We explain the difference and help you choose the right gear for your work in Adelaide. In the first two lines: you’ll learn which option suits light loads and tight sites, and which suits heavier loads and highway towing.
We are Smooth Moves Trailers in Adelaide. We build custom trailers, do metal fabrication, and service and repair gear for safety and long life.
Light rigs are cheaper, lighter and easier to manoeuvre. Heavier setups offer more stability at speed and spread weight across two axles, which matters for long runs and heavier loads.
Safety matters: we check vehicle tow ratings, ATM and GTM, and legal brake rules so combinations stay compliant. We use real Adelaide jobs—furniture moves in inner suburbs and machinery runs to outer sites—to guide each decision.
We talk straight: clear costs, clear steps—call 0447 100 145 to request a quote or book a service.
Key Takeaways
- Choose light setups for tight sites and short runs; pick heavier setups for highway and bigger loads.
- Check your vehicle’s tow rating and legal brake requirements before you buy or upgrade.
- ATM and GTM affect load distribution and towing safety—know both figures.
- We build and service with strong chassis, quality suspension and good braking for long life.
- Call us in Adelaide on 0447 100 145 for advice, a quote or to book a service.
Which trailer suits your load and routes right now
Match your load and route to the right build so every job in Adelaide runs safely and on time.
Quick wins: manoeuvrability, economy and space for tight Adelaide sites
For tight spaces in inner suburbs, a single axle unit saves reversing time and makes parking easier. Lighter weight cuts down on fuel and tyre wear.
Stability and payload when you’re on highways or rough tracks
Tandem and double axle options give better stability at speed and spread weight across two axles. That reduces stress on hubs and keeps steering calmer on long runs and rough job tracks.
Running costs and maintenance
Fewer wheels and bearings mean lower servicing for lighter builds. More axles bring extra tyres, brakes and maintenance—but add a safety margin for heavy loads and frequent highway work.
Real jobs we see
For furniture, tools and short urban trips, a single axle trailer often does the job cheaper and quicker.
For landscaping products, brick packs or small machinery, tandem setups protect tyres and hubs on rough verges.
- We check vehicle tow rating, ATM and GTM so combinations stay legal and safe.
- We match suspension and wheel sizes to your routes to reduce sway and heat in hubs.
- Need help? Call us on 0447 100 145 to request a quote or book a service.
single vs dual axle trailer: key differences that affect safety and towing
Safe towing starts with the right weight ratings and correct brake and suspension choices. We explain ATM and GTM in plain terms and show which build choices protect you on the road.
ATM vs GTM and why your vehicle’s tow rating matters
ATM is the total weight of a fully loaded unit when unhitched. GTM is the load on the axle set when the unit is hitched to your vehicle.
We size ATM to your vehicle’s tow rating so your combination is compliant and safe under real loads, not just on paper. Even weight distribution across the axle set keeps steering stable and reduces wear.
Braking rules and VSB1 for Australian roads
Australian rules mean brakes are mandatory for many capacities. If you’re near or over 750 kg, brakes are required; above 2000 kg they must be fitted to all axles.
VSB1 requires level towing. We set coupling height to keep the unit level. If the towball sits too high, weight can shift rearwards on a dual setup, causing dangerous handling and accelerated component wear.
Suspension, wheel sets and weight distribution for stable towing
Matched suspension and correct spring rates give the best stability at speed. Tandem layouts spread weight and add braking redundancy on long runs.
We pick wheel size and tyre type to match your capacity and typical loads. We check ball weight, even loading and spring choice to prevent sway and heat in hubs.
- We fit the right brake system for your capacity and routes.
- We set couplings to meet VSB1 and protect tyres, bearings and brakes.
- Book a safety check or brake service today on 0447 100 145.
When to upgrade from single to tandem: signs, loads and Adelaide conditions
If your current rig struggles on long runs or in heavy loads, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
Red flags on the road
Watch for sway at speed, rapid tyre wear and heat in hubs. These show components are under strain and service life will shorten.
Long-distance fatigue, longer stopping distances or steering twitch in crosswinds are also warning signs for Adelaide routes like the South Eastern Freeway.
Repeated trips near rated capacity cook bearings and brakes faster and raise the risk of failure on busy roads.
