Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I'm planning on building my trailer with a torsion axel but have no experience with them. Can anyone who has a torsion axel share with me their opinions (positive or negative) on the brand they purchased? It sure would help me sort out some questions I have.

Chris I did not purchase mine it came off an old popup. I will say I have pulled trailers with leaf & torsion & I have found that torsion axels are VERY smooth to pull, with no bouncing around like the leaf spring axels are prone to do with a light load. I pull my TD with a 2000 explorer & my TD weighs 1120# & I can't tell its back there! Good luck!

I used a Dexter Torsion axle on my teardrop. Each one is custom made to your specifications. I ordered the 2000 lb. Torflex with a 10 degree up angle to get a low rider look. If you want more ground clearance for rough road conditions, you may want to go with a 10 or 22.5 degree down angle. I also ordered the ez-lube spindles, I feature I would recommend. My trailer weighs about 1,200 lbs. fully loaded and tows straight with now bounce.

There are several brands of this type of axle availble. One brand has adjustible spindles that allows you to change the angle, which is a feature some may value.

I'm happy with the Dexter brand. You can learn a lot be studying their website at:

http://www.dexteraxle.com/home

The specific catalog for a typical teardrop application can be found here:

http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1080235/f/6-8K%20Catalog/1000-2200_lbs_4-04.pdf

Hi, Chris,

I purchased mine at Southwest Wheel (http://www.southwestwheel.com/) because I could drive down to Lubbock and pick it up. They ship all over the place, however. I've been very pleased with it so far -- but then, I'm still building and haven't taken a trip on it yet!

Randy

I too used a 2000lb Dexter torsion axle. When you order you have to specify:
capacity
width
arm angle
brakes
bracket type
frame width
bolt pattern
hub size

So make sure you are armed with all this info when you order, it will make it much easier. I had no idea how much angle so I just guessed, it worked out fine. One thing I had to do was notch the side wall for the arms. You may not have to do this depending on how your body sits on the frame.

If you get the flexride axle, you can adjust the arm down angle.

Michael W wrote:I ordered the 2000 lb. Torflex with a 10 degree down to get a low rider look. If you want more ground clearance for rough road conditions, you may want to go with a 10 or 22.5 degree up angle.

Michael,

You might want to correct that post in case it misleads anyone, as I believe you've reversed 'down' and 'up' start angles.

Ground clearance is increased by using an axle with a 'down' start angle, while the low rider look comes from an axle with an 'up' start angle.

The Dexter page you've given a link to shows this.

Andrew

All the comments have been helpful........ ..........but keep them coming, I'm learning here already yet!

Chris,

I also got my axle, 2000 pound rated, at Southwest Wheel out of Lubbock. My tear weighs about 1200? and I'm happy with it.

Much simpler installation and cleaner "look".

We use a 2000 lb Dexter axle for our Freedom Teardrop Trailers.
One thing we have found is that we check every axle when the come in.
Both for lube and the tightness of the castle nuts.
Most of the ones we sell have been with a 45 degree down axle. That gives us a 18" clearance at the frame. That works very well with the out back roads. It also fits most SUV bumber heights.

Merlin

Merlin, I've been interested in the Dexter. But are you implying the castle nuts and lubrication is sometimes not up to spec? I will be pulling with a Honda Accord..........and "outback" roads will always be at least dirt.............what angle would you recommend?

...Chris, I think Merlin is refering to the tightness of the nut and proper lubrication of the bearings...something that should be checked on any new axle regardless of make and model...don't trust somebody, having a bad day, at the factory, to get something that important, right.
madjack

One sure bet to get the best start with a new axle setup is to completely flush out all the grease from the hubs and bearings. then do a visual examination of the surfaces and a complete repacking with a high quality grease yourself. That way no surprises such as metal chips from the machining process or under greased or lower quality grease. Better safe than sorry.

Chris,
I bougt my 2000 lb. torsion axle form Southwest Wheel also, except I went with the Flexiride instead of the Dexter. The Flexiride has a forged swing arm that allows you to change your ride height if neccesary. I like this feature and Cary also uses this axle as well...
This might help you also... Buy your wheels and tires first because they are going to ask you what your hubface ot hubface dimension is. They will also want to know what your frame width is, so they know where to place the mounting brackets. I'm placing the mounting brackets on angle iron welded to the inside face of my 2" x 2" x 1/8" frame rail. I went with this setup up for two reasons... 1. Easier to use a mounting bolt with angle iron... 2. I wanted a certain wall to tire clearance.
I don't know about the Dexters, but Flexiride puts about a 5/16" crown on there axle tube to make the wheels track straighter.

Dean in Eureka, CA wrote:I don't know about the Dexters, but Flexiride puts about a 5/16" crown on there axle tube to make the wheels track straighter.

Yep they do.

Can anybody give me an idea of how much the #9 axle costs? Being custom made, I cannot find a price online. I also work nights and when I am awake I can't remember to call.