Single axle, full deck gravity tilt trailers have been a problem trailer for years. Let me start with the advantages, Easy to load, Pulls easier and weighs less than a trailer with a rear mesh gate. Now for the problem. Tows TERRIBLE! What do I mean? The full tilt single axle trailer can sway back and forth violently at speeds over 40-50 MPH, potentially leading to loss of control and most certainly panic attacks. Why? The axle is set forward of the middle of the trailer so the tilt deck is heavy enough to the rear to tilt down to the ground when unlatched. This makes the empty trailer almost equal in weight forward and rear of the axle and this balance is what creates the violent sway. The solutions. Always haul 100 lbs on the very front of the deck or better yet, get a split deck tilt single axle! This allows the axle to be behind the center of the deck and the trailer will tow safely! You can also choose an Aluma tilt deck. They are very light and have a tilt assist system that allows proper axle placement for safe towing.
This also applies to tandem axle tilts as well. Generally a split deck tilt or a full power tilt deck let’s the MFG move the axle back far enough for comfortable towing. Always remember to take extra care to load the tongue of your tilt deck trailer 20% heavier than the rear so you stay safe while towing.
Neil Kurtz for the Country Blacksmith Trailers Team