Single or twin axle trailer

[feen]

Im in the market for a new trailer, 1400kg 1.5x3.0m flat bed, wheels under.

I've decided to go for an ifor Williams euro light bit I can have it with either a single or twin axle.

Other than the extra 50kg axle weight, what are the prOs and cons of each?

It's to go behind a 2.0ltr berlingo.

Thanks for any advice

JF.

 

[brightspark]

apart from the weight the advantage of a twin axle is there more stable towing at speed fully laden. bad point is there lousy to manouver when of the vehicle and cost more

 

[armalites]

Adding to what brightspark has already said...

You can get away with more unbalanced loads on a twin axle as the foot print is spread a bit and less likely to load the vehicle.
If you get a bearing or tyre go a twin axle it is slightly likely to cause you drama, you are buying new so that should be an issue.

Single axle may be a bit better if the trailer doesn't sit level on the back of vehicle.

I have a 16' Ifor and I can move that on my own on a smooth surface, what my friend does is jack the front using the jockey until the front axle is off the ground and it' almost as easy at single axle.

The same friend coated the underside and running gear on his Ifor with waxoyl and put petroleum jelly on the lighting connections( I guess they may be hardwired LED now?) when he first got it home, I know they are galvanised etc but his trailer still looks like new under the wax even after 8 years and he never get any wiring issues.

 

[madkayaker]

Out of interest how much is a new ifor euro light?

 

[pedrobedro]

Im in the market for a new trailer, 1400kg 1.5x3.0m flat bed, wheels under.
I've decided to go for an ifor Williams euro light bit I can have it with either a single or twin axle.
Other than the extra 50kg axle weight, what are the prOs and cons of each?
It's to go behind a 2.0ltr berlingo.
Thanks for any advice

JF.

I recently bought a 2.0 hdi Berlngo and went to fetch a caravan for my niece last Saturday. You do realise that the towing weight limit for the Berlingo is 1100kg so you will be over it's limit it you load the trailer to it's maximum.

 

[feen]

I do realise this. I'm thinking to the future.

Thanks

JF

 

[bricol]

Watch it - if the plated weight of the trailer is in excess of your car stated capcities, and you are really unlucky and get stopped and checked, you're still commiting an offence - even if the trailer is empty.

Most manufacturers will down-plate it though if you ask - and hopefully back up when you can do.

Bri

 

[madkayaker]

Watch it - if the plated weight of the trailer is in excess of your car stated capcities, and you are really unlucky and get stopped and checked, you're still commiting an offence - even if the trailer is empty.

Most manufacturers will down-plate it though if you ask - and hopefully back up when you can do.

Bri

That's not strictly the case check the ifor Williams website for further info

 

[feen]

****. I regularly borrow a 2700kg ifor williams on the back of the berlingo.

I know a guy who deals in polystyrene boxes. He tows a 3500kg 16 footer behind his estate car.

That will scupper my plans if correct. I need the size for sheets of aluminium, which obviously weight nowt.

JF.

 

[feen]

Out of interest how much is a new ifor euro light?

Very expensive. If you have the time you'd be much better off building one.

Why don't you have a look in the for sale section here, you never know.

JF

Just build it before October last year ;-)

 

[madkayaker]

Very expensive. If you have the time you'd be much better off building one.

Why don't you have a look in the for sale section here, you never know.

JF

Just build it before October last year ;-)

Like the post I have all ready left you

 

[feen]

Yes in deed.

I've just had a look at the regs and I can still tow a 3500 trailer of I want to as long as it's laden weight isn't over my 1100kg limit.

JF

 

[pedrobedro]

My thinking was if you go for the extra axle you are losing carrying capacity for no other gain. The caravan I fetched was 960kg and the car handled it no trouble. The rules only apply to the weight at the time you are towing not what the trailer is capable of carrying fully loaded as far as I can ascertain.

 

[KemppiFrog]

On another boaty site that I post on, the point about the max rated load of the trailer being what the plod look at compared to the rated load of the towing vehicle has ben confirmed. Also, it was noted that Indespension will not rent a trailer to be towed by a vehicle that was not rated to the trailers max load.

 

[feen]

I went in to Indespension to see about a new trailer from them.

I told the salesman what my requirements were and straight away he said "That's not suitable for your Berlingo" which I never mentioned but he must have clocked me as I parked up outside.

I said never mind the Berlingo, do you have a suitable trailer? "Oh well what will you be towing it with??" At which point I walked out the shop.

Must be company policy.

I still can't decide. I'm hoping to upgrade the Berlingo to a Dispatch at some point, which can tow 2000kg.

Keep em coming

JF

 

[madkayaker]

http://www.iwt.co.uk/customer-care/faq-categories/towing-laws/20711

 

[madkayaker]

http://www.iwt.co.uk/customer-care/faq-categories/towing-laws/1763

 

[feen]

I've been reviewing my requirements and managed to systematically reduce my choices to one trailer, EL142, 3015 list price £1375. 1400kg, twin axle, 3.0m x 1.5m.

JF

 

[snowcat]

Personally tandem is always the way to go, They bounce less see saw less, and ride over rough terrain much better.

Iv been tugged in a weight limit with an empty trailer, but because of the maximum gross weights, I was had for being over weight in a 3.5T limit even though I wasn't. Same on trucks there take one look at your data plate in the door, loaded or empty, It wont matter a jot to VOSA there have you. If all of that fails then there have you on the techo, for not falling within the excemptions....


There are Grey areas within towing, avoid where VOSA hides and average traffic copper will be unlikely to know the laws, Start hauling up and down the Motorways and they will Tug you with a trailer, and trust me if there in the mood, they will find a reason to have you on something.

 

[feen]

I've had another look on 'tinternet to try and clarify this point, vague is an understatement!

Anyone......

JF