Torsion or Spring Axle

[Keith B]

Yes it's me again.... I'm going to go buy steel tomorrow for my trailer. The frame will be 2"x1/8" sq. tubing and the tounge will be 2"x3"x1/4" w/a BullDog coupler...the question is the axle.... torsion or spring. Spring is forever lasting, much like a Chevy 350, but a torsion looks easier to install, sits a little lower...BUT...which rides better; protecting the jarring of the TD, which handles potholes and bumps better and does the torsion have a limited life and more maintinance...The price is about the same at my local trailer shop so money isn't the concern - pretty much just wanna see what the opinions are.

[JunkMan]

Spring is forever lasting, much like a Chevy 350,

I've had springs break before, can't say about the torsion, this is my first one. I chose a torsion because it is cleaner looking, and I was able to set the ride height where I wanted by choosing the proper angle on the torsion (I wanted my TD to sit low, to match the ride height of the VW that will be pulling it).

[Keith B]

yeah, the torsion does look clean...was it easier to install than the springs?

[halfdome, Danny]

Yes it's me again.... I'm going to go buy steel tomorrow for my trailer. The frame will be 2"x1/8" sq. tubing and the tongue will be 2"x3"x1/4" w/a BullDog coupler...the question is the axle.... torsion or spring. Spring is forever lasting, much like a Chevy 350, but a torsion looks easier to install, sits a little lower...BUT...which rides better; protecting the jarring of the TD, which handles potholes and bumps better and does the torsion have a limited life and more maintenance...The price is about the same at my local trailer shop so money isn't the concern - pretty much just wanna see what the opinions are.

Keith, it seems the answer to your question is in your question. http://sixrobblees.com/told me they have not had a Dexter Torsion axle fail yet. The Dexter rides very smooth with no problems. So get the Dexter, you won't be disappointed Danny

[Keith B]

Danny...thanks for the advise...and good to hear from you. I sent you a PM.... regarding another thread...I really like the 3-4 rib seal you have on your galley lid...where did you puchase that from if you'd be so kind to share. I'm calling Dexter today to get a price on a torsion axle...I don't think my trailer shop deals in Dexter.

[Keith B]

Hey...the Dexter was pretty reasonable in my opinion... My TD is 5' wide, so for a 73" axle (hub to hub), 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern, 2000#, 10 deg. down is $171 delivered... my steel is $90...so after tires, wheels and "stuff" I'll still have less than $500 in it... HOT DOG

[madjack]

Keith, it appears you went with the torsion axle...great!!! I am a big fan of the torsion axle over springs for anything other than extreme off roading (and even then???) The torsion axle combines the "spring and shock" effect in one unit that rides lower, better, smoother and quieter than a sping unit...that is a good price you got it for...did you get it directly from Dexter or from a distributor...
madjack

[Keith B]

I called my local trailer shop and they actually are a Dexter dealer...the 3000# was $250 but he said it was probably over kill and my TD would be bouncing all over the place...the 2000# was his recommendation... however, it's a 3 week lead time, but that's okay...not like I don't have anything else to do.
This is the trailer design:

[madjack]

Keith, even the 2000#er may be a bit heavy...you can have it derated, which I did, to 1500#s for my new build...you should take your max weight and add 50% giving you a 30% cushion...this will give the best ride Vs longevity...
madjack

[Keith B]

Hmmm, I've tried to keep a running total of the build weight, but I don't know how "accuarte" the bathroom scale is. I guess I could load the TD on my car hauler trailer after it's done and get a weight before I order the axle....

[madjack]

Keith, an exact guess is not needed...a S.W.A.G (scientific wild ass guess) is just fine...I am pretty sure my new build will not exceed 800#s but ya never know what ya might load up as well...so I went with 1500#s which is what we used on the first build and were very pleased with the ride...the trailer contents seemed to be pleased as well
madjack

p.s. don't forget to add in water, battery, propane, the kitchen range, cast iron, plasma screen, popcorn popper and microwave into your figures

[Keith B]

S.W.A.G. in progress... I can tell you I'm shooting for 1000-1200#s total, TD/Trailer/contents... but shooting isn't hitting...

[madjack]

.........................................

[asianflava]

Keith, your design looks like it's a bit heavy. At the very least you can loose one or two of the cross members.

I'd probably go with a 2000# axle if I were you. Something that tells me you will have a heavy trailer.

[Keith B]

Yeah you're probably right... 2"x1/8" sq. tubing should come in at .256# per inch... if I went 10' down both sides (20'), 10' for both ends, 15' for three centers...45'*12"=540"x.256=139#, plus axle, wheels, tounge, hitch, fenders, etc....300#s thereabouts......man...if I only have 2 stringers in there that's 37" between each... that's a pretty big span for wooden 2x2's and 1/2" ply isn't it...