Single Axle Car Hauler, anyone made one before?

[oddballs]

Hi all,

I need a single axle car hauler as I need to move some cars around from time to time. Doesn't need to be anything heavy duty as the cars only weigh around 1200kg or 2650lb and are approximately 4.7 meters or 15.5 foot long by 1.7 meters or 5.5 foot in width.

Anyone have any plans or drawings to give me an idea on how to go about it?

I think I have most of the materials around for the build as my occupation is a fabricator/welder

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks

 

[jack stand]

Have you thought about a car dolly vs a trailer?

 

[PCustoms]

I guess theoretically it's possible, with a big enough axle, but why constrain it to single axle?

 

[mike93lx]

I'd much rather have a pair of 3500lb axles for this than a single 5k or 7k. Why the single axle constraint?

Have you looked at the process for registering a home-built trailer where you live? In the US, it can vary from incredibly easy to very painful

 

[oddballs]

car dollys can only be used for registered vehicles in my location unfortunately.

I figure the single axle will be easier to tow and it will only be used for short distance trips.

Yeah I have look into the registration side of things.

 

[Debcrow]

Of the four car trailers my brother and I have built over the last 50 or so years, they have all been single axle. Never had a problem, even hauling things like a 1947 Packard. I do not have any plans written out. I beam and railroad mat for 3 of them. They are heavy, but pull well. Have hauled vehicles from as far away as over 600 miles.

 

[Bert_]

I'd like one too. I want 14' tilt, as low to the ground as possible. Here's what I drew up a while back, all c channel. I think I can end up around 1200#

I have a 7k torsion axle I want to use. Although the tires I want to run are 3200lb rated 225/75r16's

 

[Garage Junkie]

My father had a single axle 7k lb trailer built by Cross Country. I think it was around 14'. We hauled all sorts of small tractors, farm implements and a mustang once. He wanted a single axle to get lower toll rates on the thruway. I couldn't stand that trailer- no matter how it was loaded, where the weight was it always wandered all over the place. I volunteered to haul a 57 mustang 300 miles for my boss and I ended driving 35 mph the entire way, any faster and it would whip around violently. I had pulled the car on engine forward as far up as I could go, but it didn't matter. That thing was a hot mess.

 

[Bert_]

My father had a single axle 7k lb trailer built by Cross Country. I think it was around 14'. We hauled all sorts of small tractors, farm implements and a mustang once. He wanted a single axle to get lower toll rates on the thruway. I couldn't stand that trailer- no matter how it was loaded, where the weight was it always wandered all over the place. I volunteered to haul a 57 mustang 300 miles for my boss and I ended driving 35 mph the entire way, any faster and it would whip around violently. I had pulled the car on engine forward as far up as I could go, but it didn't matter. That thing was a hot mess.

That's a weight distribution issue, not enough on the tongue. It's happens with tandem axle trailers too

 

[Garage Junkie]

I would agree totally. But then I hauled a 5 yd loader bucket set as far forward as it could go and it still wandered around. We checked the thing for square and it was, it just wandered. Every single axle Uhaul I've ever rented for the most part did the same, though I don't think of Uhaul trailers as a measure of quality either.

Once I had a double axle of my own, I knew I'd never go back to a single. I've owned a flat deck and now a dump trailer and they pull great. My experience has been that a double axle tends to run truer, they are more forgiving of where the center of gravity is, and they give you greater hauling and braking capacity with a little bit of redundancy that gives piece of mind.

 

[mike93lx]

I don't think of Uhaul trailers as a measure of quality either

Uhaul has some of the best trailers on the road

 

[jack stand]

car dollys can only be used for registered vehicles in my location unfortunately.

I figure the single axle will be easier to tow and it will only be used for short distance trips.

Yeah I have look into the registration side of things.

I think the dollys requires a license plate as they're usually towed some of the time empty.
The state needs your money!
Single axle car trailer can get into a careful placement of the car to avoid possible catastrophe being the correct tongue weight.

