I built a motorcycle trailer from scratch years ago... went with torsion axles to keep deck height low... the arms were splined, and depending on how they were "clocked," it lowered the weight capacity as rated. It pulled so nice behind the '30 Model A truck it was built for. That was back in 2005, and the trailer is still in use.
we have a fleet of 25+ trailers in the 7-10k range. the trailers with spring axles have little to no wear problems on tires and i have found they are less likely to break the wires going to the electric brakes. the torsion axle equipped trailers are pretty consistent to break wires since the wiring doesn't have a real good way to secure the wiring to the stub axle at the hub, and they fairly consistently wear tires badly. i find the axles deflect under the forces of heavy load causing the issue. they also are a poor choice for a tandem axle, as if the trailer isn't level with the truck at all times, the axles do not carry the load equally between all 4 tires since they are all independent. the downside for the spring suspension, wear yes, but it's easily replaceable and they don't really seem to wear as bad as most people think.
We have used both with heavy loads and we went back to Springs torsion axels do not stand up to heavy loads. Maintenance is higher on the Torsion axels
For a boat trailer, I will take torsion axles all day long. Especially here on the coast where it is always going in salt water. That salt water eats the springs and U bolts and all the hardware up like crazy. I always rinse when I get home but after you launch the boat it sits there all day with that salt water slowly eating everything up. I even use the salt away products but it eventually gets ya in a few short years where you are replacing springs and hardware. I just got my first torsion axle setup today on a brand new trailer. I will be coating everything with a water displacing corrosion preventive compound or spray before it ever hits the water. Amlguard is what we used in the Marine Corps on our helicopters, hope it is still available. If not I'm sure there's something in the marine industry that is water displacing. Great video explaining the difference, thank you!
Great overview and pretty much mirrors my own experience and opinions. I ordered my two past enclosed race trailers with torsion axles because they saw solely highway miles being pulled behind our motorcoach. When I built my 20' tilt deck car hauler I used tandem 6k pound spring axles because some of the cars I haul get loaded on uneven ground and I want the axles loaded evenly. Either way, one of my pet peeves is seeing a trailer nose high or worse nose low and their torsion axles loaded unevenly. See this all too often.
I have owned dual axle spring suspension boat trailers with bearing buddies and surge brakes for decades. I have replaced many sets of leaf springs, axles, and wheel bearings etc over those years. My current boat sits on a dual torsion axle trailer with oil bath hubs and EOH brakes. What a difference the new trailer is. Rides and brakes smoother and my maintenance costs have only been replacing tires that age out, replacing brake pads and topping off brake fluid. No wheel bearing failures, no rusted out springs or axles. I would never go back to springs on a boat trailer used in salt water.
This was very informative and confirms my decision not to attempt to fix a bent torsion a customer wanted me to try and "un-bend". Well done and I like your very simplistic demo of the equalizer on the spring axle, very hands on.
We get many requests for straightening bent axles. We never ever provide that service. Straightening it will disrupt the integrity of the axle. That’s just a huge safety & service liability.
I also had a customer ask me to straighten a bent torsion axel. I did try to figure out how it might be done, but I wasn't able to devise a way to straighten it, so I declined the job (thankfully), and advised him to just order himself a new axle. He did, and both he and I (along with the clueless driving public), were much happier for that decision. Thanks for the great explanation of an ongoing argument of "which is better..."!
Our 28ft cattle trailer is a 1996 with torsion axles and all we have ever done is repack/replace bearings. In and out of ranches and up and down the highway. Will take torsion all day over spring. Rancher I know who runs about 3000 steers every year said he’s had more repairs on spring axles than torsion
No possible way would I buy a new ranch trailer with spring axles. You could start an iron mine harvesting all the pieces of spring suspensions laying in the roads out here. Even on the graded county roads you can watch the springs and parts rattle into oblivion
Cold weather dynamic loading damage..... I own a trailer business in Alaska and steer customers away from torsion axles. We get a lot of frost heaves on our road systems. When a torsion axle trailer hits a frost heave at speed, the front axle is taking the entire load for a micros-second. For example, if you have a 7k trailer with two 3.5k torsion axles. When you hit a frost heave, for a very short time, the front axle gets hammered with a 7k load with stiff rubber, and with twice the design limit and the hard impact with that frozen or cold rubber material in the axle, it is more prone to damage. I haven't even discussed the factor of the lever arm and CG being behind the front axle, which could make it appear to be an 8k dynamic load. A spring axle will share the impact load with the rear axle through the equalizer between the two axles. If a customer calls, saying they have a bent axle, and it's torsion. I already know it's the front axle.
my experience with torsion axles was a cargo trailer to haul atvs we take it off road often as well and it ended up bending the front axle exactly like your demo it was cheaper and faster to convert it to a spring setup than replacing the one bent torsion axle after watching this i know I made the right decision
Great review. I have an off-road teardrop with a single torsion axle. It does great, and I do take it up fairly serious trails. Not saying one is better than the other, just this has served me well. Towed about 45,000 over the last years. Trailer weight approx 1000 lbs.
Good video. I have an 8' cargo on torsion, 4 open trailers, and 3 boat trailers on leaf springs. All work well for their purpose. Leaf springs also spread weight on the trailer frame while torsion put all the load in one spot which requires a slightly stronger heavier frame.
I have repaired the bent torsional axle like yo have shown in your video by slicing the inner horizontal support that are going from left to right with about 1/4 inch space made in the cut. Put a square plate vertically between the 2 cuts that have been made ( the square plates should be at least 1/4 inch bigger than the square tube that is to be repaired). Then install 2 rims with no tires on both axles and set trailer rims on 4 inch angle iron ( that has be modified so the open V of the angle iron 90 degree is facing up to cradle the rims by welding square plates on both ends of the angle iron), that is long enough to go from left to right under the rims with no tires. The angle iron will instantly line up both axels parallel to each other from the good axle. Once the you are satisfied that both good and bent axel are now parallel to each other weld the the cut tubbing to the square plats that you have inserted. This repair works great ! I did this when I learned how long the wait is to order new torsion axel. Once you have made the 4 inch angle iron this repair can be done in about 4 hours or less. I should make a video if I had your video making talent. Great informative video. I watched it twice .
