Single Axle vs Dual in Peanut butter mud... Physics of getting bogged?

Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 01, 2016 at 21:45
ThreadID: 132609 Views:4568 Replies:5 FollowUps:0
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I need to choose which type of trailer to buy for a trip to the goldfields in Western Australia. I just need a normal box trailer, it will carry my Yamaha quad bike which is 300kg (660 pounds). The terrain where I am going is mainly hardpack, but there are a few pockets of peanut butter mud (clay), which is almost impossible to get traction in.

I must add that the terrain is almost entirely flat, so articulation over rocks etc is not an issue.

I have a Landcruiser with heaps of ground clearance, dual diff locks, winch and recovery gear so thats not a problem.... but which trailer is better in muddy conditions, dual or single axle?

If I go single axle:
- I can put 33 inch tires on it which will lift the axle off the ground. The single axle is also 200kg lighter.
- Trailer is lighter at only 370kg

If I go dual axle
- Trailer is heavier (570kg), but less ground pressure per tire than single axle due to shared weight
- Have to make to with smaller tires (axles closer to the ground)

I was thinking independent suspension but the only trailers with them that I have seen are super expensive & also camper trailers...I don't need a camper as I have accommodation where I am going.

Also... Fat tires or skinny tires? This trailer is going to be used for 3 months in these conditions so I need to make the right decision.
Any advice appreciated.
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