Posted 2008-03-31 6:08 PM (#80834) Subject: Single Axle vs Double Axle
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Michigan
We have bought a single axle little gooseneck trailer last year. It is older ( have no idea the year) We bought it because it is in great shape. Weights only about 1500 lbs. It worries me a little because it is only a single axle. We had to reverse the drop (?)axle to make it higher to clear the back of our truck. Is it still safe because of it only having 1 axle?
Posted 2008-03-31 6:58 PM (#80841 - in reply to #80834) Subject: RE: Single Axle vs Double Axle
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
In PA and I believe also in NY, a single axle trailer's gross weight cannot exceed 2995#. Any combined weight above that figure, requires multiple axles and electric brakes.
Based on those rules, you would be weight limited to a one horse capacity. With a GN hitch and reasonable loads, it should do fine. You may not have electric brakes; if so, your braking distances will increase considerably.
Make sure to service the bearings and buy the best tires you can afford in at least a "C" range. Don't use passenger tires.
Posted 2008-04-01 12:52 PM (#80894 - in reply to #80834) Subject: RE: Single Axle vs Double Axle
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383
Location: Texas
If you put the axle under the springs instead of on top of them that should be ok to add height. I would be a little worried if you actually flipped the axle upside down, the camber is going to be wrong and it seems that there would be more stress on the u-bolts holding it to the springs (not sure if that's actually true but visualizing it it seems there would be). There really isn't a problem with having a single axle trailer though.