I have made several trailers over the years, and my latest creation is a walking beam set up. The walking beam has a piece of 1" by 4" flat bar welded to the each end. I welded another piece of 3/4" by 4" to the axle. I drilled a 1" hole in both flat bars and I used a 1" grade 8 fine threaded bolt with a good locknut. The bolt is sized so the there are no threads in contact with the actual holes. Everything is well gusseted and braced. My background is that I have been a heavy equipment field mechanic for all but 5 years of my 45 year career. My set-up has quite a bit of articulation between both axles. It rides very smooth, and has carried loads of 4,000 pounds before. It is 10' by 7.5'. It also has fold down sides on both sides and the rear. I have been hauling gravel with it lately. Lordy, I am tired of shoveling gravel. The fact that all 3 sides fold down makes it easier, but it is still hard. LOL The pivot has leaf springs, and is made of solid 2" round stock. The grease fittings are in the walking beam, and I used a brass bushing for a bearing. It is built hell for stout, like all of the stuff that I build. I have been a heavy equipment mechanic for way to long, and I do not know how to build things flimsy. I built a trailer out of a 25 foot travel trailer. for hauling my T Bucket. On the first long trip, I blew 2 tires, and broke one spring. I had to unload my hot rod at a farm house 250 miles from home. I left the trailer there. When I came back I had 4 new springs, all new bolts, 4 new tires along with 4 new wheels. I had enough money in the doggone thing then that I could have bought a new trailer. LOL Oh well. Some days you are the windshield, some days you are the bug. I enjoyed your video.
Wow - lot more knowledge than I expected on the difference between the 2 axle designs. Had no idea hitting a curb would bend a torsion axle. Now I can see all that leverage against the 90 degree attachment point vs. simple axle on leaf springs. Why don't they have a simply hydraulic shock absorber to take the bounce out of a leaf spring? All the old cars in the 60's-70's were leaf spring in rear with shocks.
I’ve been wondering about the strategy of adding shocks to the existing trailer springs myself, so when I upgraded the suspension of my Titan Pro-4x I just grabbed a pair of the old ones off the truck (I think they were rancho’s). Tremendous improvement. I happened to weld mine up, but that was a function of availability and my skills as it could. Have been done just as easily with a drill and bolts.
Many of the older (1960's thru 1980's) 5th wheel RV's used shock absorbers on their axles. It was tough to find replacements for my 1983 5th wheel RV, and since they aren't leaking, I deferred that job to another day.
An interesting, competent and comprehensive review. I've had experience with both types of axles. This helps me to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Excellent video. You are the first person I have ever seen that understands that the equalizer distributes the weight between the axles so that it is equal on both axles. Everyone else I encounter swears up and down that it does not do any load equalization -- the naming of the part being some cruel joke.
I've got a set of tandem, 3500lbs, dexter torflex axles. Now they're under a 1993 Featherlite, 14ft enclosed snowmobile trailer, so it's way more axles, than that trailer needs. It's been up many logging roads, all over the mountain states. Other than brakes, and pack wheel bearings, only thing I've had to do, is grind rust off both tubes, arms, and hubs, and coated with black cosmoline, the salt was really doing a number on the housing, and mounting plate, to the all aluminum Featherlite.
I replaced a bass boat trailer that had tandem torsion axles with a trailer with leaf springs. I disliked the extra noise and increased bouncing with the springs, I rehabbed my original trailer and sold the new trailer. Just trailers much better and much quieter. Love the content. Keep it up.
my trailers all have spring axles because I worked at a cargo trailer factory, and I couldn't tell you how many torsion axles had to be replaced because the rubber gave out, or the end of the axle broke off, or like you said bent, we even had the axle mounts crack, and after seeing the problems with the torsion I decided that springs are way better
I have a 2021-2106 DS micro mini when a bagel with dual torsion axles I love those axles my camper rides absolutely smooth with the right tires and I repeat what the right tires you will get a better ride a smoother ride and a more straighter ride with that setup with that being said again I love my torsion axles I'm 3 years in and I have had no problems all the way from Topeka Kansas to steamboat Colorado up to Wyoming and back home even in a quite heavy snow storm she tracked absolutely amazing no wiggles at all.
I have had a few torsion axle trailers. Still have a 5x8 utility trailer with torsion spring axles. And I worked for a trailer service outfit for a year. I’m probably -never- going to build a torsion trailer. Time and parts are affordable on a leaf spring trailer, and the occasional overloading doesn’t shorten the life like it appears happens a lot more often with vulcanized torsion springs.
Great comparison video. An idea for a follow up: cover other softening alternatives such as Equa Flex equilizers, Timbren silent ride suspensions, and shock obsorbers. THX!
I had a 2007 Pace American 8.5x24 cargo trailer that I bought new. Two 3500# torsion axles. Empty weight was 3600# and the cargo varied depending on how many of us teamed up to go racing. But I'm sure we ran it to capacity. It always towed great behind several different vehicles. It was always dancing behind us gently responding to bumps and wind and stuff. I could leave stuff on the bench and it'd be there when we arrived. Only sold it to downsize as my buddies quit racing while I didn't. The axles were still going strong I sold it four years ago.
Torsion axles are a higher initial cost to purchase but the cost of maintenance and ownership is MUCH lower. Also, to swap out and upgrade only requires a plasma cutter instead of other modifications for positioning of hangers and spring mounts. Also, maybe as a better benefit, Torsion axles can achieve a lower loading tailgate angle and trailer deck height. Just order one with your desired drop amount and carrying capacity. Plus there is a whole lot less to mount underneath the trailer frame and less to break and go wrong. A spring setup for use in pasture or rough country will typically provide a greater travel distance (for sudden holes or drops) than a torsion spring (providing it's set up that way).
Our RV (Flagstaff/Rockwood) came with torsion axles and I wouldn't have it any other way. The ride is hands down superior. The smoother ride prolongs RV life. 2 years ago I ordered a new cargo trailer, 10k lbs, tandem, $15k and the upgrade price was $700 to go to torsion so that was a no brainer for me. You are right, curb strikes can be an issue but a person just has to be careful. I see lots of RV channels on TH-cam trying to improve their spring ride or replacing broken springs and I'm happy to not have to deal with any of that.
I have a 12k tow master trailer that has torsion axles. I like the low profile the axle is. It is mounted to the frame and the deck is in the 4" I-beam frame. So my top of deck is around 18 off road no dovetail needed
I have one of those as well that came with a surprise, bent axles. I bought new Rockwell torsion axles with timpken easy lube. I am trying to look after it so it doesn't start eating more new 14PR tires ! LOL
Indeed, a well done presentation! Many Australian off-road trailers have coil springs and shocks on a trailing arm suspension - they are expensive but perhaps in a future video?
I have a tandem axle utility trailer with independent trailing arm coil spring suspension with shocks that was built by an older guy who moved steel grain bins for years in Canadian prairies. It pulls so smooth and level. Tare weight is high enough, though, due to the heavier material he used in the all steel construction.
Rockwood installs torsion bar suspension in their GeoPro line of travel trailers which are by design going to be taken off paved roads and in fact I'm looking to buy one real soon. My truck has air bags in the rear for load levelling so I'm hoping that as long as I pay attention to keeping the trailer as level as possible it will mitigate the problem of overloading one axle while driving along rough backcountry roads.
Great job on comprehensive comparison. I participate in a brand specific trailer forum where the issues with both are discussed very frequently. As soon as I saw your video I shared it on the forum via a hypertext link. I couldn't imbed the video because your settings prevent it. It'd be great if you would allow this feature as many people have reservations about clicking hypertext links. Again - great video!
