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Given two trailers of equal capacity and equal construction, with the only difference being one a tandem and the other a tri-axle, which one is better?
It would seem that, since you have 6 tires instead of two, you would have more redundancy in a blow out situation. Also, three sets of brakes should stop better than two.
On the other hand, a tandem trailer might be easier to handle and maneuver, require less maintenance, and a new set of tires would definitely be cheaper.
I’ve read on a post somewhere on THT that tri-axel trailers are a bigger hassle than tandems. I’ve searched a couple of times but I can’t seem to find the thread.
I’ve owned mostly single axle trailers, a couple of tandems, and never a tri-axle. I’m thinking of upgrading boats and I’ll be right on the tandem/tri-axle fence.
I think you've got a pretty good handle on the pro's & con's. With spindle-lube type hubs the additional maintenance of the 3rd axle is not, IMHO, nearly as big a factor as it used to be, but there's still more "stuff" to break. Drums will require more maintenance than no brakes, or a good set of disks. Three axles seem to be more of a low speed handling problem, the front & rear tires really scrub on tight turns. I could see a tire rolling off a rim if underinflated. I'm on my 3rd 3-axle trailer with no lasting evidence of even significant tire wear from this, so I don't think it's really a problem.
For me it comes down to the use of the trailer. For long distance towing I feel the added axle is well worth the cost and effort. Knowing a blowout or other failure is likely to cause me to lose a smaller portion of the trailer capacity, 1/6 vs 1/4, gives me a lot more peace of mind. If I only used my trailer locally I'd be much more likely to conserve some money and maintenance time and go with two axles.
I have a King Saltwater triple axle. It handles and tracks wonderfully. I picked up a nail once in a tire and didnt even realize I had a flat till I was stopped and checking tire pressures.
Only disadvantage I see in a triple is that it tends to "scrub" easily. But I can live with that.
I think your assessment is pretty accurate, but I don't know if you considered turning radius. I have to assume the turning radius on a triple is more than a tandem, which is a definite setback.
My boat and trailer combination is 9300#, which is within the range of a tandem. I considered a triple but found a great deal on a tandem.
My last trailer was a tandem (31'), my existing a tri with disk brakes on 2 axles (32'). There is no appreciable difference between the two as far as turning radius or towing. The biggest advantage I've found is when putting in at short ramps I can back two axles off the ramp to get to deep water with no problem. The biggest disadvantage I've seen on some aluminum tri axles is the manufacturer not allowing ballast to keep them from floating.
If I were right on the edge, I would go with a well made tri axle. The weight of the boat is distributed better over three axles causing less wear and fatigue on the components. The cost of the extra set of tires every five years is negligable. I'm also a fan of buying the best trailer available for your application. I could have any trailer in the world, but I buy Myco exclusively. I've had a bunch of different trailers over the years, but after my first Myco I was hooked.
i use an triple it pulls better if you hit a bump or a pot hole it dosn't slam as hard it is a bit more aggrevating in close quarters but you get use to it
Another reason to go with a tri is the height. I have a 33" CC with a arch on top. If I placed the boat on a double it would have been too high to go in my garage. But with a tri, I was able to use a smaller tire and get those few extra inches that I need to clear the opening!
I think it mainly has to do with weight capacity. The best 15 inch tires you can get for a trailer are good up to 2600 lbs . 4 wheels good to about 10000 lbs......less if you use 14 inch wheels. If you are up near the max and do lengthy hauls...go with 3
Take a look at what the RV industry builds before deeming it necessary to use triple axels. Generally the GVW will be around 18,000# before a triple will be considered required.
How many are towing boats & trailers with a combined weight anywhere near even 16,000#?
No question, a triple will tow better on the road but what about the stress excerted on tires, bearings & wheels scrubbing on hard surfaces in tight places?
Trailers, Tandem or Tri-Axle? 