 

[Bert_]

I redid this trailer to be tilt deck and dropped the deck lower. Pulls just fine, tracks straight. It's a little more bumpy than others but the axle is bolted right to the frame also.

It works nice for small things and not going far distances. I decided the implement hubs have too small of bearings. I think I could build it better if I started from scratch.

 

[macs_rock]

Mechanical Elements offers a ton of various trailer plans, this one is probably closest to what you want. There's a ton of useful info in the Knowledge section of the site too.

7 x 12 ft 7K Trailer Plans, Single Axle, Choose Your Features

Heavy Duty 12 ft 7K Trailer Plans – Build it with features you want – Choose 5.2K, 6K, or 7K – Sides? Gate? Deck? Ramps? Tie-Downs? More? All in the Plans.

mechanicalelements.com

I'm not affiliated with nor have I purchased from him, but when I do have time to build a trailer it'll be off his plans.

 

[Jakeweldsalittle]

I follow a jeep guy on facebook that made is own single axle trailer/dolly of sorts. Hard mounted axle I believe. I can't remember who it is, I'll have to look it up, but I did save a picture of it for my future reference.

 

[Onetime12]

Here is the link to the Youtube Video his page is Brennan's Garage

 

[mikedodge]

I figure the single axle will be easier to tow and it will only be used for short distance trips.

For that size and weight if anything single is worse, it gets pickier with weight distribution and a lot more of an issue if one of the tires is low for whatever reason. If for no other reason go dual because you'll hit an issue where you have the trailer but can't use it for for something because of the weight limitation.

 

[JuncleJohn]

I’ve seen quite a few single axle car trailers over the years. But, I think tandem axle trailers are easier to back up and you still are able to move them if you get a flat.

John

 

[jack stand]

Here is the link to the Youtube Video his page is Brennan's Garage

For some reason I assigned a smaller tow vehicle since his loads are very light.
A full size 250/350 size pickup is a lot more forgiving with excessive tongue weight. Loading this way is easy and putting the heavy end on the tongue will do it.
Now with a smaller weight/sprung tow vehicle hitting the 60/40 ahead/aft of the trailers only axle is more difficult and more important as you get closer to the rated towing capacity.

 

[The Cobbler]

I've always found tandem axle trailers provide a better ride in the tow vehicle

 

[Bert_]

If for no other reason go dual because you'll hit an issue where you have the trailer but can't use it for for something because of the weight limitation.

Which is more, (2) 3500lb axles, or (1) 7000lb axle?

 

[Bert_]

I follow a jeep guy on facebook that made is own single axle trailer/dolly of sorts. Hard mounted axle I believe. I can't remember who it is, I'll have to look it up, but I did save a picture of it for my future reference.

It's a nifty trailer. But so specialized, you can't use it for much else.

 

[cannuck]

I built the lightest, simplest possible tilt car hauler about 40 years ago, and it has done hundreds of trips for myself and friends. I used 4 of 2x4 main longitudinal beams intersecting with an 8'6' 2X4 main cross beam onto which a pair of walking beams with VW rear stub axles and drum brakes for 165 x 13 mounted rigidly to walking beam - that pivots on rubber semi torque link bushings - yes, no "suspension" other than tires and walking beam as cars on top already have good suspension. center 1/2 is 1/4" aliminum deck with out rails first and last third tied with 2x2s to form several wheel pockets. Long tongue has a screw jack tilt mechanism and healthy auto brake hand winch. Also has a pulley on rear crossmember to be able to pull dead vehicles off. fender framework it a single run of 1x1 to which plastic puckboard fenders are riveted (plus outer edge angle formers make outer rails into very strong trusses. Extremely light (4,400 lb. gross) and about 600 empty and extremely low - only real drawback is doors can't open. It was intended to haul my ice racers so was not a problem. Oh: surge brakes so anyone/anything can haul it and a pair of tiny aluminum ramps to be able to climb over the rear 2x3 crossmember

Can say I also think tandem axle far better than single. This thing has been abused all to heck including significant overload and works well for me. Lots of smashed lights, pulled wires, a few UV damaged straps, one set new puck board fender skins and 2nd winch worn out. IIRC on 3rd set of tires (1st were 155)

 

[mikedodge]

Which is more, (2) 3500lb axles, or (1) 7000lb axle?