I own two trailers each with 14K gross design rating using tandem axles. I refused to even consider torsion axles, because the rubber is under amazingly high forces and motion and seemed guaranteed to be life limited. Springs can be life limited (I assume), but are quite easy to replace. The huge surprise to me was that new spring axle kits don't seem to be more expensive than rubber torsion axles; I always assumed the rubber torsion was the cheap crappy solution albeit with a smoother ride. I will be staying with spring axles for the rest of my life, and am happy knowing welding/fabrication are not needed for any level of component replacement.
I understand the cost issues of torsion axels. I wanted to go from 3500 to 5200 2 years ago. They wanted $3200 for axel with electric breaks but no tires. Tire & rim was another $400. My brother bought a pair of 6000 pound axel with electric breaks & tires for $3200.
Thanks for the education and the cutaway view, really helps to understand the way torsion axles work. Maybe you could do a video on surge vs EOH brakes? Thinking of changing my boat trailer to EOH but keep hearing horror stories about it not being reliable over time.
Here's from a guy who has towed every kind of trailer for 50 years. I would not own torsion axles. As a landscaper I own ten or so small up to 16' trailers. We have no problems with springs. We load our trailers to the max often. The advantages of springs were spelled out well in the video. We buy heavy duty axkes and de-rate our trailers yo 10,000 GVW to avoid DOT CDL. If you buy quality axles and springs you will not have a problem. I hauled my own horses for 40 years. I would never put them in a torsion axle trailer. If you will pay attention to those trailers on the highway you will notice that they bounce on every little bump. Spring trailers ride smoother. The friction of the springs flexing together absorbs shocks. Torsion axle trailers have to be perfectly level front to rear. That is hard to do. The only advantage I could ever see for torsion springs is not having an axle underneath to hang.
I have a custom trailer sitting in the yard that had a large commercial genset sitting on it for way too long. It got removed and installed on the ground for a customer. Tri-axle torsion setup. The rear axle was absolutely squashed with the generator on it, and when I hauled it back to the yard I don't think it ever moved back down. Came back as a tandem setup with the rear axle just hanging the wheels 2 inches off the ground. All three axles are bent in the middle. I'm sure it was made for moving that generator and was supposed to be supported when not going down the road, but clearly that didn't happen. It's a shame. Nice galvanized super heavy frame we could have made good use out of bound for the scrap yard. (No VIN, 3 bent axles)
I have cargo trailers with both and the torsion axles are more expensive but they make up for it in maintenance if you haul them every day. I do in home installation and put 30k miles on a year. Leaf springs need to be rebuilt at least once a year. I've had torsion axles last 15 years, but I did break the wires for the breaks a couple times.
Springs seem to have to bulk of towing covered best. What I have noticed much are the 3,500 lb spring axles with 15" tires and 5 lug wheels and tire failure, much too often. My observation is those set ups just don't work well however stepping up to a 6 or 8 lug 16" wheel and heavier axles such as 6,500+ have much better success with tire longevity. Also, I don't understand why trailers do not have shocks.
cost. trailers dont have shocks because its cheaper to skip it. you can install them aftermarket. A few higher dollar RVs come with them. It definately helps the ride. In our RV it made enough of a difference to be able to carry real glassware again instead of plastic plates and cups.
Can’t beat torsion axles for marine use especially in saltwater environments. Got 15 years on my trailer(24’ ranger bay boat) with dual torsion axles and I live in Louisiana with the wonderful roads we are known far. Yes initial cost is higher but when you’re having to replace springs and all the associated hardware and even the axles every 5 years due to corrosion that gets pretty expensive especially if you’re having to pay someone else to do it.
The true answer is mount short torsion axles on walking beam arms. You get the best of both worlds. It means some work to build the mounts but they work under all conditions.
yes. years ago when I did trailer repair, the axle manufactures said builders were supposed to use walking beam or de rate the tandems/tridems. Basically no builders bothered with either.
I have a small fiberglass camper with a torsion axle I believe the weight rating is 2100 pounds. When the trailer is loaded the axle weight is 2050 pounds with a toung weight of an additional 310 pounds for a towed weight of 2360 pounds. My trailer frame is extra heavy and is designed with off road use in mind. I have towed the trailer out to North Georgia, South Texas and all of the National Parks of Utah as well as many other shorter trips. I believe the single most important preventative maintenance action anyone can do for a trosion trailer that is near capacity is to get the weight off the suspension for storeage. The torsion axle will sag over several years of extended static use. I am curious as to the long term effect of use. I built my 7 gauge frame in 2018 and have 25,000 miles on the axle and tire combination. I have experienced no abnormal tire wear over this six year period. I have a trailing arm with a dropped arm of about 30 degrees because of the potential of abnormal impact in an off road incident where most impacts occour on old unimproved roads at less than 25MPH though occasionally higher. I currently use a 13" trailer tire and am considering upgrading to 14" tires with electric brakes as I hope the complexity of brakes will be offset by the added safety of that system. My current Dexter axle is 7 years old. do you have any insight as to athe pro's and cons of an increased weight rating of a new axle with brakes versis keeping ny current axle? I am concerned that the additional stiffness of a heavier axle will contribute to rough road vibration as I regularily tow on older highways and secondary roads at (potentially imprudent) speeds.
I think in certain situations that #1 axle is good box trailer #2 spring axle is very universal so if u had gooseneck r regular size trailer I think they both r th best
Thanks for posting. QUESTION: While I own a utility trailer, I may also buy a 'Toy Hauler'. The vast bulk of them use dual 5200 lb spring axles. When combined with, say, a 1100+ lb tongue weight, the GVWR (?) may be ~11,500+ lb. Given the weight of the toy hauler and accessories (refrigerator, generator, A/C, gasoline reservoir, etc.), the affixed plaque may list its payload to be ~2500 lb. Yet, when adding up what will be carried (~100 gallons of water, 30 gallons of gas, propane, multiple batteries, food, ATV / UTV, tables, chairs, awnings, etc.), Many toy hauler payloads have been exceeded. Rather than run 5200 lb axles to their limit (or beyond), what are the prospects for swapping dual 7,000 lb axles in place of the 5200 lb axles?
One thing with rv toy haulers is they pretty high unloaded tongue weights; mostly so they it is high enough when loaded. Under axles RV trailers are the norm in the industry. You can put in heavier axles, but you still have the weak frame.
@@dwaynepenner2788 Thanks for the reply. Yes, I realize adding weight over what the frame was rated for increases the risk of 'finding' the weakest link. My thought was to stay within the toy hauler's rated (and legal) limit, but to gain more margin. I don't like loading the axles, brakes, and especially tires right up to their rated limit. I have an F-350, (single rear wheel). Its GVW is not much over two 5200 lb axles on a trailer. Yet when I compare F-350 wheels and tires to that of 4 tires on 5200 lb trailer axles, I am uncomfortable with how much smaller trailer tires are. I've heard there are now 'H' rated trailer tires. They may help. Still, 7,000 lb axles and tires would provide a lot more margin.
