Single Axle Flat Top Trailers

Flat top trailers are very versatile, durable and strong so are capable of carrying heavy and large loads. Their numerous benefits make them a popular choice for many types of businesses, but you need to choose carefully to make sure you gain all the available benefits.

One of the main considerations when choosing is whether you need a tandem or single axle flat top trailer. This will affect what you can carry and the general practicability of the trailer in use.

Pros & Cons of a Single Axle Flat Top Trailer

A single axle trailer has only one axle with two wheels to support the trailer while a tandem axle version has twice the number, so the weight is distributed more evenly across four wheels. As a tandem and single flat top trailer manufacturer, we are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each type. The advantages of a single axle flat top are that it:

• has a smaller size and therefore is easier to manoeuvre and park, especially in tight spaces
• is cheaper to buy than a tandem axle trailer
• is lighter in weight and so is best for smaller loads over relatively short distances
• is less expensive to run since its lighter weight reduces fuel consumption, there are fewer tyres to wear out and be replaced, and similarly, the cost of replacing bearings and brakes is lower.

A single axle trailer, however, does have certain drawbacks when compared to a tandem axle trailer:

• it is less able to carry heavy loads such as large pieces of machinery
• lightweight trailers are not required to have brakes so there is a potential safety issue
• there is more pressure on tyres since the cargo weight is borne by a single axle
• with fewer tyres, a flat tyre is a more serious occurrence
• stability is less than for tandem axle trailers, especially at high speeds and on uneven roads, when the trailer may sway if it has not been loaded correctly.

Personal Preference and Use

Your choice of flat top trailer, whether with one axle or two, will largely depend on personal preferences and how you plan to use the trailer. For loads that are not too heavy and are to be carried over relatively short distances, a single axle version may be the perfect choice.

A single axle model will be more affordable, both to buy and maintain, and will be perfectly adequate for many purposes. If you are at all unsure, contact us and we will give you all the help and advice we can, so you make the best choice.

Whether you’re looking at our popular trailer range or need something more specific like a custom build – you can be sure our trailers are build to exceed the industry standard. Each one is made from the finest quality materials using our experience and the latest equipment and is quality-checked at every stage. So, whether you go with a single axle or tandem axle, our team will help with the decision process and what is best fit for your workload.