Tandem axle trailers are commonly used across Australia to transport heavy cargo. You can find them in industries like construction, agriculture, landscaping, automotive, and many more. They give you even weight distribution and better suspension than single-axle trailers.

However, you should know the tandem axle capacity before buying or renting your trailer. Trailer owners need to follow local and nationwide regulations about carrying specific loads. There is a limit to how much your tandem axle trailer can carry legally and safely in Australia.

Before diving deeper into tandem axle trailer capacity, let us briefly understand these trailers.

What Is A Tandem Axle Trailer?

A tandem axle trailer contains two axles, each connected to two wheels. In all, it operates on two axles and four wheels. These trailers are structured for better suspension, braking capacity, and ride stability. They distribute your load’s weight evenly, ensuring smooth transportation.

You can use a tandem axle trailer for multiple purposes. Common uses include moving building materials, carrying vehicles, transporting landscaping and gardening equipment, and more.

While buying a trailer is a better option if you will use it regularly, you can hire it for short-term usage. Always contact trusted local trailer providers in Australia for these trailers. For example, if you live in Victoria, look for reliable tandem trailers in VIC depending on your requirements.

Whether you buy a trailer, knowing tandem axle trailer capacity is a must.

Important Terms To Understand Tandem Axle Trailer Capacity

Understanding tandem axle trailer capacity is no rocket science. If you are familiar with a few key terms, you can check your trailer’s capacity and buy the right trailer as per your requirements.

Here are a few important terms you should know to understand tandem axle trailer capacity:

Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)

This is the most important term that helps you understand your trailer’s capacity. You should be good to go even if you know just ATM and nothing else.

Aggregate trailer mass (ATM) is the maximum total weight of a trailer when it is fully loaded. It includes the weight of the trailer and the load it carries. Choose your trailer’s ATM depending on the load you want to carry. ATM also helps you know more about the licensing requirements in Australia.

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

Gross vehicle mass is the maximum weight your trailer’s towing vehicle can carry. It includes everything from fuel and passengers to cargo and tow ball.

Gross Combination Mass (GCM)

GCM is the combined maximum mass of your trailer and its towing vehicle. It is calculated when the trailer is fully loaded.

Tare Mass and Payload

Your trailer’s tare mass is its weight when it is empty. Payload refers to the total weight your trailer can legally carry.You can calculate payload by deducting tare mass from the ATM.

How Much Can A Tandem Axle Trailer Carry Legally In Australia?

Australian laws limit the maximum amount of weight a trailer can carry and a vehicle can tow. This ensures the safety of the trailer, the towing vehicle, the driver, and the cargo carried.

Ideally, a tandem axle trailer can have an ATM between 2,000 kg and 4,500 kg. This is the maximum total weight your trailer can carry (including its weight).

The exact ATM of your trailer depends on its size, build, braking system, axle rating, and other related factors.

Here are specific requirements to keep in mind before buying  a tandem axle trailer with different capacities:

Under 750 Kg ATM

If your trailer’s ATM is under 750 kg, it should carry a lighter load only. While brakes are not compulsory, they are recommended. You can tow a trailer with this ATM if you just have your car license.

751 kg to 2,000 kg ATM

These are still small tandem axle trailers where the brakes are compulsory. You will just need a car license to tow them.

2,001 kg to 4,500 kg ATM

Tandem axle trailers with larger ATM like this need strong brakes with a breakaway system. Your trailer should be broken on all wheels.

Over 4,500 kg ATM

These trailers are used to carry heavy industrial cargo. You may need an LR (light rigid) or similar license to tow these tandem axle trailers.

The Final Word

A tandem axle trailer’s capacity has a wide range. Choose a trailer depending on your requirements. Work with local trailer experts in Australia to buy or hire a suitable tandem axle trailer. From the license to the braking system your trailer needs, your requirements will differ according to your trailer’s capacity. Experienced and local trailer experts will help you follow the regulations and meet all legal requirements to hit the road with your tandem axle trailer.