Does the torsion rubber have memory or lose it's carrying capacity over time? Wondering when I store my snowmo trailer for 10 months if I should unload it during the off sesaon.
Hi thanks for all the great video! Lots of really good information… Question regarding an axle type that you did not cover in this video, I am considering a rv camper with tandem axles with leaf springs. It also has shock absorbers on each wheel . Could you explain how much value and why ( if any ) the shocks add to this suspension set up . Thanks
Please do a video on Dexter Marine torsion boat axles with the removable unit ends. I have a 2021 bass boat with this set up and service them annually to clean and never seize the spline ends. Also do any needed repairs at that time. Very little in depth information on the care of these removable torsion axle end units. Dexter had a bunch of failures due to grade 5 pinch bolts stretching and chewing teeth up. My trailer from Bass Cat has changed those to grade 8 pinch bolts with better results. Torque on those pinch bolts 150 ft lbs.
I have torsion axles on my travel trailer. The trailer is 5500 lb gvwr and my axles are 3500 lb axles. I’m running D rated tires with enough load rating that a single axle pair can handle the whole weight of the trailer. The torsion axles are definitely smooth but one thing that bothers me about them is that they seem to bounce after a bump. I kinda wanna add some shocks on one axle to control that
I had torsion axles on my trailer and if I touched a sidewalk while turning it killed the wheel and tire. Changed to spring axles and never had problems since. Will never have torsion axles again.
Fascinating and very informative video--thanks for posting! We're looking to purchase our very first travel trailer, and while I'd prefer to buy one with torsion bars (and tandem axles), there are TONS more out there in our price/weight range (approx. 5500# UVW) with leaf springs, which is currently limiting our options. Setting aside initial purchase price, maintenance/repair costs, etc, and focusing solely on overall RIDE QUALITY ALONE (we're not intending to take offroad), I'm wondering what your thoughts are comparing a Dexter torsion axle suspension to a traditional leaf spring suspension if I were to immediately have a quality equalizer (ie, Alltrek4000, MORryde CRE3000, etc) installed after purchase? Thanks!
What do you think of the new Lippert slipper roller setup? I am ordering a new Diamond C dump trailer with 8000 lb axles. It looks to me that it is the best of both worlds. I will be using it on uneven ground a lot, hauling dirt, equipment and logs.
I'm planning out a camper build. I was thinking of adding a torsion axle behind my rear drive axle to help distribute weight. Thank you for sharing this info
My boat goes exclusively in salt water. Leaf springs won’t last. Even when I flush them with fresh water every time the trailer comes out. Galvanized axles and stainless rotors and calipers. Electric over hydraulic brakes. The hydraulic pump is way above the waterline when launching.
Thanks for another informative video. I have a 2006 enclosed car trailer with 2 torsion axles and I have always wondered if the rubber deteriorates and how I would know if it did. Is there any way to inspect or measure it?
I don’t know if I was told the truth but I replaced 20 year old torsion axles for springs because one was bent and they told me that the rubber breaks down after about 25 years and replacing the axle is the only way to fix it
I've had not one, but two torsion axle spindles sheer off from the arm. Same trailer, same position. First time I was pulling the trailer and I just happened to notice a wheel rolling down the interstate. It was early in the morning, and I was in a nowhere state. I'm like it has to be mine... I'm the only one out here here. I purchased the trailer new. Zero chance it had more than 7k miles on it. I don't curb check anything. Chalk it up to a manufacture defect. Buy another assembly and weld it back in. Second time somebody else was using the trailer. I'd be shocked if the axle had 1k miles on it when it failed in exactly the same manner. This time the wheel/spindle assembly was never located. The only thing that still stands out to me is I remember a vibration going away when I lost the assembly. I put the same wheel on the same location on the new axle. I almost wonder if there was a significant imbalance. The tire never showed any signs of distress or misalignment. I want to trust tortsion... But going back to the well a third time is on all on me. That and in typical ameritard fashion there is only one manufacture now. And the replacement axle is 4x what it was originally (priced five years prior to COVID).
I have a torsion on my skid steer trailer and with a dodge 3/4 ton it doesn’t work because you can’t not get the neck of the trailer low enough without hitting the box in some instances and the front tires of the trailer will not touch the ground empty and when you load it up with the weight of the skid steer there is to much weight on the rear axle and very little on the front. Springs would be much better in my case the only other thing would be to space the trailer further away from the trailer frame.
It’s not an either or scenario.. They each have different strengths and are better suited for different applications, the key is knowing what you’re application requires..
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I was the guy traveling to Alaska from Florida that you guys did an inspection for. I made it without any issue. Thanks again!
That’s awesome! Glad it all went well! Thanks for letting us know!
Thats a heck of a haul!
Are you under DOT. Regulations or a happy traveler?
I went torsion for better ground clearance, less hardware hanging down. -- Thanks for the great upload. --
That’s a good reason for torsions, too! Thanks for watching!
I built a motorcycle trailer from scratch years ago... went with torsion axles to keep deck height low... the arms were splined, and depending on how they were "clocked," it lowered the weight capacity as rated. It pulled so nice behind the '30 Model A truck it was built for. That was back in 2005, and the trailer is still in use.
we have a fleet of 25+ trailers in the 7-10k range. the trailers with spring axles have little to no wear problems on tires and i have found they are less likely to break the wires going to the electric brakes. the torsion axle equipped trailers are pretty consistent to break wires since the wiring doesn't have a real good way to secure the wiring to the stub axle at the hub, and they fairly consistently wear tires badly. i find the axles deflect under the forces of heavy load causing the issue. they also are a poor choice for a tandem axle, as if the trailer isn't level with the truck at all times, the axles do not carry the load equally between all 4 tires since they are all independent.
the downside for the spring suspension, wear yes, but it's easily replaceable and they don't really seem to wear as bad as most people think.
We have used both with heavy loads and we went back to Springs torsion axels do not stand up to heavy loads. Maintenance is higher on the Torsion axels
Great explanation of these suspension systems. You made it very easy for me and what to chose.
Much respect!
I appreciate that feedback! Glad it was helpful and thank you for watching!
For a boat trailer, I will take torsion axles all day long. Especially here on the coast where it is always going in salt water. That salt water eats the springs and U bolts and all the hardware up like crazy. I always rinse when I get home but after you launch the boat it sits there all day with that salt water slowly eating everything up. I even use the salt away products but it eventually gets ya in a few short years where you are replacing springs and hardware. I just got my first torsion axle setup today on a brand new trailer. I will be coating everything with a water displacing corrosion preventive compound or spray before it ever hits the water. Amlguard is what we used in the Marine Corps on our helicopters, hope it is still available. If not I'm sure there's something in the marine industry that is water displacing. Great video explaining the difference, thank you!