Our solutions and next steps
We offer custom tandem builds, stronger chassis, hydraulic or four-wheel brakes and rocker roller suspension to restore control and capacity.
- Upgrade to a tandem axle trailer with heavier spring packs and LT tyres for mixed routes.
- We design correct drawbar length, cross-member spacing and weight distribution to protect components.
- Set maintenance schedules for bearings, brakes and wheels to extend life and ensure safety.
Make an informed decision: call us on 0447 100 145 to request a quote, book a service or get an assessment for a tandem build tailored to Adelaide conditions.
Conclusion
Match capacity and road conditions to a build that keeps your runs safe and predictable. Choose based on how often you tow, the loads you carry and Adelaide routes you use.
Two axles and a double axle setup give better stability, higher payload and longer life for bearings and other components. We size ATM and GTM so combinations stay legal and level under VSB1.
We build with quality parts, set suspension to the job and schedule maintenance to protect brakes and hubs. For heavy gear and frequent use, a double axle trailer or tandem option is often the best long term choice.
Make an informed choice: ring 0447 100 145, request a quote or book a service in Adelaide today.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of a single-axle compared with a tandem-axle setup?
We find that a single-axle unit is lighter, easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces and cheaper to buy and run. It suits lighter loads, short urban trips and jobs where fuel economy and simplicity matter. A tandem arrangement gives superior load capacity, stability at speed and better weight distribution for heavy or uneven cargo, but it costs more to buy and maintain because of extra wheels, brakes and bearings.
How do we decide which option suits our load and typical routes?
Start by checking your vehicle’s tow rating and the trailer’s ATM and GTM. For mostly local runs with smaller loads and narrow sites around Adelaide, a lighter, more nimble unit is usually fine. For regular highway travel, heavy landscaping materials or machinery, we recommend a multi-axle design to reduce sway and stress on components.
What is ATM and GTM and why do they matter for safety?
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) is the maximum loaded weight allowed for the unit. GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) is the weight on the tow ball when loaded. Both affect legal towing limits and interaction with the tow vehicle. Matching these figures to your vehicle’s tow rating keeps braking, handling and legal compliance on point.
Are there different braking rules we need to follow on Australian roads?
Yes. Australian regulations, including VSB1 guidelines, set braking thresholds based on mass and configuration. Heavier combinations often require electric or surge brakes and may need brake controllers in the tow vehicle. We always check local requirements to ensure the setup meets safety and registration rules.
How does wheel and suspension design influence towing stability?
Suspension type, axle spacing and wheel sets determine ride quality and how the load reacts over bumps. Multi-wheel setups usually provide a smoother, more controlled ride and better tracking at speed. Properly balanced gear and correct weight distribution are essential to avoid sway and uneven tyre wear.
What common signs indicate it’s time to upgrade to a tandem arrangement?
Red flags include repeated tyre wear, heat in hub bearings, frequent sway at highway speeds, and the need to carry heavier loads than the current unit safely allows. If we notice chassis flex or persistent maintenance problems, an upgrade or a stronger chassis and better brake setup is warranted.
How do running costs compare between fewer components and more bearings, tyres and brakes?
Units with fewer components cost less to maintain because there are fewer tyres, bearings and brakes to service. Multi-wheel configurations raise ongoing expenses but can extend tyre life per axle and reduce stress on each component when carrying heavy loads, so costs balance out depending on usage.
For tight Adelaide sites, what quick wins improve manoeuvrability and economy?
Choose a lighter, shorter design and fit quality tyres and a good coupling. Keep loads within recommended limits, maintain correct tyre pressures, and use a well-tuned axle and suspension to reduce roll resistance and improve fuel economy when towing in constrained spaces.
What maintenance should we prioritise to avoid road problems like sway and hub overheating?
Regularly check tyre pressures, wheel nut torque, bearing lubrication and brake condition. Inspect suspension bushes and check for chassis cracks. Proper servicing intervals and correct load distribution prevent heat build-up in hubs and reduce the chance of excessive sway or component failure.
Can we customise a trailer to suit both urban jobs and occasional heavy loads?
Yes. We often recommend modular solutions: stronger chassis framing, upgraded brakes, and adjustable suspension or axle options. These help us tailor capacity while keeping manoeuvrability for urban jobs. Always confirm ATM/GTM and tow-vehicle limits before making upgrades.