ramps provide a backstop.

 

[LD1]

The design of that ramp support is different than mine (or most I have seen). So I can understand now how you can load when unhooked.

With just the fixed leg on the ramp, and BEHIND the tail of the trailer, when the weight is between the support on the ramp and the axles, if the weight is great enough, can still lift the tongue. EVEN with the 1-ton truck still attached. (ask me how I know).

Also, with the fixed support like is common, there is clearance between the support and ground to be able to put the ramps up and down. It isnt until there is a little weight on the ramps that the supports touch.

Not an ideal set-up, but when loading my 5000# tractor on the 24k trailer it is fine. When loading a 18000# piece of equipment, I have jackstands that go under the tail of the trailer.