And you can't spray out the saltwater that is inside the trailer and axle when it is submerged launching. I found this out the hard way.
Great overview and pretty much mirrors my own experience and opinions.
I ordered my two past enclosed race trailers with torsion axles because they saw solely highway miles being pulled behind our motorcoach. When I built my 20' tilt deck car hauler I used tandem 6k pound spring axles because some of the cars I haul get loaded on uneven ground and I want the axles loaded evenly.
Either way, one of my pet peeves is seeing a trailer nose high or worse nose low and their torsion axles loaded unevenly. See this all too often.
Nice summary of the differences, advantages. Thanks!
We had a tandem axle snowmobile trailer with torsion springs. It served us well.
I have owned dual axle spring suspension boat trailers with bearing buddies and surge brakes for decades. I have replaced many sets of leaf springs, axles, and wheel bearings etc over those years. My current boat sits on a dual torsion axle trailer with oil bath hubs and EOH brakes. What a difference the new trailer is. Rides and brakes smoother and my maintenance costs have only been replacing tires that age out, replacing brake pads and topping off brake fluid. No wheel bearing failures, no rusted out springs or axles. I would never go back to springs on a boat trailer used in salt water.
Sounds like you’ve done your homework! That’s awesome. Glad to hear the torsion set up is working out for you!
This was very informative and confirms my decision not to attempt to fix a bent torsion a customer wanted me to try and "un-bend". Well done and I like your very simplistic demo of the equalizer on the spring axle, very hands on.
We get many requests for straightening bent axles. We never ever provide that service. Straightening it will disrupt the integrity of the axle. That’s just a huge safety & service liability.
I also had a customer ask me to straighten a bent torsion axel. I did try to figure out how it might be done, but I wasn't able to devise a way to straighten it, so I declined the job (thankfully), and advised him to just order himself a new axle. He did, and both he and I (along with the clueless driving public), were much happier for that decision. Thanks for the great explanation of an ongoing argument of "which is better..."!
Our 28ft cattle trailer is a 1996 with torsion axles and all we have ever done is repack/replace bearings. In and out of ranches and up and down the highway. Will take torsion all day over spring. Rancher I know who runs about 3000 steers every year said he’s had more repairs on spring axles than torsion
No possible way would I buy a new ranch trailer with spring axles. You could start an iron mine harvesting all the pieces of spring suspensions laying in the roads out here. Even on the graded county roads you can watch the springs and parts rattle into oblivion
Excellent video! This answered many questions I’ve had for a long time. Thanks!!!
Cold weather dynamic loading damage..... I own a trailer business in Alaska and steer customers away from torsion axles. We get a lot of frost heaves on our road systems. When a torsion axle trailer hits a frost heave at speed, the front axle is taking the entire load for a micros-second. For example, if you have a 7k trailer with two 3.5k torsion axles. When you hit a frost heave, for a very short time, the front axle gets hammered with a 7k load with stiff rubber, and with twice the design limit and the hard impact with that frozen or cold rubber material in the axle, it is more prone to damage. I haven't even discussed the factor of the lever arm and CG being behind the front axle, which could make it appear to be an 8k dynamic load. A spring axle will share the impact load with the rear axle through the equalizer between the two axles. If a customer calls, saying they have a bent axle, and it's torsion. I already know it's the front axle.
my experience with torsion axles was a cargo trailer to haul atvs we take it off road often as well and it ended up bending the front axle exactly like your demo it was cheaper and faster to convert it to a spring setup than replacing the one bent torsion axle after watching this i know I made the right decision
Great review. I have an off-road teardrop with a single torsion axle. It does great, and I do take it up fairly serious trails. Not saying one is better than the other, just this has served me well. Towed about 45,000 over the last years. Trailer weight approx 1000 lbs.
Good video. I have an 8' cargo on torsion, 4 open trailers, and 3 boat trailers on leaf springs. All work well for their purpose. Leaf springs also spread weight on the trailer frame while torsion put all the load in one spot which requires a slightly stronger heavier frame.
Good video.
You should do a comparison between spring suspension and slipper spring.
interesting discussion of a subject I had no insight into. Thank you
Thank you for great straight up info, sir!
Thanks for watching!
I have repaired the bent torsional axle like yo have shown in your video by slicing the inner horizontal support that are going from left to right with about 1/4 inch space made in the cut. Put a square plate vertically between the 2 cuts that have been made ( the square plates should be at least 1/4 inch bigger than the square tube that is to be repaired). Then install 2 rims with no tires on both axles and set trailer rims on 4 inch angle iron ( that has be modified so the open V of the angle iron 90 degree is facing up to cradle the rims by welding square plates on both ends of the angle iron), that is long enough to go from left to right under the rims with no tires. The angle iron will instantly line up both axels parallel to each other from the good axle. Once the you are satisfied that both good and bent axel are now parallel to each other weld the the cut tubbing to the square plats that you have inserted. This repair works great ! I did this when I learned how long the wait is to order new torsion axel. Once you have made the 4 inch angle iron this repair can be done in about 4 hours or less. I should make a video if I had your video making talent. Great informative video. I watched it twice .
I don't think the boys at the scale would approve of that method. But if you don't have to worry about that, good fix.
I have made several trailers over the years, and my latest creation is a walking beam set up. The walking beam has a piece of 1" by 4" flat bar welded to the each end. I welded another piece of 3/4" by 4" to the axle. I drilled a 1" hole in both flat bars and I used a 1" grade 8 fine threaded bolt with a good locknut. The bolt is sized so the there are no threads in contact with the actual holes. Everything is well gusseted and braced. My background is that I have been a heavy equipment field mechanic for all but 5 years of my 45 year career. My set-up has quite a bit of articulation between both axles. It rides very smooth, and has carried loads of 4,000 pounds before. It is 10' by 7.5'. It also has fold down sides on both sides and the rear. I have been hauling gravel with it lately. Lordy, I am tired of shoveling gravel. The fact that all 3 sides fold down makes it easier, but it is still hard. LOL
The pivot has leaf springs, and is made of solid 2" round stock. The grease fittings are in the walking beam, and I used a brass bushing for a bearing. It is built hell for stout, like all of the stuff that I build. I have been a heavy equipment mechanic for way to long, and I do not know how to build things flimsy.
I built a trailer out of a 25 foot travel trailer. for hauling my T Bucket. On the first long trip, I blew 2 tires, and broke one spring. I had to unload my hot rod at a farm house 250 miles from home. I left the trailer there. When I came back I had 4 new springs, all new bolts, 4 new tires along with 4 new wheels. I had enough money in the doggone thing then that I could have bought a new trailer. LOL Oh well. Some days you are the windshield, some days you are the bug.
I enjoyed your video.
