3 axle s vs 2

[DIVE2XS]

I am looking into getting a 5er to replace my TT.
What are the advantages vs the disadvantages.
I understand that 3 axles have more ware and tear in turning.
What else?
Thanks

[TXiceman]

Chuck, we are on our second triaxle trailer and as I noted, the scrubbing is not a problem. And it is not just the front axle scrubbing. The trailer will pretty much pivot on the center axle and slightly scrub both the front and rear axle in opposite directions.

Truth is a two axle trailer will scrub the tires as well.

Ken

[ChuckV1]

Only problem I see with a 3 axle trailer is if your making a hard or sharp turn you drag the tires on the front axle, very bad for the tires and can cut the sidewalls if not careful

[DIVE2XS]

Thanks, I agree with the disc brakes. I had them installed on my 2003 Holiday Rambler presidential. We have been very happy with them.

[NC_Hauler]

DIVE2XS wrote:
Would like to correspond with you about your 5er. Last time I came off topic the moderator moved it and did not respond to my inquiries. Is it possible to IM member to member?
By the way, thank you for your Service. I was in the USA myself.

Yes, just shoot me a PM, (Private Message)

Jim

[memtb]

dive2xs, You don't see quite as many 3 axle rigs as you did a few years ago, except for the toy haulers. The three axle rigs have pluses and minuses. The big plus is more braking and increased tire contact patch (surface area) to road, adding up to faster stops. If you go with a quality 4 season unit it will probably be pretty heavy, reqiuring either 3 axles or two axles with 17.5" wheels/ tires. If you go heavy with only 2 axles, I strongly recommend going with hydraulic disc brakes. We're running three axles with hydraulic disc's, and it offers a lot of "mental comfort". memtb

[DIVE2XS]

Would like to correspond with you about your 5er. Last time I came off topic the moderator moved it and did not respond to my inquiries. Is it possible to IM member to member?
By the way, thank you for your Service. I was in the USA myself.

[NC_Hauler]

DRV's usually come with independent suspension and disc brakes. Mine is 4 tires. ... no axles. GVWR of my 36RSSB3 is 19K.. It tows and handles very well.


Jim

[JIMNLIN]

Side scrubbing.
Watch a tandem or tri axle trailers tires as its being backed or pulled forward around corners or backing into a spot in a campground. The tires on one axle may be twisted one way and the other axle tires are twisted the other..... and the tires actually are sliding side ways (scrubbing).
Single axle trailer don't have this issue.

[DIVE2XS]

Ok thanks. Just checking to see if the option was avaible if was something to get.
By the way, whats scubing?

[laknox]

DIVE2XS wrote:
I am looking into getting a 5er to replace my TT.
What are the advantages vs the disadvantages.
I understand that 3 axles have more ware and tear in turning.
What else?
Thanks

You're highly unlikely to see any FW that has an option of a triple vs tandem axle setup, though there is one guy here on the forum that =added= a 3rd axle, I do believe. They are added to carry load and spread that load further along the frame. That said, the Newmar Kountry Air FWs had tandem dual axles, but they pretty much required at least a Baby Freightliner, at minimum, if not a Class 8 to tow. You can bet that those frames are pretty bullet proof, with almost no flex. Given Lippert's history of frame building, I'd sure want a 3rd axle on a heavy FW on a LCI frame.

As for tire wear, since FW tires almost never actually wear out, it's a non-issue, IMO. Much more likely to age out before wear becomes an issue. That being said, if you put a jillion miles a year on, while towing heavy and always end up in a tight space where you have to scrub to make turns, yeah, you =might= have some higher-than-normal wear.

Lyle

[DIVE2XS]

You are right. We are looking at the DVR 5ers. Wonder if there is more stopping power?
We want to make this 5er to retire with and do mostly traveling/living in while on the road.

[drmopar]

My Stealth Toy Hauler has 3 axles. It spreads the frame load out better. It handles better in winds and trucks passing. Less sway than 2 axles. Still turns fine without scrubbing tires. Should you have a tire problem, you still have 2 tires supporting frame. Some say tire cost is important, but 6 tires do last longer with any load than 4. Mine is a pull behind at 34'. New Trailers and others seem to go with 2 axles now, to save costs? More flex in frame? I don't buy it. My other trailers have 2 axles and I can tell the difference with 3 axles. You will also notice trailer rides better on rough roads with 3 axles.

[ford_truck_guy]

Just off the top of my head, the DRV products have a 3 axle, as does some of the other heavy, higher dollar units.

[lawnspecialties]

I can't remember the last time I saw a 5er with 3 axles that wasn't a toy hauler. If you're not looking for a toy hauler, that will most likely dictate what you get.

Seems to almost be somewhere around the 40' range. Toy haulers longer than 40': 3 axles. Less than 40': 2.