Well I took the plunge !

[schreimaster]

After some good encouragement from you fine folks, I started my trailer today I decided to weld up my own frame, saw alot about bolt up trailers, but I wanted to build of much of it as I could, right or wrong, you tell me.

Now I do need some direction. I'm leaning towards the torsion axle, It's my understanding it sould do better with a light weight trailer. So lets hear it ladies ( x-military, so don't get your feelings hurt) torsion or regular axles ?



I did take some photos, and if I can figure out how to post them I will.

[Chip]

Shreeee,,, In my opinion either will work just fine,, The main advantage to some tortion axles is they allow you to get a really low ride especially with the axles that are adjustable,, I opted for a drop axle top mounted on the springs,, that way I didnt have to order an axle since I could get it cut down local,, with this setup I am 11" from ground to top of spring perch,, If the weight is wrong for the springs I can also add or take out leafs as needed

hope this helps

chipper

[Hardin Valley Magic]

Schreimaster,gosh I hate to beat madjack to this, go to the top of the page click on help with photos. That should help some. i used harbor freght trailer that has spring susp. For future teardrop I will go with the torsion style. for adjustability.
just my 2 cents worth.

[schreimaster]

If you go with the regular axle and springs, is there a need for shocks ?

[Hardin Valley Magic]

Try this thread for more info on shocks with spring handers. http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=5892&highlight=axle+shocks

[schreimaster]

Well who would of thunk " help with photos "






Well you said you luv da photos

[schreimaster]

Thanks HVM I'll check out that site.

[Hardin Valley Magic]

Good looking start you got. Saw you had problems with plans. Hope it gets going better for you. Had a slow start myself. Now it's the detail work that's so slow..

[Arne]

I have a h/f 1800 trailer. I relocated the axle on top of the springs and notched the spring holder for axle movement... I would not want the trailer any lower than it is, now. I think I have 17" of ground clearance, or a bit less.

I think a torsion axle is a neater application, appearance-wise, but the costs add up with axle, wheels, tires, etc.

[Chip]

Shreeee,, when you said ya started and took the plunge you were not kidding,,, good looking frame,, NICE shop thar too,,,

forget the cards and letters,, just keep tha pics coming

chipper

[schreimaster]

Chip

Tell me something, you said you went with the regular axle, since you could get it cut down local. Is there a reason you can't have a torsion axle cut down? Something that runs between axles ? I can get a torsion axle from Northern and was thinking I could cut it down myself!



Glad you like the frame and shop.

[Chip]

Shreeee,, a tortion axle is;from what I know not a do it yourself cut down,, it has tortion bars or rubber gromets inside the tube and really should be cut down by the manufacturer,,, a standard axle is just an empty tube so it makes it easier,,I am no expert though and ya should prob get the opinion of one of the guru's

chipper

[toypusher]

schreimaster,

If you order from the right place (there are several at least), you can get your torsion axle made to the exact specifications that you need.

try this one: http://www.southwestwheel.com/

or http://www.redneck-trailer.com/

[madjack]

schrei...you cannot cut down a torsion axle...it has a steel rod and rubber "torsion" dampers that run thru it you cannot cut these without destoying the axle...
you aslo cannot weld directly to the axle tube...
when you order a torsion axle, you need to know what frame width you want it made for and what the offset of your wheels are going to be so as to get the hub face to hub face measurments...
the factory will make one up to your desired specifications...
you will also need the start angle of the torsion arms (for desired ground clearance) unless you go for the Flexiride brand, which has user adjustable torsion arms(more expensive)...
the Dexter brand can be had for around 160/170 bucks thru RedNeck trailer supplies or many other trailer supply places...
the Flexiride can be had thru etrailerparts.com(Southwestern Wheel) for around 230bucks+shipping
madjack

[Chip]

Shreeee,,, see I told ya, Guru's will come to my rescue,, I thought I was telling ya the right scoop,, but I wanted to be sure,,,

chipper