Wow - lot more knowledge than I expected on the difference between the 2 axle designs. Had no idea hitting a curb would bend a torsion axle. Now I can see all that leverage against the 90 degree attachment point vs. simple axle on leaf springs. Why don't they have a simply hydraulic shock absorber to take the bounce out of a leaf spring? All the old cars in the 60's-70's were leaf spring in rear with shocks.
I’ve been wondering about the strategy of adding shocks to the existing trailer springs myself, so when I upgraded the suspension of my Titan Pro-4x I just grabbed a pair of the old ones off the truck (I think they were rancho’s). Tremendous improvement. I happened to weld mine up, but that was a function of availability and my skills as it could. Have been done just as easily with a drill and bolts.
Many of the older (1960's thru 1980's) 5th wheel RV's used shock absorbers on their axles. It was tough to find replacements for my 1983 5th wheel RV, and since they aren't leaking, I deferred that job to another day.
An interesting, competent and comprehensive review. I've had experience with both types of axles. This helps me to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Excellent video. You are the first person I have ever seen that understands that the equalizer distributes the weight between the axles so that it is equal on both axles. Everyone else I encounter swears up and down that it does not do any load equalization -- the naming of the part being some cruel joke.
Good video - learned a bit. The worst thing is the cheap plastic bushings - first thing i did was put a wet bushing set in.
I've got a set of tandem, 3500lbs, dexter torflex axles. Now they're under a 1993 Featherlite, 14ft enclosed snowmobile trailer, so it's way more axles, than that trailer needs. It's been up many logging roads, all over the mountain states. Other than brakes, and pack wheel bearings, only thing I've had to do, is grind rust off both tubes, arms, and hubs, and coated with black cosmoline, the salt was really doing a number on the housing, and mounting plate, to the all aluminum Featherlite.
I replaced a bass boat trailer that had tandem torsion axles with a trailer with leaf springs. I disliked the extra noise and increased bouncing with the springs, I rehabbed my original trailer and sold the new trailer. Just trailers much better and much quieter.
Love the content. Keep it up.
my trailers all have spring axles because I worked at a cargo trailer factory, and I couldn't tell you how many torsion axles had to be replaced because the rubber gave out, or the end of the axle broke off, or like you said bent, we even had the axle mounts crack, and after seeing the problems with the torsion I decided that springs are way better
Thank you! That was very interesting, informative and useful.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
I have a 2021-2106 DS micro mini when a bagel with dual torsion axles I love those axles my camper rides absolutely smooth with the right tires and I repeat what the right tires you will get a better ride a smoother ride and a more straighter ride with that setup with that being said again I love my torsion axles I'm 3 years in and I have had no problems all the way from Topeka Kansas to steamboat Colorado up to Wyoming and back home even in a quite heavy snow storm she tracked absolutely amazing no wiggles at all.
I used Timbren torsion axles in a tandem configuration and they work great!
Fantastic video! Learned a lot. Can't wait to watch your bearing packing video. Thanks!
I have had a few torsion axle trailers. Still have a 5x8 utility trailer with torsion spring axles.
And I worked for a trailer service outfit for a year.
I’m probably -never- going to build a torsion trailer. Time and parts are affordable on a leaf spring trailer, and the occasional overloading doesn’t shorten the life like it appears happens a lot more often with vulcanized torsion springs.
Air-ride disc brakes on my 53-foot Reitnouer trailer work great. We put 600k on them before replacing the first "S" cam.
Great comparison video. An idea for a follow up: cover other softening alternatives such as Equa Flex equilizers, Timbren silent ride suspensions, and shock obsorbers. THX!
Great suggestion! Thank you!
I had a 2007 Pace American 8.5x24 cargo trailer that I bought new. Two 3500# torsion axles. Empty weight was 3600# and the cargo varied depending on how many of us teamed up to go racing. But I'm sure we ran it to capacity. It always towed great behind several different vehicles. It was always dancing behind us gently responding to bumps and wind and stuff. I could leave stuff on the bench and it'd be there when we arrived. Only sold it to downsize as my buddies quit racing while I didn't. The axles were still going strong I sold it four years ago.
Torsion axles are a higher initial cost to purchase but the cost of maintenance and ownership is MUCH lower. Also, to swap out and upgrade only requires a plasma cutter instead of other modifications for positioning of hangers and spring mounts. Also, maybe as a better benefit, Torsion axles can achieve a lower loading tailgate angle and trailer deck height. Just order one with your desired drop amount and carrying capacity. Plus there is a whole lot less to mount underneath the trailer frame and less to break and go wrong.
A spring setup for use in pasture or rough country will typically provide a greater travel distance (for sudden holes or drops) than a torsion spring (providing it's set up that way).
Our RV (Flagstaff/Rockwood) came with torsion axles and I wouldn't have it any other way. The ride is hands down superior. The smoother ride prolongs RV life. 2 years ago I ordered a new cargo trailer, 10k lbs, tandem, $15k and the upgrade price was $700 to go to torsion so that was a no brainer for me. You are right, curb strikes can be an issue but a person just has to be careful. I see lots of RV channels on TH-cam trying to improve their spring ride or replacing broken springs and I'm happy to not have to deal with any of that.
I have a 12k tow master trailer that has torsion axles. I like the low profile the axle is. It is mounted to the frame and the deck is in the 4" I-beam frame. So my top of deck is around 18 off road no dovetail needed
Airstream has been using Torsion axles forever well since the 50s
I tow a PJ 24-foot tandem torsion 7,000 lb axles car hauler for my rocker crawler, and it tows like a dream. The deck is rated for 14,000 lbs.
I have one of those as well that came with a surprise, bent axles. I bought new Rockwell torsion axles with timpken easy lube. I am trying to look after it so it doesn't start eating more new 14PR tires ! LOL
Indeed, a well done presentation! Many Australian off-road trailers have coil springs and shocks on a trailing arm suspension - they are expensive but perhaps in a future video?
Air ride springs also
I have a tandem axle utility trailer with independent trailing arm coil spring suspension with shocks that was built by an older guy who moved steel grain bins for years in Canadian prairies. It pulls so smooth and level. Tare weight is high enough, though, due to the heavier material he used in the all steel construction.
Good information to help us make the choice that is best for us. Thank you.
Great information. Love how you present your education tools. You have a new subscriber. Thank you.
Great video for all trailer people
I always wanted a difference. This is a great video of an explanation.
What are your thoughts on a spring suspension with the addition of a sock absorber kit added?...thanks
Best setup. Just don’t use more spring than you need
Great Video
Great Explanation
Thank You/Take Care!
Rockwood installs torsion bar suspension in their GeoPro line of travel trailers which are by design going to be taken off paved roads and in fact I'm looking to buy one real soon. My truck has air bags in the rear for load levelling so I'm hoping that as long as I pay attention to keeping the trailer as level as possible it will mitigate the problem of overloading one axle while driving along rough backcountry roads.
