Greetings Sam!
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Originally Posted by yosemitesam Hi all, I have a couple Questions...
Also, I would like to hear opinions on single vs dual axle trailer towing...if it matters that much, or if it really doesn't. My next choice would be a 25' Safari, as to me, a 22' International is too costly for us, and the 28' would be way too much trailer for our vehicle...
I appreciate all your answers!
Sam |
As a Free Wheeler, I can't be of much help on most of your questions, but can add my thoughts regarding single vs. tandem axle. Prior to owning my Argosy Minuet (19' 3" - - single axle), I wouldn't have considered a single axle as my experience with box style single axle trailers was that they tend to be very prone to sway. The Minuet convinced me that a coach that was properly engineered with a properly setup hitch didn't need a tandem axle to reduce sway - - I am as comfortable towing the single axle Minuet as the tandem axle Overlander (26' 8").
The only observable difference between the behavior of the single axle coach vs. the tandem axle coach is in backing - - the Minuet with its single axle reacts MUCH more quickly to steering inputs than does the Overlander with its tandem axles. It took several months of practice before I was as comfortable backing the single axle coach as the tandem axle coach. For both of my coaches, I utilize the Reese Strait-Line hitch with Dual Cam Sway Control and have never had any issues with towing performance on either trailer once the hitch was adjusted and equipped with weight distribution bars of the appropriate weight rating.
I have had reservations about the behavior of the single axle coach in the event of a blow-out or flat tire, but have only had that experience with a box type 19' travel trailer. Most of the reports that I have heard or read regarding tire problems while underway with an Airstream product have been that there is so little disruption in the normal towing manners that it isn't always immediately clear that there is a tire problem on the coach.
Good luck with your investigation and research!
Kevin