2 axles or 3...15" or 16" tires, What is best? Options

[KCINAZ]

I have heard arguments that 3 axles is better than 2 when towing a TH of 27+ ft. I have had dealers reps tell me that they prefer 2 and that the 3rd reduced turning and adds maintenance costs and is not as good if having to pull down a dirt road. Frankly I like the 3rd axle for more wt capacity and distribution. another set of brakes if ordered that way, plus seems smoother if not on ideal road conditions.

then to double it up, I am a big fan of 16" rims and there seems to be many more tire choices in that size than 15's...your thoughts?

I am fishing for more opinions and expertise than my own so please share.

[dave597]

I have heard arguments that 3 axles is better than 2 when towing a TH of 27+ ft. I have had dealers reps tell me that they prefer 2 and that the 3rd reduced turning and adds maintenance costs and is not as good if having to pull down a dirt road. Frankly I like the 3rd axle for more wt capacity and distribution. another set of brakes if ordered that way, plus seems smoother if not on ideal road conditions.

then to double it up, I am a big fan of 16" rims and there seems to be many more tire choices in that size than 15's...your thoughts?

I am fishing for more opinions and expertise than my own so please share.

We have a KZ 32PSD Sportsmen Sporster that we pull with a dodge 3500/Cummins. I opted for three axles because it places a lower load on each tire due to speading the load over a greater area. I carry a fully dressed HD in the garage which weighs about eight hundred pounds. That's quite a bit of weight to have back beyond the rear axles. I had read articles about trailers getting squirrely while being towed when heavily loaded in the rear and I figured three axles might aleviate this problem. My rig tows straight and true at highway speeds and has no problems on dirt roads (slow speed of course). I do notice that the tires do not like to turn extremely sharp and tend to really flex and squirm when I maneuver it around tightly in my driveway. I would absolutely go with the third axle. Another benefit is the ability to get slowed down in a controlled fashion or keep going with one flat if you absolutely had to. I hope this helps.

[J to the B]

I have a bumper pull 30ft (33 ft tongue to bumper) Tahoe Transport with 2 axles. It has 16" rims with "G" rated tires. It's about 8,000 lbs empty and close to 12,000 lbs with water, fuel, gear, 1 ATV and 1 Polaris RZR side-by-side. The 1,000 lbs side-by-side sits in the rear.

I have no problems what so ever pulling the TH with my '01 GMC 2500 HD. No sway, no problems braking. I wouldn't want the 3rd axle. Tire replacement for 6 tires would be a bitch. Totally happy with what I've got.

The only advantage I see (as long as you stay within weight restrictions) is if you get a flat you have more support.

[FunWW]

I went from a 29' double bumper pull to a 32' triple bumper pull. The triple is just a smidge more stable with cross winds etc. I think it make a bigger black mark on the pavement on slow tight turns(parking). I also like the extra axle for the braking.