Great job on comprehensive comparison. I participate in a brand specific trailer forum where the issues with both are discussed very frequently. As soon as I saw your video I shared it on the forum via a hypertext link. I couldn't imbed the video because your settings prevent it. It'd be great if you would allow this feature as many people have reservations about clicking hypertext links. Again - great video!
I own two trailers each with 14K gross design rating using tandem axles. I refused to even consider torsion axles, because the rubber is under amazingly high forces and motion and seemed guaranteed to be life limited. Springs can be life limited (I assume), but are quite easy to replace.
The huge surprise to me was that new spring axle kits don't seem to be more expensive than rubber torsion axles; I always assumed the rubber torsion was the cheap crappy solution albeit with a smoother ride.
I will be staying with spring axles for the rest of my life, and am happy knowing welding/fabrication are not needed for any level of component replacement.
Would you please consider covering the isolated (rubber) dual spring eqalizerss. Thank you, Ron in Virginia.
I understand the cost issues of torsion axels. I wanted to go from 3500 to 5200 2 years ago. They wanted $3200 for axel with electric breaks but no tires. Tire & rim was another $400. My brother bought a pair of 6000 pound axel with electric breaks & tires for $3200.
Torsion axles are a commitment, for sure. Thanks for watching!
Great vidio always very valuable info can't wait for the next one
Thanks for the education and the cutaway view, really helps to understand the way torsion axles work. Maybe you could do a video on surge vs EOH brakes? Thinking of changing my boat trailer to EOH but keep hearing horror stories about it not being reliable over time.
Here's from a guy who has towed every kind of trailer for 50 years. I would not own torsion axles. As a landscaper I own ten or so small up to 16' trailers. We have no problems with springs. We load our trailers to the max often. The advantages of springs were spelled out well in the video. We buy heavy duty axkes and de-rate our trailers yo 10,000 GVW to avoid DOT CDL. If you buy quality axles and springs you will not have a problem. I hauled my own horses for 40 years. I would never put them in a torsion axle trailer. If you will pay attention to those trailers on the highway you will notice that they bounce on every little bump. Spring trailers ride smoother. The friction of the springs flexing together absorbs shocks.
Torsion axle trailers have to be perfectly level front to rear. That is hard to do.
The only advantage I could ever see for torsion springs is not having an axle underneath to hang.
I have a custom trailer sitting in the yard that had a large commercial genset sitting on it for way too long. It got removed and installed on the ground for a customer. Tri-axle torsion setup. The rear axle was absolutely squashed with the generator on it, and when I hauled it back to the yard I don't think it ever moved back down. Came back as a tandem setup with the rear axle just hanging the wheels 2 inches off the ground. All three axles are bent in the middle. I'm sure it was made for moving that generator and was supposed to be supported when not going down the road, but clearly that didn't happen.
It's a shame. Nice galvanized super heavy frame we could have made good use out of bound for the scrap yard. (No VIN, 3 bent axles)
I have cargo trailers with both and the torsion axles are more expensive but they make up for it in maintenance if you haul them every day. I do in home installation and put 30k miles on a year. Leaf springs need to be rebuilt at least once a year. I've had torsion axles last 15 years, but I did break the wires for the breaks a couple times.
yeah I travel with and extra leaf spring and hardware, after I broke a spring in Utah I wised up.
Great explanation, Thanks for sharing!
I had a Plymouth Duster with torsion bars on the front. The ride was better than springs for sure.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks for video I learned something.
Spring all the way
Springs seem to have to bulk of towing covered best. What I have noticed much are the 3,500 lb spring axles with 15" tires and 5 lug wheels and tire failure, much too often.
My observation is those set ups just don't work well however stepping up to a 6 or 8 lug 16" wheel and heavier axles such as 6,500+ have much better success with tire longevity.
Also, I don't understand why trailers do not have shocks.
cost. trailers dont have shocks because its cheaper to skip it. you can install them aftermarket. A few higher dollar RVs come with them. It definately helps the ride.
In our RV it made enough of a difference to be able to carry real glassware again instead of plastic plates and cups.
@@Black70Fastback My main concern to include shocks would be for better tire wear and overall more controlled suspension wear.
Can’t beat torsion axles for marine use especially in saltwater environments. Got 15 years on my trailer(24’ ranger bay boat) with dual torsion axles and I live in Louisiana with the wonderful roads we are known far. Yes initial cost is higher but when you’re having to replace springs and all the associated hardware and even the axles every 5 years due to corrosion that gets pretty expensive especially if you’re having to pay someone else to do it.
The true answer is mount short torsion axles on walking beam arms. You get the best of both worlds. It means some work to build the mounts but they work under all conditions.
yes. years ago when I did trailer repair, the axle manufactures said builders were supposed to use walking beam or de rate the tandems/tridems. Basically no builders bothered with either.
What hwy. or road is smooth and good anymore?
I have a small fiberglass camper with a torsion axle I believe the weight rating is 2100 pounds. When the trailer is loaded the axle weight is 2050 pounds with a toung weight of an additional 310 pounds for a towed weight of 2360 pounds. My trailer frame is extra heavy and is designed with off road use in mind. I have towed the trailer out to North Georgia, South Texas and all of the National Parks of Utah as well as many other shorter trips. I believe the single most important preventative maintenance action anyone can do for a trosion trailer that is near capacity is to get the weight off the suspension for storeage. The torsion axle will sag over several years of extended static use. I am curious as to the long term effect of use. I built my 7 gauge frame in 2018 and have 25,000 miles on the axle and tire combination. I have experienced no abnormal tire wear over this six year period. I have a trailing arm with a dropped arm of about 30 degrees because of the potential of abnormal impact in an off road incident where most impacts occour on old unimproved roads at less than 25MPH though occasionally higher. I currently use a 13" trailer tire and am considering upgrading to 14" tires with electric brakes as I hope the complexity of brakes will be offset by the added safety of that system. My current Dexter axle is 7 years old. do you have any insight as to athe pro's and cons of an increased weight rating of a new axle with brakes versis keeping ny current axle? I am concerned that the additional stiffness of a heavier axle will contribute to rough road vibration as I regularily tow on older highways and secondary roads at (potentially imprudent) speeds.
I think in certain situations that #1 axle is good box trailer #2 spring axle is very universal so if u had gooseneck r regular size trailer I think they both r th best
Thanks for posting. QUESTION: While I own a utility trailer, I may also buy a 'Toy Hauler'. The vast bulk of them use dual 5200 lb spring axles. When combined with, say, a 1100+ lb tongue weight, the GVWR (?) may be ~11,500+ lb. Given the weight of the toy hauler and accessories (refrigerator, generator, A/C, gasoline reservoir, etc.), the affixed plaque may list its payload to be ~2500 lb. Yet, when adding up what will be carried (~100 gallons of water, 30 gallons of gas, propane, multiple batteries, food, ATV / UTV, tables, chairs, awnings, etc.), Many toy hauler payloads have been exceeded. Rather than run 5200 lb axles to their limit (or beyond), what are the prospects for swapping dual 7,000 lb axles in place of the 5200 lb axles?
