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Full Version: Single Axle vs. Double Axle Utility Trailer?
Truck Camper Forum > General > Towing and Trailering
jermahin
We have recently purchase a 2016 Arctic Fox 990 to be used primarily camping with our 4 seater RZR 1000. (Approx. 1500#). We borrowed a friends 12' single axle utility trailer last week and headed to the mountains. On the dirt roads the trailer bounced up and down dramatically due to the 30" extension we used, that came with the camper.

I don't believe we are at a weight concern on the vehicle (2015 ford F350 Dually w/ no specific towing upgrades at this time) with the single axle yet, but we have an opportunity to purchase a 12" dual axle utility trailer. I would have to believe that the dual axles would significantly reduce the trailer bounce. Does anyone have experience that they could share?

We also have a 20' Enclosed trailer that I would like to use at some point, but I think we are getting into many towing upgrades to the truck that we are not ready to make at this time. But may ask for advice at some point.
SidecarFlip
The trailer bounces not because it's a single axle or a double axle but because trailers have no shocks to restrain the bounce. No shocks equal bounce.
jermahin
QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Aug 19 2017, 01:02 PM)
The trailer bounces not because it's a single axle or a double axle but because trailers have no shocks to restrain the bounce.  No shocks equal bounce.
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Sorry. Bouncing may not have been an accurate description. The trailer pivots at the tires and since we are using the 30" extension, which has some play in it, the hitch tongue moves up and down somewhat erratically. I was considering the dual axle as it seemed it would reduce the amount of pivot in the trailer and thereby reducing the front trailer movement.

On the open road, it is fine. This issue is primarily on rural or mountain back roads that are not graded or uneven.

Chief 2
QUOTE(jermahin @ Aug 22 2017, 08:17 AM)
Sorry.  Bouncing may not have been an accurate description. The trailer pivots at the tires and since we are using the 30" extension, which has some play in it, the hitch tongue moves up and down somewhat erratically.  I was considering the dual axle as it seemed it would reduce the amount of pivot in the trailer and thereby reducing the front trailer movement.

On the open road, it is fine.  This issue is primarily on rural or mountain back roads that are not graded or uneven.
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I have a longer hitch extension on my truck and when towing my single axel bass boat trailer I also get a lot of bounce due to the extended hitch extension. I have shocks on my trailer and although it helped some with the bouncing of the trailer it still does what you have posted. I think the issue is more of the fact the trailer is so far behind the truck.
Sidehillsoup
I have a 2018 Northern Lite 8-11 camper which with the back deck that NL puts on their new rigs now I had to add a 48" extension to haul my CanAm 1000 Commander XT.
I haul my SXS on a 12' long duel axel trailer with a rear ramp.
I had to put on a Torklift receiver hitch and a Torklift super truss exsention so I could safely haul my SXS on the trailer. There isn't much movement in the hitch extension but the trailer still bounce on logging roads.
I also have a single axel trailer that I haul my snowmobiles on which when loaded bounces around a lot when I hit frost heaves on the Hwys in the winter.
Soup.
DarwinS
QUOTE(Chief 2 @ Aug 23 2017, 05:31 AM)
I have a longer hitch extension on my truck and when towing my single axel bass boat trailer I also get a lot of bounce due to the extended hitch extension. I have shocks on my trailer and although it helped some with the bouncing of the trailer it still does what you have posted. I think the issue is more of the fact the trailer is so far behind the truck.
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I was at the buddy's garage helping him installing the new bull bar and warn winch on his Jeep project when his brother mentioned about the bounce feel on his long hitch extension. We think too the length plays the role on the bounce. He tried to play with lower tire pressure and somehow felt a difference.
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