Actually surprisingly a quick google search looks like the single 7,000lb axle is more then double the cost of 2 3500lb. Looks like it's similar for the springs too.

 

[Bert_]

Actually surprisingly a quick google search looks like the single 7,000lb axle is more then double the cost of 2 3500lb. Looks like it's similar for the springs too.

I was prodding at your weight rating comment. If a single 7k is overloaded, then so are (2) 3500's.

In my experience tandem trailer axles get bent when you are near weight rating and you make a tight turn. A single doesn't have that problem.

 

[Zewnten]

I figure the single axle will be easier to tow and it will only be used for short distance trips.

Its actually the opposite. Two axles resist sway by fighting each other. Single axle the tail starts wagging quickly

 

[mikedodge]

I was prodding at your weight rating comment. If a single 7k is overloaded, then so are (2) 3500's.

In my experience tandem trailer axles get bent when you are near weight rating and you make a tight turn. A single doesn't have that problem.

He never did say what axle rating he was looking at using but with a car weighing 2,600lb I would have guessed he's hoping to get away with a single 3500lb one or at least building a trailer geared more towards that weight.

There are far more trailers around with dual axles then single when you get up to that size, usually bent axles are from overloading more then how they've been maneuvered. The physical size of the trailer is usually the factor for how they turn.

On the other hand building your own trailer having a second axle means twice the work to mount them so there's that.

 

[oddballs]

He never did say what axle rating he was looking at using but with a car weighing 2,600lb I would have guessed he's hoping to get away with a single 3500lb one or at least building a trailer geared more towards that weight.

There are far more trailers around with dual axles then single when you get up to that size, usually bent axles are from overloading more then how they've been maneuvered. The physical size of the trailer is usually the factor for how they turn.

On the other hand building your own trailer having a second axle means twice the work to mount them so there's that.

Yeah a 3500lb should do, also as light as I can go with the framing/chassis too.

I am using a 2wd Toyota Hilux as the tow vehicle, I think they are similar to the Tacoma in the US.

 

[Bert_]

If you are going single, use at least a 5200lb axle.

Don't waste time with a 3500.

 

[senlow]

I built the lightest, simplest possible tilt car hauler about 40 years ago, and it has done hundreds of trips for myself and friends. I used 4 of 2x4 main longitudinal beams intersecting with an 8'6' 2X4 main cross beam onto which a pair of walking beams with VW rear stub axles and drum brakes for 165 x 13 mounted rigidly to walking beam - that pivots on rubber semi torque link bushings - yes, no "suspension" other than tires and walking beam as cars on top already have good suspension. center 1/2 is 1/4" aliminum deck with out rails first and last third tied with 2x2s to form several wheel pockets. Long tongue has a screw jack tilt mechanism and healthy auto brake hand winch. Also has a pulley on rear crossmember to be able to pull dead vehicles off. fender framework it a single run of 1x1 to which plastic puckboard fenders are riveted (plus outer edge angle formers make outer rails into very strong trusses. Extremely light (4,400 lb. gross) and about 600 empty and extremely low - only real drawback is doors can't open. It was intended to haul my ice racers so was not a problem. Oh: surge brakes so anyone/anything can haul it and a pair of tiny aluminum ramps to be able to climb over the rear 2x3 crossmember

Can say I also think tandem axle far better than single. This thing has been abused all to heck including significant overload and works well for me. Lots of smashed lights, pulled wires, a few UV damaged straps, one set new puck board fender skins and 2nd winch worn out. IIRC on 3rd set of tires (1st were 155)

That sounds like an innovative trailer. I would love to see some pics.

 

[LopezBart]

In my experience tandem trailer axles get bent when you are near weight rating and you make a tight turn. A single doesn't have that problem.

