Posted 2015-01-20 8:44 AM (#162311) Subject: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
New User
Posts: 4
I am considering a new stock combo trailer. I have a 20' and I'm thinking about going to a 24'. My question is. How much difference in backing, turning etc is there. I know it's probably a silly question, but I'll take all the advice I can get.
Posted 2015-01-20 11:23 AM (#162316 - in reply to #162311) Subject: RE: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
I have a 3h slant that is close to 20' and just bought a small LQ trailer that is about 23.5' and they act very similarly turning, backing, etc. Not enough for me to have to drastically adjust the way I drive. they are different, but its not a deal breaker for me by any means.
Posted 2015-01-20 12:11 PM (#162317 - in reply to #162311) Subject: RE: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
It really comes down to axle placement. If you order it you can always see if you can have the axles placed the same as your 20' trailer and then it will for all intensive purposes drive the same. I love our 24' Featherlite stock, it hauls like a dream! Having said that it has been noticibly tight at a few State Fairs when trying to jockey for curbside unloading and then driving around the grounds in some tight turns. Come to think of it, now I know why everyone always leaves the driving to me. I also second the "test drive" advice becasue you will never know until you try it. Every driver has their break-over point at which things seem to be more than they can handle. I would also double check your truck and state laws making sure that the extra 4' isn't going to push you past any safety limits.
Posted 2015-01-20 9:54 PM (#162325 - in reply to #162311) Subject: RE: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
You'll notice little difference in towing the two trailers. On the open road there will be none. Turning while going forward, may involve a slight difference when you first turn the wheels. The largest difference I find with longer trailers, is with reward backing maneuvers. It takes more steering effort and correction, to accurately place the back of the trailer with the longer wheelbases. Like anything else, it's basically a variance until you get used to the differences. You will have little difficulty in adapting to the longer length.
Posted 2015-01-21 3:26 AM (#162327 - in reply to #162311) Subject: RE: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Longer trailers have greater off-tracking to be aware of...if you compensate, the lengthening of the trailer, by leaving the axles in the same place then you increase tail swing issues...
Posted 2015-01-21 6:37 AM (#162329 - in reply to #162317) Subject: RE: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Originally written by huntseat on 2015-01-20 12:11 PM
It really comes down to axle placement. If you order it you can always see if you can have the axles placed the same as your 20' trailer and then it will for all intensive purposes drive the same. I love our 24' Featherlite stock, it hauls like a dream! Having said that it has been noticibly tight at a few State Fairs when trying to jockey for curbside unloading and then driving around the grounds in some tight turns. Come to think of it, now I know why everyone always leaves the driving to me. I also second the "test drive" advice becasue you will never know until you try it. Every driver has their break-over point at which things seem to be more than they can handle. I would also double check your truck and state laws making sure that the extra 4' isn't going to push you past any safety limits.
Except that if you fully load it, you'll be tongue light, and may sway greatly. I don't believe you'll find a quality manufacturer that will use the same axle placement on a 20 & 24 trailer.
Posted 2015-01-25 5:31 AM (#162369 - in reply to #162311) Subject: RE: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 657 Location: Rayne, LA
I agree that axle placement is engineered. I believe it is approximately 2/3 from the front of the trailer. Most trailer manufacturers won't move this due to liability reasons.
Posted 2015-01-26 7:42 AM (#162379 - in reply to #162311) Subject: RE: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
Member
Posts: 15
Location: SW OK
I wouldn't try to mess with axle placement even if I could. You'll notice a little difference in turning and backing, but it's not bad, just different. It would only be bad if there are places (like turning into gates) you regularly pull a trailer that are already almost too tight with your 20' - for the most part places like gas stations, motels, restaurants, etc... either have plenty of room (like for big trucks) or none at all.You'll like the extra space. I pulled a 24' for several years, now I'm back to a 20' and I really miss that extra 4'. The only thing I'd caution is that if you often load your trailer full and heavy, you can get a lot of weight on a 24', especially a wider one. If you load that trailer up as heavy as you can, you really need a dually truck under it. If you're just looking more for extra space, then a srw truck can handle if fine.
Posted 2015-02-01 11:59 AM (#162429 - in reply to #162311) Subject: RE: 20 vs 24 stock trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 430 Location: TN
We picked up a "new to us" trailer yesterday and we went from 23' 6" to 28' on the floor. I will say I did not notice much difference going forward and backing seemed just as easy or easier!
20 vs 24 stock trailer
