Type of Trailer Axles
09-25-2010, 11:26 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Type of Trailer Axles
I'm in the market for an enclosed trailer and am curious to see what the concensus is from the people who know what the pros and cons are between spring axles and torsion axles. I've seen arguements for both so I'd like to hear all your opinions. Thanks for the info!!!
PS, If anyone knows of a good 20-22' enclosed in Fla. please let me know!
PS, If anyone knows of a good 20-22' enclosed in Fla. please let me know!
09-26-2010, 12:43 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
I think the fact that you want a drop axle (plus dovetail, for load height) necessitates it being a torsion bar? I've got leaf springs on my little 18' open trailer that has about a 4K capacity.
09-26-2010, 10:28 PM
#4
Race Director
I sell trailers. Lots of 'em.
Spring Axles
Pros:
- Cheaper
- Can be straight or with a drop
Cons:
- More parts to replace periodically (shackles, links, bushings, springs ...)
- Movement of one wheel affects the other
- Rides more roughly when lightly loaded vs. torsion
Torsion Axles
Pros:
- Sealed. Very few moving parts = lower maintenance costs long term
- Rides smoother, especially when unloaded.
- Each wheel is independent from the other.
- Can be straight but normally with a drop and can be ordered with varying degrees of angle between hub and axle
Cons:
- More expensive than spring axle
- When they fail you buy a new one (in 15 years I've seen 2 fail and both were problems with the spindle, not the axle)
We recommend torsion axles over spring and 5200# axles over 3500# although if you go with an aluminum trailer and a fairly light car tandem 3500# axles work fine.
Spring Axles
Pros:
- Cheaper
- Can be straight or with a drop
Cons:
- More parts to replace periodically (shackles, links, bushings, springs ...)
- Movement of one wheel affects the other
- Rides more roughly when lightly loaded vs. torsion
Torsion Axles
Pros:
- Sealed. Very few moving parts = lower maintenance costs long term
- Rides smoother, especially when unloaded.
- Each wheel is independent from the other.
- Can be straight but normally with a drop and can be ordered with varying degrees of angle between hub and axle
Cons:
- More expensive than spring axle
- When they fail you buy a new one (in 15 years I've seen 2 fail and both were problems with the spindle, not the axle)
We recommend torsion axles over spring and 5200# axles over 3500# although if you go with an aluminum trailer and a fairly light car tandem 3500# axles work fine.
Last edited by Crazy Canuck; 09-27-2010 at 03:10 PM.
09-27-2010, 11:26 AM
#5
Race Director
Chris,
Have you had an sucess with replacing 3500lbs axles torsion with 5200lbs on an existing trailer? My current 24 has 3500lbs axles and I am carefull to load to that limit, but I have wonderd about going to 5200lbs. My trailer frame can hold it as the only change from the factory 10k trailer are the axles. As to why I got the 3500lbs axles. I got the trailer used for such a deal I just could not pass it up.
Even I spend $3500 to upgrade I would come out looking good.
As for how they ride.
My 3500lbs torsions ride better than my open trailers 3500lbs leaf's. The only major downside to teh torsion is you need to be more careful to keep the trailer level to ensure you don't overload one axle. The leafs can transfer the load and balance if the trailer is not level. Torsions can't.
Have you had an sucess with replacing 3500lbs axles torsion with 5200lbs on an existing trailer? My current 24 has 3500lbs axles and I am carefull to load to that limit, but I have wonderd about going to 5200lbs. My trailer frame can hold it as the only change from the factory 10k trailer are the axles. As to why I got the 3500lbs axles. I got the trailer used for such a deal I just could not pass it up.
Even I spend $3500 to upgrade I would come out looking good.
As for how they ride.
My 3500lbs torsions ride better than my open trailers 3500lbs leaf's. The only major downside to teh torsion is you need to be more careful to keep the trailer level to ensure you don't overload one axle. The leafs can transfer the load and balance if the trailer is not level. Torsions can't.
09-27-2010, 12:50 PM
#6
Race Director
Normally a trailer is rated by its chassis and axles are only part of the equation.
On the ATC and Pace we carry when you go to a trailer rated at 10000# (tandem 5000#) GVWR vs. 7000# (tandem 3500#) the framing is also enhanced and the tongue goes from a double tube on the A-Frame to a triple tube (one down the centreline of the trailer).
You will also have to buy new tires & rims as the 5000# axles come with 6 bolt hubs. Load Range D tires or better are required (225/75R15 is the common size).
It can be done. Just find a reputable shop that sells either Alko or Dexter Axles and have them ordered from the factory to your requirements. This will take approximately 6 weeks. Dexter is the most common with parts readily available.
Yes, torsion axles are supposed to ride level.
On the ATC and Pace we carry when you go to a trailer rated at 10000# (tandem 5000#) GVWR vs. 7000# (tandem 3500#) the framing is also enhanced and the tongue goes from a double tube on the A-Frame to a triple tube (one down the centreline of the trailer).
You will also have to buy new tires & rims as the 5000# axles come with 6 bolt hubs. Load Range D tires or better are required (225/75R15 is the common size).
It can be done. Just find a reputable shop that sells either Alko or Dexter Axles and have them ordered from the factory to your requirements. This will take approximately 6 weeks. Dexter is the most common with parts readily available.
Yes, torsion axles are supposed to ride level.
Chris,
Have you had an sucess with replacing 3500lbs axles torsion with 5200lbs on an existing trailer? My current 24 has 3500lbs axles and I am carefull to load to that limit, but I have wonderd about going to 5200lbs. My trailer frame can hold it as the only change from the factory 10k trailer are the axles. As to why I got the 3500lbs axles. I got the trailer used for such a deal I just could not pass it up.
Even I spend $3500 to upgrade I would come out looking good.
As for how they ride.
My 3500lbs torsions ride better than my open trailers 3500lbs leaf's. The only major downside to teh torsion is you need to be more careful to keep the trailer level to ensure you don't overload one axle. The leafs can transfer the load and balance if the trailer is not level. Torsions can't.
Have you had an sucess with replacing 3500lbs axles torsion with 5200lbs on an existing trailer? My current 24 has 3500lbs axles and I am carefull to load to that limit, but I have wonderd about going to 5200lbs. My trailer frame can hold it as the only change from the factory 10k trailer are the axles. As to why I got the 3500lbs axles. I got the trailer used for such a deal I just could not pass it up.
Even I spend $3500 to upgrade I would come out looking good.
As for how they ride.
My 3500lbs torsions ride better than my open trailers 3500lbs leaf's. The only major downside to teh torsion is you need to be more careful to keep the trailer level to ensure you don't overload one axle. The leafs can transfer the load and balance if the trailer is not level. Torsions can't.
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09-27-2010, 08:55 PM
#8
uninformed gas bag
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
Rennlist Member
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
Rennlist Member
I've seen them fail from diesel fuel (portable pumps,generators, and air compressors) getting inside and doing a number on the rubber but that was not the axles fault. I've seen a lot more leaf springs fail over the years.
