Tandem vs Triaxle

[Kevin H]

Any opinions on towing differences between a tandem axle vs triaxle toy hauler.
Trying to figure out if it effects ride or turning radius.
Thanks,
Kevin H

[Pull Toy]

I had a tri-axle Spacecraft in the late seventies. If you need the extra weight carrying capability, you have no choice... BUT, you'll probably be happier with two heavy duty axles, with the right tires.

The ride was no better.The tolls will kill your pocketbook where they charge by the axle. In a lot of places, 5 axles = tractor trailer rates.Tight turns will raise h*ll with your tires, and suspension. More and more you see that even the "Heavy Haulers" mostly have a retractable extra axle. When not needed
they lift the extras to save tolls, and wear.

Good Luck,

[Kevin H]

Thanks for the info. I really wasn't too worried about weight since most of the time it's just one bike in back. I was concerned about the turning radius and wear on tires and whether it pulled different or rougher. Never gave much thought about tolls. I just received a bill in the mail from Colorado for $42.00 for just the 470 toll from 70 up to Boulder.

[flybouy]

Extra cost in tolls, tires, brakes, bearings, springs, spring bolts.....you get the picture. It's obviously cost prohibitive but you'd think that if a semi can deliver eggs to the grocer with air ride suspension that it would work well on a camper. Just my opinion.

[travelin texans]

If you'll notice several of the newer THs have went to heavy dual axles & gotten away from the triples due to severe tire & suspension wear & tear.
Watching the tires curl up/drag & the suspension popping/creaking/cracking while backing into a tight spot almost turns your stomach, just waiting for something to give & parts fly across the site.

[bob91yj]

In my area of SoCal triple axles are a dead give away to the CHP that the trailer Gross Weight exceeds 10,000#'s which requires a CA non-commercial Class A drivers license.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by bob91yj

In my area of SoCal triple axles are a dead give away to the CHP that the trailer Gross Weight exceeds 10,000#'s which requires a CA non-commercial Class A drivers license.

Non commercial is only required at 15,000 GVWR on the trailer. 10,001-15.000 GVWR requires a trailer endorsement.

[bob91yj]

Hmmm, must have changed the law then.

Thinking about it some more, maybe it was bumper pull trailer that was a
10,000#'s and 5'er was 15,000.

I verified it, there is a difference between a bumper pull and a 5'er. I apologize for the bad info the first time.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de..._htm/lic_chart

[Racebug]

My triple has just as heavy duty axles as anything else, and g rated tires. That extra axle also adds braking.

[MattE303]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

If you'll notice several of the newer THs have went to heavy dual axles & gotten away from the triples due to severe tire & suspension wear & tear.
Watching the tires curl up/drag & the suspension popping/creaking/cracking while backing into a tight spot almost turns your stomach, just waiting for something to give & parts fly across the site.

All that is bad enough when backing up my double axle, I can't imagine how much worse it would be with a triple!

[MattE303]

Originally Posted by bob91yj

In my area of SoCal triple axles are a dead give away to the CHP that the trailer Gross Weight exceeds 10,000#'s which requires a CA non-commercial Class A drivers license.

so you do actually see them checking on a regular basis in your area? What is the typical result; warning, ticket, or impound?

[bob91yj]

The CHP generally catches them when they are headed into the Glamis Sand Dunes. it happened to one of my customers. They had to call a tow truck. He ended up having his trailer towed the rest of the way to Glamis, then took his chances on the drive home.

I wouldn't say it's a common occurrence, but it does happen.

[MattE303]

yeah, that doesn't surprise me. I've read through every thread I could find on the subject (on a variety of forums), and it seems like every time I've read about someone actually getting stopped, it's at Glamis.

[Brantlaker]

Tri Axles are not needed any more. I pull a 20,000 lb fifth wheel with 2 11,000 axles. With the lighter axes comes cheaper tires I have 16 ply Goodyear Trailer tires with a H rating. you wear out tri axle tire just by turning when backing up. I have seen tires peel off the rim trying to back onto a sight.

[Ccrew]

I don't have tri-axle, but I do have staggered axles. I've found that trying to spin it hard in forward or reverse puts a almost unnerving amount of scrub on the tires and it also won't pivot as tight as you'd expect.

[Kevin H]

Thanks for all the responses. My thoughts were confirmed by most talking about scrub when turning. Along with the extra tolls which I never gave any thought. I do believe I will stick with heavy duty tandem axles. Thanks again.
Kevin H.