'64 Tradewind, single axle...how does it tow?

[247stream]

so we've been told that we should stay away from the tradewind when they only had the single axle...those of you who have one, what do you say? how does it tow? how is the sway? thanks for your help

[Jim Clark]

I towed a 68 Single Axel Globetrotter for a few years, no problems. You just have less of a safety factor. No sway, I had a WD hitch and a friction sway control. The axel had skid plates and I also had TPMS on the tires. Trailer will like a soft ride.

[Mark Wiltrakis]

I have a '59 Tradewind single axle, and have owned two previous double axle Airstreams (27' and 29'). The Tradewind, with Equalizer hitch, is much better behaved. Zero sway from passing semis on 2-lane roads. Somehow it seems very noticeable that the trailer and truck seem to be moving "as one," a feeling I never had with either of my prior trailers (one of which had a Hensley hitch). A friend who owns a double axle 30' Airstream made the same observation to me, while we swapped driving chores between Los Angeles and Portland.
However, a tire failure on a single axle trailer is a much bigger event than on one with two axles.
Mark

[247stream]

thank you for your quick replies.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Our 63 22' Safari was very stable with the older Reese Straightline hitch, 800lb WD and dual friction sway.
It was a bit of a rascal with heavier bars and single friction sway, the light weight and single axle contributed mightily to it's getting pushed around by crosswinds and 18 wheelers.

FWIW...I always felt it was a bit more stable before I switched out the bias ply ST tires and went to radial ST, sidewall flex in my head I guess.

Bob

[Ahab]

We don't have sway nor any undesirable towing problems. Proper loading and a stable tow vehicle are the key.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 247stream

so we've been told that we should stay away from the tradewind when they only had the single axle...those of you who have one, what do you say? how does it tow? how is the sway? thanks for your help

The longer a single axle trailer is, the more vertical movement of the A-frame will take place. Plain ordinary everyday Physics.

Depending on the tow vehicle, it is possible to lose control if you hit a big bump. Data backs that up.

Sway can and does happen with any trailer that is being towed. Test results proved that over 40 years ago.

Andy