Is suspension necessary?

[Hillmann]

I was looking around this site and saw some design ideas for building teardrop with a triangular shaped trailer. It looked like it was just two bars went from the hitch to each end of the axle. I am wondering if there was any suspension in that design, and if not is suspension necessary?

[mikeschn]

Yes, a suspension is necessary. Otherwise you'll end up towing a jumping bean!

Those triangle shaped suspensions typically have a torsion axle underneath them.

Mike...

[teardrop_focus]

Yes, all trailers need suspension compliance, or, like Mike says, the trailer will want to change lanes instantaneously every time it hits a bump.





One of these half-axle rubber torsion suspension units per side will comprise a full "axle" for trailer suspension...

http://www.ucfamerica.com/UCF%20WEBSITE ... 20axle.pdf

Look also for a full-width version produced by Dexter Axle.

[dh]

I have a Handyman's Encyclopedia from 1965 that has plans for a wood utility trailer with the axle made by hammering aircraft spindals into a water pipe. This trailer has no suspension other than pneumatic tires which they recomend inflating to match the load. I guess it has been done, but I wouldn't want to tow it for reasons stated above.

[teardrop_focus]

1965 - plans for a wood utility trailer

Good one, dh!

I wouldn't want to tow it for reasons stated above.

Edzackary.

For anyone thinking of such an arrangement today, be aware that this "wood utility trailer" might have been fine as designed for short trips across the farm or for a mile or two up the road, but never would have been suitable for long-distance travel.

Back in the day, almost all commonly-used tires; car, truck, trailer, were of bias ply construction and had high aspect ratios... in other words, tires had a bunch of sidewall height, and one could achieve some bump absorption for a trailer chassis using only the tire's sidewall... but it was always a sketchy propostion at best.

Although tires are available today in high aspect ratios, we're more aware of tires' load ratings and the consequences of running them underinflated with heavier loads.

There are today a broad selection of satisfactory, low-cost leaf spring suspension kits and rubber torsion suspension systems available... so there's no good reason, really, for building a road-going trailer without suspension.

[Steve_Cox]

Good answer Chris

[teardrop_focus]