Reliable Rubber Torsion Axle Suspension Units

Ask questions about Harbor Freight trailers, or questions about building your own...

Reliable Rubber Torsion Axle Suspension Units

Postby wolfman » Mon May 23, 2011 1:01 am

Hello All, 8)
in process of desiging trailer for a 5x9.5. I was looking at dester axles and was shown a set of 2,000 lb Reliable Rubber Torsion Axle Suspension Units. Anyone know if these units simple weld to the frame with adiqute support, or do you have to make a complete axle to slide the units into? :thinking:

I am also wonder if running 14 inch rims on trailer what degree on axle is good? 22.5 down, o, 10 up? :cry: running a 2007 PT Crusier, 15 inch rims, cold air intake, headers, dual exshaust, screamin deamin coil, etc. It will haul it no probs...Any anfo would help Thanks
wolfman
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon May 23, 2011 12:53 am

Postby proformance » Mon May 23, 2011 10:32 am

If I understand correctly, you are looking at a Dexter Torflex Axle. If so, here is the link to aid you in determining which axle you want based on ride height. The axle is designed to be bolted to the chassis and is available in Top Mount and Side Mount, in addition to Low and High Profile. This is covered in the same link.


http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1080235/f/Trailer_Axle_Resources/Torflex_Information_12-10.pdf


And, here is an interesting utility for the layman that will allow you to calculate actual tire diameter, width and more in inches for any given tire based on standard tire sizing practice.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

These two links should provide you with enough information to determine what you will need in the way of Mounting Flange and Arm Angle for your application.
proformance
Teardrop Advisor
 
Posts: 56
Images: 8
Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:41 am

Postby dh » Mon May 23, 2011 11:07 am

I assume you are talking about Reliable Axle's half axles. No, you do not have to build a complete axle with them, just bolt one to each siderail, and make sure you get them in line with each other or you will start eating tires. Start angle is a function of ride height, how high up you want the trailer is personal preference.
Ignorant doesn't know any better, Stupid knows better but does it anyway.

My build page: http://www.tdbuildlog.blogspot.com/
User avatar
dh
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 1647
Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:08 pm
Location: North East Arkansas
Top

cool, thanks

Postby wolfman » Mon May 23, 2011 4:42 pm

:D Thanks all. YES the half axles are what I was talking about. As for the degree of the axle, I would like it to be pretty level with the back of the PT.... :thinking: Not real sure about this formula..... :frustrated:
Guess I need some brain start fluid..... :beer:
Any suggestions Im all ears... :designing:
THANKS
wolfman
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon May 23, 2011 12:53 am
Top

Postby dh » Mon May 23, 2011 6:51 pm

You want the trailer to have the same ride height as the PT, or want your trailer to sit level? You can make your trailer almost any height and make it sit level with a drop/rise draw bar in the reciever hitch.
Ignorant doesn't know any better, Stupid knows better but does it anyway.

My build page: http://www.tdbuildlog.blogspot.com/
User avatar
dh
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 1647
Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:08 pm
Location: North East Arkansas
Top

Postby Trackstriper » Mon May 23, 2011 8:23 pm

Wolfman,

Unless you have a particular need for half-axles, such as having a dropped floor at the axle location, you might find that a complete torsion axle with the full cross tube might make life a whole lot easier for you. It would eliminate the issues of half-axle alignment and having to provide adequate mounts and frame cross members. Half-axles are just trickier to deal with.

The Dexter axle website has some useful information regarding ride height: http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1080235/f/Torflex_ ... n_4-04.pdf Look for the #9 Torflex axles. The wheel charts for the #9 only show ride heights for wheels up to 13" diameter....add another 1" ride height if you go with 14" wheels....this is not exact but close enough. If ordering an axle from Dexter Axle there will be a specification sheet you will need to fill out and the axle will be custom made to your desires.


From what I'm seeing on the internet, it appears that the Reliable Rubber axles are handled pretty much by Northern Tool. The half-axles that you were asking about appear to be available only in the 45 degree down start angle. Their full axles are available in various other start angle settings. When you look at their prices remember that you have to buy two hub+bearings assemblies as the Reliable axles don't seem to be priced with hubs.


Another option is to use the adjustable start angle axle ....Flexiride. Several members on this forum have used this axle and appear to be satisfied with it's performance. Available from http://www.trailerpart.com/ as full axles or half-axles. They typically cost a bit more than the Dexter axles, a lot depends on who can get you a Dexter axle locally.

From what I've noticed....totally unscientific....Dexter probably is used by the torsion axle builders on this forum maybe 10:1 over the Flexiride. Perhaps it's the cost, a part of it is the supply chain to actually get an axle in hand. Dexter does a better job there. The Flexiride is adjustable and a little more sophisticated in design, but has fewer dealers.

You need to figure out what your trailer will weigh... a good estimate....that's the first place to start.

Hope this helps some.
User avatar
Trackstriper
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 404
Images: 38
Joined: Fri Jan 26, 2007 6:05 pm
Location: Asheville, NC
Top

Postby dh » Tue May 24, 2011 10:59 am

A 5x9.5 camper, a PT Cruiser... You might want to look into trailer brakes. Can you get brakes on half axles? Look in the stickies at the top of the trailer and chassis, there is a sticky up there about selecting axle start angle. The first thing you need to do is get some rims (make sure they will fit a trailer hub) then get some tires on those rims. Now you can determine how high the spindle will sit. Dn't forget the tires will ''sit down'' a little under load.
Ignorant doesn't know any better, Stupid knows better but does it anyway.

My build page: http://www.tdbuildlog.blogspot.com/
User avatar
dh
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 1647
Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:08 pm
Location: North East Arkansas
Top


Return to Trailer and Chassis Secrets

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests