Gooseneck tri-wheel scrubbing problem?

[Cadillac Bill]

I am thinking about getting a 36-38 foot gooseneck for hauling a heavy car. Don't need a tri-axle, but like the way they look. Concerned about scrubbing in parking Where I make need to make tight turns a gooseneck can make. Is this a major problem? Would a two axle be a lot better?

[crankman]

Don't they both scrub a bit, we got 3 tandem trailers(car hauler,boat,utility) think that's just part of it. Anytime I really looked hard back there during a turn they dragged a bit at a point during the turn. I would venture to say a tri would to but don't own one yet. lol

[Cadillac Bill]

Don't they both scrub a bit, we got 3 tandem trailers(car hauler,boat,utility) think that's just part of it. Anytime I really looked hard back there during a turn they dragged a bit at a point during the turn. I would venture to say a tri would to but don't own one yet. lol

Still curious about possible tire wear with a tri-axle. Or should I be?

[14GFXSilverado]

I work on tons of the triple and tandem axle trailers (RV'S, Flat deck, stock trailers etc.) You aren't going to notice any more wear difference between a tandem or triple axle. But the tighter the turns yes there will be more tires scrubbing. But how often are you actually going to be making really tight turns? One negative downside to having a triple axle is actually the suspension in some. Triple axles that use Torflex axles are more prone to having bent axles. Dexter actually doesn't recommend having a triple axle trailer with Torflex axles. Reason why is because each each operates independently so when having a full load and you are going over a bumps each axle will independently take on the full load of the trailer. Tandem trailers with Torflex will actually work with each other. So in my personal opinion I wouldn't get a triple axle unless absolutely needed. or get a triple axle that doesn't have torflex axles.

[Cadillac Bill]

I work on tons of the triple and tandem axle trailers (RV'S, Flat deck, stock trailers etc.) You aren't going to notice any more wear difference between a tandem or triple axle. But the tighter the turns yes there will be more tires scrubbing. But how often are you actually going to be making really tight turns? One negative downside to having a triple axle is actually the suspension in some. Triple axles that use Torflex axles are more prone to having bent axles. Dexter actually doesn't recommend having a triple axle trailer with Torflex axles. Reason why is because each each operates independently so when having a full load and you are going over a bumps each axle will independently take on the full load of the trailer. Tandem trailers with Torflex will actually work with each other. So in my personal opinion I wouldn't get a triple axle unless absolutely needed. or get a triple axle that doesn't have torflex axles.

 

Sure seems like a point. Do people actually experience bent axles? I like the tri-axle look but would not be operating with exceptionally heavy loads. For instance my heaviest car is about 6,,000 pounds. I guess if I hit a speed breaker at high speed, it might -under these circumstances- bend an axle because all the weight would be on one axle. But I guess if I hit the same speedbreaker at speed with a tandem axle, same thing? Am I missing something?

[14GFXSilverado]

Then for your load weights I would only go with the tandem axle trailer. make sure the trailer has at minimum 4400 lb axles or higher. Then you will be at a sufficient enough weight capacity. Tandem axle trailer with two 4400 lb axles = 8800 lbs - weight of trailer (1500 lbs high end) = 7300 remaining capacity. Most triple axle trailers come with a minimum of 6000 lb axles which equals 18000 lbs capacity. Which would be over kill for the load you would have on the trailer. But the load would be so light that you wouldn't have any issues.

I probably complete about 30-40 axle alignments a year. Compared to the number of trailers my shop services/ year it is a low number but could have been easily avoided by a number of things. 1. Having proper size axles for the trailer/ load. 2. Having a proper axle/ suspension setup (What I explained before about torflex axles.) 3. Not jack knifing a trailer while backing up (Jack knifing while backing up especially with torflex axles can very easily mis-align the axle) 4. Not driving too fast on poor road conditions with a load on the trailer.

 

As far as a triple axle and tandem axle trailer. In my opinion from what I have seen and worked with. If you need a triple axle trailer make sure they are a connected leaf spring suspension with a good quality equalizer between the axles. If it is a tandem axle then I would go with the torflex axles. Besides it is also cheaper maintenance on tandem axle compared to triple axle.

 

Both trailers with either type of axle system can still bend axles. Each trailer varies depending on their own circumstance. but I am just giving you some of the info I have learned over the years. As long as you figure out your requirements and have the proper setup either trailer will do you fine with little issues.

[Cadillac Bill]

Perhaps I should explain myself better. A triple axle trailer would certainly be overkill for my load. A GMC 3500 Diesel Dually is also overkill for my load. I am not a professional driver and trying to balance everything out to loads. I like the LOOK of triple axles. Sure, they will handle 18k load, but I see no downside other than expense.

 

What the hell, I am retired and spending my children's inheritance. If they don't want to go into the family business and would just sell it if they inherited? I'll spend it all before I go.

 

BTW I am also looking at a huge toyhauler that would tax the limits of the 3500. But I need some road time in with a 28-30' TA

[14GFXSilverado]

LOL. Sounds like you have it all figured out. A triple axle would look cool on the back of your 3500. And BTW it is a pretty sweet looking ride. Anyways hope you find what you are wanting. with both a trailer for your car and also a toy hauler. If you run into anything issues or have questions feel free to contact me.