Variable width torsion axle

[thewitnit]

Does anyone know a manufacturer of an adjustable or variable width torsion axle?

[PaulC]

No disrespect intended here but why would you want and adjustable axle?

Cheers
Paul

[Shadow Catcher]

Both Dexter and Flexride have stub axles, disconnected, that you could do this with. Frame needs to be substantial.

[thewitnit]

My daughter has a KIT designed trailer and I have a Marville-Dwyer 1946. Hers has an adjustable width axle and I need to replace mine. It looks like it would be an easier installation for my trailer. Dan

[dh]

Do you have a pic of the adjustable width axle? It just seems like anything that would make the axle beam adjustable would make it weaker. Personally, I'd measure what I need and call Dexter or Flexride.

[bobhenry]

http://www.patentgenius.com/image/5326128-3.html

The way it is over sleved , to me, it would seem to be even stronger.

[eamarquardt]

http://www.patentgenius.com/image/5326128-3.html

The way it is over sleved , to me, it would seem to be even stronger.

As you point out, it may be stronger, but I've had the spring UBolts loosen up over time (now locktited and double nutted) so KISS is better IMHO.

Also, if yer gonna buy an axle, WHY NOT, get the right size. Is anyone really going to go to the trouble of modifying the frame and teardrop to another width?

Just my thoughts.

Cheers,

Gus

[jstrubberg]

My question would be, why have an axle tube at all? It's more weight and cuts into ground clearance by a lot.

I'm sure there's a reason, but why aren't stub axles more popular for these lightweight trailers?

[aggie79]

My question would be, why have an axle tube at all? It's more weight and cuts into ground clearance by a lot.

I'm sure there's a reason, but why aren't stub axles more popular for these lightweight trailers?

Three reasons:

1. Alignment - keeping the two stub axles aligned along a common centerline (and equidistant from the tongue) so you don't have toe-in.
2. Camber - without the tubular steel connecting the two stubs, it is difficult to install with equal camber.
3. Frame loading - again, without the connection, the forces of the weight of the trailer and traveling over bumps in the road will cause the stub axles to rotate around the outer frame rail (perpindicular to the trailer.)

Many trailers have been built with stub axles, but most have are bolted to a structural member that spans the width of the trailer to address the three issues above. So it becomes a trade-off. Does your design work better with a "standard" torsion axle or stub axles with a frame crossmember?

[Martiangod]

Timbren axeless
Up to 3500 lb and brakes avail, built in camber
Know customers with Timbren helper springs on their trucks and they love timbren products, better then airbags

http://www.timbren.com/axle-less1.htm
http://www.timbren.com/images/home/Axle-Less%20DIMENSIONS.pdf

[Wolffarmer]

Those Timbren axles look nice. To bad I have already gotten mine. Will try to remember Timbren for trailer #3



Randy