Wondering why that is a concern when it is the accepted way to do it and 10's of thousands are set up that way. I believe that it equalizes the load and spreads it over both axles going over things better than if the axles are independent and one axle or the other carries most all the load in the same situation,
Unlike large trucks, trailer etc... the whole point of me wanting dual axles is to be redundant. Not to be able to carry a bigger boat/load or smooth out the ride.
Based on what I've seen, with most linked T shaped shackles for the middle leaf spring mount, when a tire or wheel fails, the functional wheel's spring end is allowed to shift more, than it would with normal shackle.
That would shift the load/centre of gravity, more to the side with one functional wheel, than what would happen if you had two fully independent axles.
Our shop has repaired many dual axle RVs and the failed rim's bead is actually sitting on the road.
While this is mostly due to the fact the remaining axle is now overloaded, I think that this is partially due to the linked shackle design. I'd love to test it to see how much difference it makes.
Instead of the factory C22 3500lb single axle trailer...
Put two 3500 lbs axles mounted independently with highest load range tires that will fit
One tire fails.. the 2nd tire takes the load.. and the damaged rim is almost floating along for the ride.
The normal reason for dual axles is to increase load capacity
In this case it would be to double the capacity while actually keeping the load the same.
This seems like a better option for a trailer being towed places where the roads are often far from good.
Lord knows what would happen with a bearing/hub failure on some of the gravel roads up to the beautiful remote lakes we have. Soft gravel + washboard+heavy camber+no shoulder+occasionally not wide enough for 2 vehicles, washouts..
https://www.google.com/maps/place/B...341f898e4980c38!8m2!3d50.645018!4d-95.3222449
The problem is likely that the suspension would be so stiff that it would bounce more.. which could lead to other problems.
when it is the accepted way to do it and 10's of thousands are set up that way.
True...And I may be wrong headed in this idea.
But in general, that is never a valid reason not to question a design. They would have said the same thing about wood/fibreglass and acoustic vs amplified guitar.
You've towed more than most. What were your experiences on rough gravel roads with tandem axles vs single ?
Edit: was just reading your post about sailing in Kootenay Lake, and your plan to add additional axle and brakes.