Torsion suspensions

[Hay Dude]

I feel like a spring suspension is a safe bet, but a couple trailer choices I really like have torsion axles.

 

[garry1p]

Airstream trailers use torsion axles.
The are smooth and the only problem I'm aware of is they will sag from just sitting over time.

 

[Hay Dude]

I just want to know if they can handle bumpy fields with heavy loads.

 

[nisaacs]

My PJ 22k dump handles the rough country fine. Just an FYI, Dexter warranty on spring axles is 5 years, or 10 years on torsion. They do need to be level. All spring and torsion axles suspensions are not created equal. It is how the manufactures mount them that is important. Spring suspension has a lot of wear points v/s torsion. I have both and like both.

 

[Fallon]

I've had 2 torsion axle trailers. 1970s Boller & a late 90s Casita. The Boller had no movement left in the suspension & the Casita was ok, although I was thinking about a new axle, mostly for a lift. There is rubber between the square axle tube & the square axle shaft. It squishes as the inner twists. After 20 or 40 years that rubber dries out & gets hard. I tend to think that's pretty good durability all in all. They are easy to replace as long as they aren't welded on. A lifespan of a decade or 2 isn't leaf spring good, but generally pretty adequate.

I wouldn't hesitate to get a single torsion axle trailer again. There is no equalizer between torsion axles like there is on a spring axle though. Hit a speed bump & that first torsion axle takes most of the force. The equalizer on a spring axle distributes a good chunk to the 2nd leaf spring pair & the other axle.

You say heavy off road use. If you are going to be pushing a multi-axle trailer towards the limit in rough terrain you'll likely end up overloading them. I wouldn't be nearly as worried in a single axle scenario though.

 

[dieselscout80]

I think bumps in the field would be less of an issue than turning in the soft ground with a heavy load. When turning (going forward or back) it me a seems like there would be a lot of stress that could bend the ends of torsion axle.

I do have a torsion axle horse trailer and it's old and has not had any issues.

I really like the increase clearance they tend to provide vs a spring axle.

 

[Hay Dude]

Well, I’m in negotiations with my Diamond C dealer. We are trying to see if DC will build me a 20’ DEC 210 deckover and bump the rating from 20,000 to 23,000 with a 235 tire and ply upgrade and an upgraded ball coupler on the torsion axles.

I am going with the wide ramps instead of the mega ramps. I know “why would you do that?”

I think it’ll be easier to load small tire equipment and it’s $1,500+ cheaper. Also the flat part of the deck is 20’ long instead of 19’ long.

 

[Snobdds]

I had a wood chipper with a torsion axel. I took it up to my cabin all the time on the rough roads. It held up fine. I just don't know if they can handel the weight over time you would be using it for.

Actually my leaf spring tandem axel trailer had an issue where the hangers were placed too close together and it would cause the spring pack to invert on bumps. I would get to the cabin and one whole axel would be not riding on the ground. That took me a while to figure out what was going on. The fix was to put the hanger out by one inch on both sides.

So I guess each has their pluses and minuses.

 

[nisaacs]

Well, I’m in negotiations with my Diamond C dealer. We are trying to see if DC will build me a 20’ DEC 210 deckover and bump the rating from 20,000 to 23,000 with a 235 tire and ply upgrade and an upgraded ball coupler on the torsion axles.

Are you going to pull it with your dump truck or just your 5500? They can both carry some serious pin weight. I don't think the DEC with the 8"x15# I-beam frame will stand a heavy pin weight. Most manufactures use 10"-12" I-beam frame in about 16#-19# per ft. Not sure why DC's bumper pull is so light for 20k rating.

They do make a serious pintle hitch, heavy frame, with 25k gvw, 10k axles but duallys.

 

[Hay Dude]

Are you going to pull it with your dump truck or just your 5500? They can both carry some serious pin weight. I don't think the DEC with the 8"x15# I-beam frame will stand a heavy pin weight. Most manufactures use 10"-12" I-beam frame in about 16#-19# per ft. Not sure why DC's bumper pull is so light for 20k rating.

They do make a serious pintle hitch, heavy frame, with 25k gvw, 10k axles but duallys.

It’ll see work behind both, IF it happens. I’ll have to get an electric brake model if the 5500 will also be pulling it.
Prices are out of control and there’s plenty of used, traditional tandem trailers out there for sale.

New-expensive
Used- repairs, not as nice.