Single Axle v Tandem Axle Caravans and Trailers 

Comparing single axle with tandem axle.  Which is best for you and your caravan or travel trailer.

Hiring or Renting before you buy
Try before you buy gives you the advantage of discovering what best suits your needs.  This can save you considerably when you eventually buy your own caravan / rv

Choosing the right tow vehicle
What vehicle do you need to tow with?  Petrol? Diesel? Gas?
Automatic?  Manual?

Starting Out
First time caravan / rv owners? There are many things to consider. Make sure you get the right one for you.
 

Single Axle

 Advantages –

• more maneuverable therefore easier to reverse
• single axles weigh less so less weight overall for towing and fuel economy
• less tyre replacement cost as there are only two tyres plus spare
• the caravan itself is likely to be cheaper to buy

Disadvantages -

• has a tendency to sway more without a sway control device
• more pitching and bounce on the tow ball
• axles have a load rating so less weight can be carried in the caravan or trailer on single axle compared to the tandem axle

Tandem (or dual axle)

Tandem axles are generally used on heavier caravans or travel trailers as the combined axle carrying capacity (kg) would be more.

Advantages -

• tows straighter and more stable at highway speeds
• more durability and stability with 2 axles and 4 tyres
• less ‘bounce’ so the contents are less likely to move
• less ‘bounce’ on the hitch

Disadvantages -

• less maneuverability
• limits the turning radius and the tyres can slide sideways and scrape
• more cost involved for tyre replacement ie: 4 tyres plus spares
• the caravan itself is likely to be dearer to buy
• heavier to tow and this impacts on fuel economy