Low Suspension

[Marmite]

Any one know of a low suspension system? I want to use big wheels (because they look cool) and have a low floor (well a low teardrop actually). Any suggestions?

Paul

[toypusher]

Check out torsion axles and see what start angle you could get to make your tear sit low.

[Nitetimes]

If you use a 3500# axle with lighter springs you can get a 6" drop axle.

[Marmite]

The torsion system I've seen* requires the mounting height to be very close to the wheel centre. Otherwise the wheel moves more forward on bounce than up. I was hoping to go 6 or 7inches lower.

*http://www.trojan.co.nz/index.asp?PageID=2145833594

[Marmite]

I've posted a pic. It shows how the wheel center is well below the floor.
http://tnttt.com/album_ ... c_id=32043
I've got about 6" between the drop axle and the chassis. Enough for leaf springs?

[Nitetimes]

You don't need 6" between the axle and the frame, your springs will go under the axle so you should only have about 3" between the axle and the frame.

[brian_bp]

The torsion system I've seen* requires the mounting height to be very close to the wheel centre. Otherwise the wheel moves more forward on bounce than up. I was hoping to go 6 or 7inches lower.

*http://www.trojan.co.nz/index.asp?PageID=2145833594

That Trojan Duratorque is equivalent in configuration to common North American "rubber torsion" axles such as the Dexter Torflex. They all have very short arms (about 6", depending on axle capacity), which means that even with a greatest allowed "up" starting angle, the hub centre when loaded isn't much above the pivot point, which in turn is below the frame bottom.

One option would be to place the axle beam above the frame; obviously, the interior arrangement would need be accommodate this thing stretching across the interior, centred about 6" ahead of the hub centres. I'm guessing in Marmite's design that's right through the bed.

I agree that in the case of a leaf-spring axle, from the top of the axle tube to the bottom of the frame only needs to accommodate suspension movement (which usually isn't much) so 3" is enough. On the other hand, I've never heard of an axle drop (from hub centre to beam centre) of more than 4", so typically the hubs won't be above the bottom of the frame rails at normal ride height. (That's the situation in my travel trailer; 4" drop 3500 lb Dexter axle on leaf springs).

The tube of a 3500 lb axle is typically 2-3/8" in diameter.

[Nitetimes]

Just because you never heard of it doesn't mean it don't exist.

I've used lots of them over the years. The only catch is you have to watch the frame width with these drops. As far as I know they are only available in 3500# and heavier axles.

6" drop axle

[brian_bp]

Just because you never heard of it doesn't mean it don't exist.

Of course not! All I meant is that it doesn't seem like we should expect to be finding these on the shelf at the local axle shop, readily available and priced as mass production items. The linked source's price is quite reasonable, but I notice that in their measurement table it doesn't even show the 6" drop... it doesn't appear to be commonly used.

The most commonly mentioned brand of trailer axles in this forum and the others I've seen is Dexter (the brand carried by Humphrey's), and in my copy of their complete catalog there are no drop-spindle axles until the D35 series (up to 3500 lb capacity, as Nitetimes said). D35 offers 4" and 6" drop, but all of the heavier axles (D52, D60, D72, D70, D80) have only 4" drop available. A 6" drop just isn't common, but it may be just the thing for Marmite.

[toypusher]

Have you guys looked in TSC. I don't know the rating, but the TSC store here carries drop axles.

[angib]

One other option that can be considered to combine big wheels and a low look is to hang the body sides below the frame - you'll lose the height inside the trailer, but it may be the easiest way to get an extra coupla inches.

Andrew

[Darren]

Any one know of a low suspension system? I want to use big wheels (because they look cool) and have a low floor (well a low teardrop actually). Any suggestions?

Paul

Air bag it! Saw a utility trailer at a car show in Arkansas that was bagged and the trailer could lay frame.

[Mini Renegade]

over here a company called indespension can custom make suspension units with splined output stages so the drop arm can be turned to the angle required

[brian_bp]

over here a company called indespension can custom make suspension units with splined output stages so the drop arm can be turned to the angle required

The Indespension suspension units look like pretty typical rubber torsion stuff, but the adjustability (which doesn't seem to be shown on the site) is a nice feature. The North American supplier with splined mounts like this is Flexiride.

[Mini Renegade]

over here a company called indespension can custom make suspension units with splined output stages so the drop arm can be turned to the angle required

The Indespension suspension units look like pretty typical rubber torsion stuff, but the adjustability (which doesn't seem to be shown on the site) is a nice feature. The North American supplier with splined mounts like this is Flexiride.

I believe Heikki (classic finn) contacted them about it a while ago on a different thread about them custom making them.