choosing a axle

[tedwards]

finally i have made a decision on building a tiny trailer with a modern look. which axle should i go with 2000 or 3500 lb? the trailer will be around 15ft x6'8 and will sleep three.

[SteveH]

What I would do is calculate the total weight you expect the trailer to come in at, and multiply by two. You don't want a 2000 pound axel continuosly carrying 2000 pounds.

[ralaco]

2fast4u

At least you are going to go with a very light weight trailer 2000 lb is a popular one for a teardrop.

My choice is Flexiride Torsion axle.

You can order from:

UCF Flexiride manufactures and markets the Flexiride® rubber torsion axle.

http://www.ucfamerica.com/
800-225-1845
856-488-1800
Fax: 856-488-9636
E-mail: [email protected]

Send an e-mail to the salesman:

Jacques Angers
[email protected]

You can read this:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=4318


Raul

[Chris C]

You also might ask our "resident" engineer from England, Andrew. When it comes to that sort of thing, he has all the numbers.

[madjack]

..Te, a very good rule of thumb is to figure what your total weight would be loaded up and add at least 50% capacity to that...for example, 1000#s total should have at the least a 1500# axle under it, 1500#s=2250#axle, ect, ect.
I also recommend a torsion axle, either a flexiride or dexter...the dexter is readily available at more place and may be a little cheaper
madjack

[tedwards]

what is with the torsion axle verses the leaf spring axle?

[bledsoe3]

I have to believe that with a trailer that big, you'll probably need the bigger axle. Many of the users here have the 2000# axle for a more traditional sized teardrop. As for torsion vs spring, it's like independant suspension for your trailer. Some are even adjustable for ride height. Just my opion. Again, Andrew is the expert. He will probably respond. Jim

[JunkMan]

what is with the torsion axle verses the leaf spring axle?

On light trailers, torsional axels seem to work better than springs. You can also get the trailer to set lower by using torsional axels instead of springs.

I am using a torsional axel because I am tired of worn out shackels on spring axels. I don't know if I will pull my tear far enough to wear out the shackles, but the shackles on my utility trailers are all getting sloppy.

[angib]

Andrew is the expert. He will probably respond. Jim

Hey, I haven't applied for the 'expert' job vacancy - don't I have to do that, before you're allowed to appoint me?

I like madjack's rule of thumb - it sounds just right to me. So a 2000lb axle needs a basic trailer weight of ~1300lb.

2fast4u, if you're going to build a trailer 15' x 6'8", I think you'd have to concentrate on building it light to be sure to get it under 1300lb. If you just want to add 3/4" ply when and where you want, a 3500lb axle would be a better choice.

One advantage of a leaf spring axle is that you could fit a 3500lb axle and then swap the springs if the trailer weighs well under 2000lb - this would avoid the possible problem of beating up the trailer with ultra-stiff springs.

Andrew

[bledsoe3]

Andrew is the expert. He will probably respond. Jim

Hey, I haven't applied for the 'expert' job vacancy - don't I have to do that, before you're allowed to appoint me? Andrew

It's not just me. Ask almost any user on this site. When it comes to technical stuff, you da man! Jim