Double Axles

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Must put in my <img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3e3075a3f0770twocents.gif/> Benita ,I would not like to own a 16' that had single axle.Not that you would want to take what I say for gospel, but I think you will be very happy.Just my gut feeling .What is the weight of your fiber stream?
Gross weight I mean.

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The trailer weighs about the same as a 16 foot Deluxe Casita.

It weighed 2,220 empty, that's including miscellaneous stuff like spare tires, a big wooden box of wood levelers and chocks. It has roof, AC, propane furnace and a full bath. The tongue weight is 220. The axle weight per axle is 2000 pounds.

Since the trailer has a wood interior, I'm guessing it should also be in the same weight range as a Scamp Deluxe. This will remain a subject of speculation until the day, Scamp actually updates its weights and gives enough info to calculate what the options will do to GVW.

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Jana, yes, I always carry a camera when travelling (and, in this case, I was on my way to the wedding of a favorite neice), but I was the guy doing the driving! I couldn't very well take pictures. Besides, I'm not sure the semi driver would have really liked it -- I think he might have been a little embarrassed along with his gratefulness. It really was a funny thing, though! By the time I got backed up to him and had the tow strap hooked up, we had a small crowed gathered to see the show (It happened just near a truckstop on the outskirts of town -- he had slid trying to turn into the truckstop, and buried it in). That was right at the time that GM was running their "amazing stories" ad campaign, and it would have been perfect.

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One of the main reasons I went with a 21.5 foot Bigfoot instead of the 17 foot was for the double axle. I just have more confidence that a blow-out will not send Sue and I in the ditch. My Durango has a class IV hitch which I think is rated at 6000 lbs. The gears, and towing package enable my 4x4 to tow about 7200 lbs. My trailer is 3500 lbs dry or about 4500 lbs loaded. I've got trailer brakes, always watch the tire pressures and have the hitch level.

Keep it under 65MPH and stay safe !

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Another good thing about a double axle is being able to change a flat without a jack. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the flat while it is still on the ground. Place a board, rock or anything you can drive the good tire on and stop on top of it. Change the flat, drive off the rock or board and finish tightening the lug nuts with both tires back on the ground and you should be ready to go again.:jump-r

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If I were designing trailers I would use 1 axle for little trailers, two axles for big trailers and three axles for huge trailers.:)

The 21ft Streamline we had many years ago did just fine with a single axle and 235X75-15 tires, but was perhaps a bit marginal. Our 26ft Avion has 2 axles. I have opened up the wheel wells and use 31X10.50-15 tires on 8 inch wide wheels. It tracks beautifully.

Our 16 ft Scamp has a single axle with 13 inch mags that were originally on a Fiat sports car and 185X70-13 radial tires and it tracks beautifully.

But wouldn't it look cool with tandem axles or how about a triple axle setup on an egg? Who cares about efficiency when the coolness one-up-manship is factored into the equation?

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Rick,
I had a blow out on my 17' bigfoot the second time out. I first noticed it when I saw sparks through my extended rear view mirror. I gently slowed down and pulled off the road. No problem with handling. If I hadn't noticed the sparks, I not sure how long I would've driven. The sparks were from the U-bolt nuts hanging below the axle dragging on the road. I changed the tire easily and carried on. At the next Bigfoot dealer, I had the U-bolts replaced and other than the shredded tire, damage was limited to some surface cracks in the fender (which I replaced). Other than the expense of repairing the damage, it was not a frightening experience.