One Axle or Two?

Aloha All!  When I first started looking for a trailer I turned down a couple based on the information on the title not matching what obviously was the case -- Axles = 2.  When I'd ask the owner about the difference they'd look dumbfounded, scratch their heads and shrug.  Sometimes things are done a little differently in the mountains so I passed on them.  I finally did pick up my titled 65 (owner claim)/64 (title claim) Shasta 1500.  I, too, took up the dumbfounded, head scratch, shoulder shrug approach and accepted the Axle - 2 claim.  When registering/titling it with the DMV I asked them to change the title to reflect its obvious single axle.  Accordingly that can't be done because the current title claims otherwise.  Ok... not thrilled with the answer but not worth battling.  During this time my Handy-Andy-Man, restorer of 40s and 50s Ford trucks, checked two of his titles and was extremely surprised to see that they stated Axle - 4!  He's now dumbfounded, scratching his head and shrugging also. 

So my question(s) -- in the beginning -- were the trailers listed by number of tires vice actual axles?  Was there a different axle system?  Does anyone else's title reflect two when you only have one?  Or even four if you have two?  Any ideas why they are listed as two vice one?  I was originally thinking typo or faked until several came up listed as such to include the trucks. 

Thoughts?  Words of wisdom from the wise?  Appreciate all as always.