tadcroz81
26.04.2021 23:04:13
What type of axles do top cargo trailer brands use?
See full version: Torsion or Leaf Spring
What type of axles do top cargo trailer brands use?
Leaf springs provide a spring like damping action.
Because of the way they are attached, torsion axles do not have replaceable or repairable parts. [links]
If you are in the market for a trailer, you probably are well aware of all the different styles, models and options available. You may be interested in an open deck trailer, an enclosed trailer or you simply want one to tow around your ATV or motorcycle. At any rate, all of the trailers for sale put you in the position of deciding which features are most important to your towing needs. While you weigh your options on the various trailer styles, you most definitely will want to know what kind of suspension it has. Think of it like a car or truck – some have sport-tuned suspensions, some are tuned towards off-roading and others could be tuned for comfort. When it comes to the suspension on your trailer, you will want to know how it will handle the roads as you tow it along!
Leaf spring axles are quite common when it comes to a trailer suspension system because they tend to be more affordable to equip than torsion axles. However, they require more maintenance than torsion axles but at the same time, they are repairable whereas torsion axles are not; torsion axles must be completely replaced if they begin to show signs of failure. And not to mention, both require wheel bearing maintenance throughout their lifetime.
Like mentioned above, the torsion axle set up is directly bolted on the frame of the trailer and the additional cross structuring provides for a stiffer frame and cuts the flex from crosswinds. This also allows for torsion axle trailers to have a lower center of gravity with a ride closer to the ground. This results in better cornering and improved handling whereas the leaf spring set up will have the trailer sit higher. But then again, it’s worth mentioning again this can be a downside because the torsion cannot be repaired since it’s directly bolted to the trailer frame. [links]
On vehicles with rear leaf springs only, it is common for a taller coil spring to be placed on the front suspension to equal the raised height of the spring over axle in the rear. On torsion bar front suspensions, the torsion bar is adjusted to its fullest height to equal the spring over axle rear suspension conversion. If the torsion bar suspension cannot be adjusted high enough, then an aftermarket lift kit designed especially for the torsion bar suspension is installed on the front of the vehicle to gain the required height needed to match the rear spring over axle system.
The spring over axle conversion is often considered the easiest and most cost-effective method of raising a vehicle. The actual movement of the axle to the bottom of the spring pack is typically sufficient to add two to three tire sizes to the vehicle without any interference. Additional lift can be added to the spring over axle setup, however, it often involves additional springs being added to the original spring pack or re-arching the spring pack. Commonly, a combination of all of these methods is used on full-time, off-road vehicles. This setup is especially useful on vehicles with leaf springs on both the front and rear axles. [links]
The term spring over axle refers to the position of the leaf spring in relation to the axle. Applied in four-wheel drive suspension systems, a spring over axle conversion is done to achieve additional ground clearance and lift of the vehicle. In many four-wheel drive vehicles, the axle is positioned on top of the leaf spring. This eliminates the total measurement of the spring pack and half the thickness of the axle tube as far as lift is concerned. Typically, a new set of axle/spring pads are welded to the axle housing to allow the axle to be mounted underneath the leaf spring; once mounted, the original spring pads are removed.
It is very common for an owner of a vehicle with a spring over axle system to add longer spring shackles to the leaf springs to gain additional height in the vehicle. For the maximum amount of lift with a spring over axle suspension, aftermarket vehicle lift kits can be purchased at most auto supply stores and installed with common hand tools. The lift kits are commonly installed in about one weekend with the assistance of a helper to complete the installation.
Pros : Torsion suspension works on the premise of flexing rubber, which will create a smoother ride with less vibration. Another Pro of torsion axles is that, although expensive, they are relatively easy to replace. There is no welding required because they bolt directly to the frame. A torsion axle is a self-contained suspension unit, which eliminates many of the smaller components and moving parts that are found on leaf sprung suspensions.
Cons : On the other end of the things, because there are a lot of components, there are a lot of components that can break. Another con to leaf spring suspensions is that leaf springs work on the premise of flexing metal. This can sometimes make for a bit of a bumpy ride. [links]
The two most common forms of suspension on general duty trailer axles (1,500 lbs – 5,200 lbs) are going to be leaf sprung or torsion. Leaf Sprung axles can be visually identified by the fact that they will sit either on top of or below a set of leaf springs. A torsion axle will mount directly to the frame and has giant rubber cords in the axle tubing that resist torsion and create suspension. Torsion axles will have torsion arms on both sides of the axle coming down to the spindle. We are going to discuss the Pros and Cons of both suspension systems and a few things to consider.
Pros : One of the major benefits of a trailer leaf spring suspension is found on a tandem axle application. In a tandem axle application the leaf springs on each side are connected with an “Equalizer Bar”. The Equalizer bar is designed to equally distribute force between both axles. This will limit any damage caused by curbs, potholes, etc. Another positive with leaf spring suspensions is that many of the components are fairly easy and inexpensive to replace in the event of something needing replaced.
Cons : Due to the fact that torsion axles are independent from each other, there is no transfer of impact. This means that in the event that a pothole or curb is hit, the full force of that impact will be on that one wheel creating more chance for damage. Secondly, it can be difficult and in many cases impossible to repair a torsion axle. The rubber inside the axle tubing makes welding out of the question, which also means in the event of catastrophic damage, the entire axle would more than likely need to be replaced. more