Pros and Cons... 2 axles versus 3

[rebelsbeach]

I've noticed there are three axles under the 38LKTG and wondered what the pros and cons are with respect to these rigs having three single axles and not two dualie axles.

Is there a tendency for the three tire axles to skuff the rear tire when turning?

[bobr]

one of the engineers can answer this better than i can i'm sure but some things come immediately to mind. there are 2 less tires, wheels, axles, brakes assemblies, etc with the attendant weight savings with the 3 axle set up. you spread the weight over a longer portion of the frame with the attendant stress reduction which allows for a lighter frame. have you ever changed the inside dual wheel? i think it would cause a customer satisfaction problem and put the 5er at a competitive disadvantage with the sob's. having been around tripples i have never noticed a scuffing problem with the rear wheels but there may be a slight one. hope this helps.  bob r

[J. V.]

I went from a 17,000# Premier to a 18,000# Champagne and could not believe how much better and lighter the triple axle pulled with the same 1 ton truck. I cannot explain, just really like the triple better. I watch for scuffing and none at two years of full time travel.

J. V.

[Hitchhiker]

Bob,

Before I bought my current 3 axle 37CKRD I was of the impression a triple axle trailer would be more difficult to maneuver than a same size trailer with dual axles. I've learned after having mine for several months that maneuverability and tire scuffing isn't any more of a negative than it would be on the dual axle model.

When turning a tight turn, I've noticed the unit seems to pivot on the center axle with the front axle flexing opposite from the rear. Neither sidewall seems to scuff any more than the sidewall on a two axle trailer.

With the triple axles and the Dexter hydraulic disc brakes (rated at 8,000 pounds) you'll have 24,000 pounds of brake rating on a trailer with a GVWR of 18,700 pounds.  The brakes are awesome.

My trailer tracks like a train, never any sway in crosswinds or from truckers blowing by which is attributable to the three axles under it. Another plus is that NuWa is able to use the 'E' rated tires on a Tri-axle, the 'G' rated tires are notorious for blowing out a highway speeds. Remember Rusty's little problem with his on the way to the rally? His Mobile Suite rides on 4 'G' rated tires. Each 'E'  rated tire is rated at 3,084# so doing the math you'll have 18,504 pounds of tire rating on the trailer, almost enough for the entire GVWR of the trailer without subtracting anything for the pin weight. You'd be hard pressed to overload it.

When buying 6 new tires, they probably won't cost much more than 4 of higher priced 'G' rated tires and will be much easier to find.

Richard

[HBarlow]

I agree with Richard's observations above for the reasons he stated.  My HH DA is a tandem axle with no need for a triple axle configuration so the issues are not now a concern to me. 

I owned a triple axle Airstream in the '90s and have pulled lots of triple axle fivers.  I like pulling the triple axle units better than a tandem when the trailer is heavy because they usually put less pin weight on the truck and usually have better brakes.

Six load range E tires is, in my opinion, a better choice than four load range G Goodyears.  One of the factors I weighed before deciding on the HH DA 32LKTG I bought was the fact that it can safely use load range E tires.  I was interested in a Champagne 34 LKTG but that unit is about 2500 pounds heavier than the DA on tandem axles and comes equipped with Goodyear LRG tires.  I don't like or have any confidence in Goodyear tires but when trailer axle weights require more than 3000 pounds of capacity per tire the GY LRG is the only option.

Harvey

[mmitc100]

The "bad rap" triple axle 5ths get on various forums is one of those "myths of ignorance" that unfortunately exist in this industry.  Typically "the fear" is spread by those who have never experienced the difference.   I think the comments below are very much the pleasant surprise experienced by those who purchase our triple axle models.   I see nothing but benefit, if one is going to go with a long and heavy full time trailer.   Cost and weight are in fact similar for tandem "G"s and triple "E"s.    If a little scuffing occurs, move the tires forward for even wear.  You will change them due to age before they wear out anyway.  I can't explain the smoother towing experience, but that is what I have noticed as well.   I would like to build more tri-axle 36' models, but grow weary of having to defend the tri-axle "myth".   MIKE

P.S.  May we post this comment on our NuWa website, so readers hear the opinion of someone who has experienced both concepts?   MIKE

I went from a 17,000# Premier to a 18,000# Champagne and could not believe how much better and lighter the triple axle pulled with the same 1 ton truck. I cannot explain, just really like the triple better. I watch for scuffing and none at two years of full time travel.