One thing with rv toy haulers is they pretty high unloaded tongue weights; mostly so they it is high enough when loaded. Under axles RV trailers are the norm in the industry. You can put in heavier axles, but you still have the weak frame.
@@dwaynepenner2788 Thanks for the reply. Yes, I realize adding weight over what the frame was rated for increases the risk of 'finding' the weakest link. My thought was to stay within the toy hauler's rated (and legal) limit, but to gain more margin. I don't like loading the axles, brakes, and especially tires right up to their rated limit. I have an F-350, (single rear wheel). Its GVW is not much over two 5200 lb axles on a trailer. Yet when I compare F-350 wheels and tires to that of 4 tires on 5200 lb trailer axles, I am uncomfortable with how much smaller trailer tires are. I've heard there are now 'H' rated trailer tires. They may help. Still, 7,000 lb axles and tires would provide a lot more margin.
What to look for on a homebuilt trailer, that would be a good one.
Does the torsion rubber have memory or lose it's carrying capacity over time? Wondering when I store my snowmo trailer for 10 months if I should unload it during the off sesaon.
Great Question!
Yes, I would recommend unloading during off season. Keeping the torsion under constant load will decrease the life span of the axle.
Great question!
Hi thanks for all the great video! Lots of really good information… Question regarding an axle type that you did not cover in this video, I am considering a rv camper with tandem axles with leaf springs. It also has shock absorbers on each wheel . Could you explain how much value and why ( if any ) the shocks add to this suspension set up . Thanks
For a single axle, I like the torsion axle. If you have multiple axles i like the springs with equalizers.
Please do a video on Dexter Marine torsion boat axles with the removable unit ends. I have a 2021 bass boat with this set up and service them annually to clean and never seize the spline ends. Also do any needed repairs at that time. Very little in depth information on the care of these removable torsion axle end units. Dexter had a bunch of failures due to grade 5 pinch bolts stretching and chewing teeth up. My trailer from Bass Cat has changed those to grade 8 pinch bolts with better results. Torque on those pinch bolts 150 ft lbs.
I have torsion axles on my travel trailer. The trailer is 5500 lb gvwr and my axles are 3500 lb axles. I’m running D rated tires with enough load rating that a single axle pair can handle the whole weight of the trailer. The torsion axles are definitely smooth but one thing that bothers me about them is that they seem to bounce after a bump. I kinda wanna add some shocks on one axle to control that
Beast mode, end of story.
Great video sir! Thank you!
Unless you are using the trailer on goat paths, the torsion axle is the way to go
I had torsion axles on my trailer and if I touched a sidewalk while turning it killed the wheel and tire. Changed to spring axles and never had problems since. Will never have torsion axles again.
Learn how to drive
Can you replace the rubbers in the torsion axle ?
Yea what I love is the ride quality of the torsion. But in my experience they dont seem to hold or handle weight as well.
Fascinating and very informative video--thanks for posting! We're looking to purchase our very first travel trailer, and while I'd prefer to buy one with torsion bars (and tandem axles), there are TONS more out there in our price/weight range (approx. 5500# UVW) with leaf springs, which is currently limiting our options. Setting aside initial purchase price, maintenance/repair costs, etc, and focusing solely on overall RIDE QUALITY ALONE (we're not intending to take offroad), I'm wondering what your thoughts are comparing a Dexter torsion axle suspension to a traditional leaf spring suspension if I were to immediately have a quality equalizer (ie, Alltrek4000, MORryde CRE3000, etc) installed after purchase? Thanks!
What do you think of the new Lippert slipper roller setup? I am ordering a new Diamond C dump trailer with 8000 lb axles. It looks to me that it is the best of both worlds. I will be using it on uneven ground a lot, hauling dirt, equipment and logs.
I'm planning out a camper build. I was thinking of adding a torsion axle behind my rear drive axle to help distribute weight. Thank you for sharing this info
My new trailer has torsion axles hope I'm not messing up getting them
Our dual axle boat trailer is torsion. 9K boat & trailer. Works fine with less complexity. I’ve towed it 1000s of miles.
Torsion is much better.
My boat goes exclusively in salt water. Leaf springs won’t last. Even when I flush them with fresh water every time the trailer comes out. Galvanized axles and stainless rotors and calipers. Electric over hydraulic brakes. The hydraulic pump is way above the waterline when launching.
Great video, thanks
Good to know!
Thanks for watching
I have had to replace to many springs on a three axle trainers to want another three spring axle trailer.
I had a custom made ATV trailer made and put 1,000 pound torsion axle on it. It towed nice in mud and bumps.
Appreciate You sharing Your knowledge. What do You know about the “Timbren Silent Ride Suspension”? It’s New to Me.
Thank you. Can you replace the spindle on a spring axle setup? And how bad can rust be before it's necessary?
Thanks for another informative video. I have a 2006 enclosed car trailer with 2 torsion axles and I have always wondered if the rubber deteriorates and how I would know if it did. Is there any way to inspect or measure it?
I don’t know if I was told the truth but I replaced 20 year old torsion axles for springs because one was bent and they told me that the rubber breaks down after about 25 years and replacing the axle is the only way to fix it
@@jaredsimcox2248 Thanks for the info. I guess I have a few years left!
Can you add shocks to a torsion axle without them?
I see that most new airstream trailers have tension + shocks.
I've had not one, but two torsion axle spindles sheer off from the arm. Same trailer, same position. First time I was pulling the trailer and I just happened to notice a wheel rolling down the interstate. It was early in the morning, and I was in a nowhere state. I'm like it has to be mine... I'm the only one out here here. I purchased the trailer new. Zero chance it had more than 7k miles on it. I don't curb check anything. Chalk it up to a manufacture defect. Buy another assembly and weld it back in.
Second time somebody else was using the trailer. I'd be shocked if the axle had 1k miles on it when it failed in exactly the same manner. This time the wheel/spindle assembly was never located. The only thing that still stands out to me is I remember a vibration going away when I lost the assembly. I put the same wheel on the same location on the new axle. I almost wonder if there was a significant imbalance. The tire never showed any signs of distress or misalignment.
I want to trust tortsion... But going back to the well a third time is on all on me. That and in typical ameritard fashion there is only one manufacture now. And the replacement axle is 4x what it was originally (priced five years prior to COVID).
I have a torsion on my skid steer trailer and with a dodge 3/4 ton it doesn’t work because you can’t not get the neck of the trailer low enough without hitting the box in some instances and the front tires of the trailer will not touch the ground empty and when you load it up with the weight of the skid steer there is to much weight on the rear axle and very little on the front. Springs would be much better in my case the only other thing would be to space the trailer further away from the trailer frame.
It’s not an either or scenario.. They each have different strengths and are better suited for different applications, the key is knowing what you’re application requires..
A trait of the torsion axle is it is progressive in resistance to load.