Suspension mods for dirt roads

[OzarkRay]

I just got my trailer finished (more or less...) so we took it out for our first trip last weekend. Everything worked perfectly! We were really impressed. Making it took about five times longer than I had hoped, but it seems like it was worth it. I've been using this forum to get a lot of information, so thanks to everyone for doing this. I do have one question, though. Many of the places we like to camp are down fairly rough gravel roads. Nothing that requires four-wheel drive or anything, but our area is very rocky. Even the better-maintained forest service roads are rougher than I've experienced anywhere else. Our trip last weekend only involved about a half a mile of travel on a rough road, but I really felt like I could only drive 5 MPH or so, otherwise the trailer would have shaken itself apart. It's gotten me thinking that the trips where we'll be going 30 miles back into the woods are going to be excruciatingly slow. I made the teardrop on a 5x8 Northern Freight frame, and I'm using the stock axle, leaf springs, and tires. I'm guessing that the trailer isn't heavy enough to really get the springs to flex. I know that removing a leaf from the spring set is one way to do it, but I wondered if there were other solutions, like replacing them with a softer leaf spring set. Or would my best bet be to replace it altogether in favor of a torsion axle?
Ray

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Spending a few bucks on a torsion axle will make a world of difference! The problem with an axle on leaf springs is that all the bumps and dips get transferred directly from one tire to the other. With a torsion axle, each wheel moves independently of the other and you get the added benefit that he rubber in the torsion axle also acts as a shock absorber. And they're easy to install - 4 bolts total. Choosing all the specification/dimensions for the torsion axle is the most difficult part, but theres plenty of help around here so you can get it right. You probably already know your trailers weight (total loaded weight), so you can even get the torsion axle de-rated to suit your needs better.

Then you can sell your stock axle and hubs on craigslist (or here) to recoup some of the expense.

I picked up a #9 Dexter Torflex (2200lb), de-rated to 1800lb, with standard 5/4.5 hubs for about $240 from Redneck Trailer Supply.

Axle/build thread here.... viewtopic.php?p=1065563#p1065563

[tony.latham]

I do a lot of boondocking, not four-wheeling, but frequently a ways from the gravel.

I'm using a Dexter torflex and light truck radials. The axle is derated to 1400 pounds and the trailer weight is about the same. Mine rides like a dream on the bumps.


The above photo was taken about the same place my avatar photo was taken –and that's my old Hunter built commercial 'drop. It too had a torflex (It was a Number 9 -unknown de-rating), but had standard bias trailer tires. My new beast rides noticeably better. The old trailer wasn't bad but I believe the radials really help.

Tony

[Dale M.]

Nothing wrong with leaf springs if the are rated correctly for load, tire pressure is not to high and you may consider adding shock absorbers as mentioned above.... First thing I would do is validate what spring sets (weight) is under trailer and them put trailer on scales, if there is large difference in spring weight vs laden weigh of trailer It many be least expensive to just remove one leaf in spring pack... Adding shock is a no brainer to soften axle action....

Dale

[alaska teardrop]

Hi Ray,
Do you have pictures of your rig (tow vehicle & trailer) and the trailer gross weight? They would help in understanding your question.
I'll second Zach & Tony on the torsion axle & larger radial tires for a smoother safer ride, both off & on the road.
You can also add brakes when ordering the axle.
Fred

[glenpinpat]

I am presently building my second trailer. The trailer part has been done for a while and we have already used it several times. I have used a timbren axle less axle with 16" suv tires(I cannot remember the size but I believe 245/70/r16). I am very happy with this axle system and it was very easy to install. I have a 3500pd axle with 2500pd suspension and electric brakes but they are available in different configurations. We have driven over several washboards roads and we never felt the trailer at all. Even large potholes on Michigan roads never bothered it. I have added images to my gallery.