Single or Double Axle Utility Trailer: Which is Better?

When your friends find out you’re shopping for a single or double axle utility trailer, everyone’s got an opinion. Who’s right? The devil’s in the details of driver experience and trailer use…

Which Trailer is Better for You?

●        Single Axle Trailer
Single axle models have one set of wheels.

o   Benefits: Smaller, lighter and easier to handle, single axle trailers are easier for the towing novice to maneuver, with level towing a non-issue. The compact size of single axle trailers also makes them more fuel efficient.

o   Drawbacks: Single axles haulers offer limited storage and moving capabilities compared to larger, tandem axle models. Toting around a lot of heavy loads can also make the tires wear more quickly, as there are only two tires to absorb the weight.

o   Cost: Single axle trailers cost less than tandem axle varieties – in initial purchase and maintenance (less tires/parts to replace/maintain).

●        Double/Tandem Axle Trailer
Tandem or double axle trailer models have two sets of wheels (one right behind the other).

o   Benefits: Tandem or double axle trailers are ideal for hauling heavy loads, as they’re more stable in highway conditions and when traveling at higher speeds. They also offer more capacity for handling what you’re hauling, making them a great choice for those looking to expand their business.

o   Drawbacks: Level towing is essential when hauling a tandem axle trailer. Loads that are not level can put excess stress on one set of axles and greatly diminish the lifespan of the trailer and tires. 

o   Cost: Tandem axle trailers cost more up-front, but uphold their resale value better than single axle models. They may also save you in the long run as you’re unlikely to outgrow a larger model.

The Bottom Line
If you’re hauling a lot of small loads, want something that’s easy to manage – and easy on the wallet – a single axle model should work for you. But if you’re doing some serious highway hauling, lugging heavy payloads, or think your business will getting bigger, a tandem model may be a better investment.

Second-hand hauler? From tiny toy haulers to massive and mighty construction trailers, ensure safety with the trusted, affordable service of Ainsworth Trailer. Contact us for a safety inspection and complimentary repair estimate today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/single-double-axle-utility-trailer-better/

Does Your Tractor Trailer Air Brake System Need to Be Repaired? What Drivers Need to Know

Largely ignored until problems pop-up, you depend on your tractor trailer air brake system to keep your truck, cargo and fellow roadside passengers safe. But when brakes don’t respond as expected in unusual circumstances, was the panic-inducing incident merely a one-off occurrence? Or is there a potentially more dangerous problem bubbling up?

How to Spot Impending Brake Problems
Brake problems are easily recognized when drivers know what to look for…

●        Brake Balance Issues
Aside from brake adjustment issues, which are obvious to even the most green tractor trailer operator, brake balance issues are among the most common brake malfunctions.

o   Drivability Signs: Each wheel (except the front wheels) should share braking work equally. If your truck pulls distinctly to one side or another when you engage the brakes at high/low speeds, during heavy/light applications, when lightly/heavily loaded, or in specific conditions (such as on wet surfaces), you may have balance issues.

o   Obvious Visual Signs: None (assuming the brakes are properly adjusted).

o   Potential Causes: A number of problems can cause balance issues: Kinked hoses or blocked valves; Mismatched hoses/fittings between a valve and brake chamber; An odd hose that’s too small/large; Mismatched lining/glazing on the inner surface of a brake drum; An improperly sized actuator chamber/slack adjuster; Even a defect in the brake itself that shows under force.

●        Brake Timing Problems
Brake balance and timing are critical to stability. Tractor trailer brakes should release in order, beginning in the rear by only a slight margin, and releasing immediately.

o   Drivability Signs: The two most common brake timing problems are when brakes hang on a little longer than they should, feeling as if they’re still in force even after your foot’s off the treadle and you’ve applied throttle. And instances where tractor trailer brakes apply first (or with more braking force), resulting in a pushing sensation when you apply the brakes. The latter will cause your rig’s brakes could wear faster at best – or your hauler to be bumped by the trailer at worst, causing dangerous stability problems that could compromise control in the event of a skid.   

o   Obvious Visual Signs: None.

o   Potential Causes: If brakes are delayed in application or not releasing, there may be a physical obstruction, kink or blockage preventing air from exiting the lines; Twisted/damaged hardware and poor lubrication to cams and bushings can also cause these issues. If your hauler’s brakes are applying first, your trailer valves may have aged or been improperly installed, upsetting application pressure and/or release timing. 

How to Report Potential Issues
While most brake problems result in obvious drivability issues, this is not always the case. Some issues are quite difficult to detect without specialized diagnostics. To ensure a safe rig, be sure to be very specific about the details of any braking problems in your next inspection report, including the trailer your rig was paired with during the event, as trailer performance effects hauler performance. This can help your mechanic more quickly resolve potentially dangerous issues while your truck is at the shop.

Not sure what’s stopping your brakes? The professional repair technicians at Ainsworth have the expertise and experience to get you safely back on the road fast. Contact us to schedule a full brake inspection today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/tractor-trailer-air-brake-system-need-repaired-drivers-need-know/