springs or torsion?

[fcreamer88]

Im in the process of designing my tear drop. I have the entire camper designed and laid out, but I am hung up on the trailer. I think i want to build my own because I want to go for the more off road styling. I want the camper lifted up so I have no problem towing in the sand on the beach. My question is do i go springs or torsion axle? This is all new to me so any advise is much appreciated.

thanks in advance,
Forrest

[fcreamer88]

Or what about this trailing arm suspension with a air shock?

[Shadow Catcher]

A trailing arm with airbags and shocks is by far the best off road type of suspension. From what I have heard torsion bar suspensions have problems with dust getting in the tube and will fail eventually. One good discussion on this is http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html#rubber

[fcreamer88]

A trailing arm with airbags and shocks is by far the best off road type of suspension. From what I have heard torsion bar suspensions have problems with dust getting in the tube and will fail eventually. One good discussion on this is http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html#rubber

What about going with the idea of a trailing arm, but instead of bags and springs, using an air shock? This way I can drop it for highway use and maintain the Kenskill look I hope to attain; then when I hit the beach, air up the shock and have the clearance I need for the sand?

[fcreamer88]

Well shoot, I thought I had an original design. Looks like they beat me to it. lol

[redg8r]

Well shoot, I thought I had an original design. Looks like they beat me to it. lol

Who's they?

[fcreamer88]

adventure trailers

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html

[redg8r]

Ahh, ok. thanks.

My limited research shows you're looking at the most pricey of the 3 suspensions, but if you're welding your frame, you could accommodate it.

Heres one of my favorite campers, which the demo video shows off it's offroad suspension @30: in

[Shadow Catcher]

I am actually working on using an air shock with my Dexter torsion bar axle. The original design did not include brakes which we now have, so redesign time. My understanding of air shocks is that they are not meant to be the primary suspension/spring though there are some that will fill that need. Ari bags would allow you to raise the suspension as desired. http://www.airbagit.com/

Original concept

[angib]

From what I have heard torsion bar suspensions have problems with dust getting in the tube and will fail eventually. One good discussion on this is http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html#rubber

It looks to me that they chose the wrong axle manufacturer - I believe Flexiride are bonded torsion axles, so there is nowhere for the dust and sand to get in, though I think they may use an outer Delrin bearing.

Trailing arms allow a custom suspension to be designed that is tougher than commercial axles, but I'd like to know what they are using for bearings in the arms, as they need to last as well. I suspect a big reason for choosing custom trailing arms is because they look tough/macho.

[fcreamer88]

I've researched and put alot of thought into it. I think I can fabricate the arms myself out of 2x3x1/4 tubing. I found a design that Looks alot like an A arm on a car. Uses the same kind of bushings too. May go with titanium bushings though. I think this well be best for my design and itll save me from the restriction of width due to axle length. Most of my camping will be on the beach so I need to be wide enough for my tires to fall in the tracks of my truck.