This would be a woefully weak axle.... the forces on the axle are limited to those which the tires can generate, and those are with the tires working against each other.

 

[Bert_]

This would be a woefully weak axle.... the forces on the axle are limited to those which the tires can generate, and those are with the tires working against each other.

Have you watched the tires on a tandem during a tight turn? One leans out, one leans in. It's very noticeable and puts a bunch of extra bending force on the axle.

Spring axles with no drop have the least problem, torsion axles are the worst

 

[dchawk81]

car dollys can only be used for registered vehicles in my location unfortunately.

I figure the single axle will be easier to tow and it will only be used for short distance trips.

Yeah I have look into the registration side of things.

A two axle will be a lot easier to tow. It'll be more stable.

 

[LopezBart]

Have you watched the tires on a tandem during a tight turn? One leans out, one leans in. It's very noticeable and puts a bunch of extra bending force on the axle.

Spring axles with no drop have the least problem, torsion axles are the worst

Yup... I have four dual axle trailers (boat, box, equipment and Airstream with torsion axles). Note that the bending forces on the axle are no different than those caused by cornering forces at the limit of adhesion, except that they're the tires fighting each other rather than centripetal acceleration. I've had the same arguments with people who feel that tires in dual axle trailers see far more side forces than those in a car. In both cases, the load on the tires is limited by the available tire traction.....

A trailer axle that fails (engineering speak for takes a permanent bend) because you make a tight corner at slow speed could also fail taking a turn at speed. In fact, since a trailer with a higher CG would experience weight transfer to the outside in the latter case, the loads there could actually be higher as the outside tires could develop more side forces with greater vertical loading.

Axles that bend on a trailer that is not significantly overloaded are not designed correctly or suffering from terminal corrosion.

 

[cannuck]

I built the lightest, simplest possible tilt car hauler about 40 years ago, and it has done hundreds of trips for myself and friends. I used 4 of 2x4 main longitudinal beams intersecting with an 8'6' 2X4 main cross beam onto which a pair of walking beams with VW rear stub axles and drum brakes for 165 x 13 mounted rigidly to walking beam - that pivots on rubber semi torque link bushings - yes, no "suspension" other than tires and walking beam as cars on top already have good suspension. Long tongue has a screw jack tilt mechanism and healthy auto brake hand winch using 2" we.bbing. Also has a pulley on rear crossmember to be able to pull dead vehicles off. fender framework it a single run of 1x1 to which plastic puckboard fenders are riveted (plus outer edge angle formers make outer rails into very strong trusses. Extremely light (4,400 lb. gross) and about 600 empty and extremely low - only real drawback is doors can't open. It was intended to haul my ice racers so was not a problem. Oh: surge brakes so anyone/anything can haul it and a pair of tiny aluminum ramps to be able to climb over the rear 2x3 crossmember

Can say I also think tandem axle far better than single. This thing has been abused all to heck including significant overload and works well for me. Lots of smashed lights, pulled wires, a few UV damaged straps, one set new puck board fender skins and 2nd winch worn out. IIRC on 3rd set of tires (1st were 155)

That sounds like an innovative trailer. I would love to see some pics.

Parked 500 kms away now, sorry.

 

[Zewnten]

Have you watched the tires on a tandem during a tight turn? One leans out, one leans in. It's very noticeable and puts a bunch of extra bending force on the axle.

Spring axles with no drop have the least problem, torsion axles are the worst

Thats why trailers have such stiff side walls.

 

[Bert_]

I don't know about you, I've never had a trailer tire skid at speed. Not even remotely close.

I've got a 7k Dexter torsion axle sitting behind my garage. Still has all the stickers and paint on it. Came off a seed tender I'm told. I bought it for less than the price of the drums and backing plates because the guy said he bent it backing it into some spot. It was a gooseneck so I'm sure he cut it pretty sharp.

I straightened that axle with a bottle jack and it's the one I'm planning on using for my single axle trailer.

 

[mike93lx]

Parked 500 kms away now, sorry.

If you get a chance to, I'd like to see pics as well