J. V.

[rebelsbeach]

Thank you all for your replies, as I am real close to making a decision and want to make certain I get all the facts straight before I sign on the line.
My current brand of ownership uses the two duals versus the three singles and it's becoming harder and harder to find reasons to stay with the
brand I already own....
For the record, I've owned two fivers, but moved to a motor home several years ago.
Now fulltime, and after seeing the room in Richard's 37 footer, I am seriously contemplating a move from my 45' motor home...

I mean no disrespect to anyone at Nuwa and am only trying to get all the answers.

Thank you all for your help.

[J. V.]

Feel free to use the quote if you wish. We really like our 37lkbr. Everyone we let in raves about the disign. But, you no longer have it in the flyers, cannot guess why it might not being built.

J. V.

The "bad rap" triple axle 5ths get on various forums is one of those "myths of ignorance" that unfortunately exist in this industry.  Typically "the fear" is spread by those who have never experienced the difference.   I think the comments below are very much the pleasant surprise experienced by those who purchase our triple axle models.   I see nothing but benefit, if one is going to go with a long and heavy full time trailer.   Cost and weight are in fact similar for tandem "G"s and triple "E"s.    If a little scuffing occurs, move the tires forward for even wear.  You will change them due to age before they wear out anyway.  I can't explain the smoother towing experience, but that is what I have noticed as well.   I would like to build more tri-axle 36' models, but grow weary of having to defend the tri-axle "myth".   MIKE

P.S.  May we post this comment on our NuWa website, so readers hear the opinion of someone who has experienced both concepts?   MIKE

I went from a 17,000# Premier to a 18,000# Champagne and could not believe how much better and lighter the triple axle pulled with the same 1 ton truck. I cannot explain, just really like the triple better. I watch for scuffing and none at two years of full time travel.

J. V.

[mmitc100]

Thanks for the permission.  The 37LK was a great trailer; but ahead of it's time.  It was my first effort at creating the closet glide concept.  Full timers loved the design, but dealers were slow to stock the trailer.  I may take a look a the floorplan again, because I have learned some "tricks" since then.   MIKE

Feel free to use the quote if you wish. We really like our 37lkbr. Everyone we let in raves about the disign. But, you no longer have it in the flyers, cannot guess why it might not being built.

J. V.

The "bad rap" triple axle 5ths get on various forums is one of those "myths of ignorance" that unfortunately exist in this industry.  Typically "the fear" is spread by those who have never experienced the difference.   I think the comments below are very much the pleasant surprise experienced by those who purchase our triple axle models.   I see nothing but benefit, if one is going to go with a long and heavy full time trailer.   Cost and weight are in fact similar for tandem "G"s and triple "E"s.    If a little scuffing occurs, move the tires forward for even wear.  You will change them due to age before they wear out anyway.  I can't explain the smoother towing experience, but that is what I have noticed as well.   I would like to build more tri-axle 36' models, but grow weary of having to defend the tri-axle "myth".   MIKE

P.S.  May we post this comment on our NuWa website, so readers hear the opinion of someone who has experienced both concepts?   MIKE

I went from a 17,000# Premier to a 18,000# Champagne and could not believe how much better and lighter the triple axle pulled with the same 1 ton truck. I cannot explain, just really like the triple better. I watch for scuffing and none at two years of full time travel.

J. V.

[bobr]

mike,  are there any plans for a three axle da in the future? there is probably a market for one by now as there are a lot of people out there who have owned or own sob's with three axles and they know the obvious advantages of them. i would have bot one this time if there were such an option.   bob r

[mmitc100]

Everytime I think about designing such a unit, I remember that several special parts would have to be created for it.  Fender skirts, etc.  But I wouldn't be surprised if we create one some day.    MIKE

mike,  are there any plans for a three axle da in the future? there is probably a market for one by now as there are a lot of people out there who have owned or own sob's with three axles and they know the obvious advantages of them. i would have bot one this time if there were such an option.   bob r

[bobr]

thanks mike,  i am probably not a buyer anyway dw has already made it clear that our next one will be a ce. hope it's not too soon i really like the one we have.   bob r