Trailer options for sensitive equipment

[VachonMan]

I work at a research lab which operates a 4.5m un-manned submarine. We're in the process of figuring out a trailer option for towing it around and using as a field workstation. We're leaning toward a 24' x 8' trailer that'll be towed by a pickup.

couple of questions I've come up against:

- In terms of Vibration reduction and protecting the gear, how does a Torflex axle compare to air bags?

- what hitch setup is gonna offer the absolute most stable ride? sway bars, torsion control, etc

I'm a little green when it comes to this stuff, so please feel free to dumb it down for me

Cheers

 

[dodge man]

I have no expertise in this area, so I'm just throwing out ideas, but a problem with trailers is they don't have shocks. Most of the time this doesn't matter, but I think a custom setup with shocks would help alot. Trailers also usually have pretty stiff springs for a maximum load. Since you know exactly what the load will be, you could maybe have custom, softer springs put on it.

I think a goose neck or fifth wheel setup would maybe also give the trailer a better ride.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Shocks would surly help and a air ride hitch on a 5thw GN hitch would also help. I do not care for torque flex axles for the simple fact that they do not share the load as equally between them compared to leaf springs with load equalizers do.

Chris

 

[radioman]

I am no expert, but if you think about it logically, a gooseneck generally have axels further back reducing the shock of bumps. If you go with a bumper pull having distrubition bars really helps to keep down the seesaw motion of the trailer and vehicle. The sway bar will help the side to side or fishtailing.

having too light of a load in the trailer will make it bouncy which is not good for electronics. too much wieght will make it rough over every bump and you can feel it in the vehicle when towing. Having said that, towing electronics without indivdual shock covers on the equipment in a trailer may not be the way to go.

I have a feeling you may want to go with a used uhaul truck as everything is much smoother with air ride and shocks.

 

[swines]

Go here

Mor/ryde makes a number of different trailer suspension systems that can be retrofitted onto most trailers. I'm sure one of their applications people could help you.

 

[Skyco]

I love the torsion axles, they have a very good ride.* Some trailers DO have shocks, my 25ft toy hauler trailer does. Some of the axle manufacturers sell kits to add them to a trailer that didn't come with them.

*I was sold on torsion axles when I drove 100 miles+ with an enclosed torsion axle trailer and one of my kids had left a half drank can of coke sitting on the inner fender well, still there and unspilled when we got home. Some trailers I've had would have thrown the can all over the trailer and busted it open!

 

[Cat_Driver]

Depending on the equipment you cantalk to these people and use their Shock Isolated Rack. Have them make a case that will handle the shock.

Also with the options they can add 6"-12" of foam if needed.


Anvil Cases: Options

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

I have torsion axles on my 28' enclosed and it rides like a dream.I have left beverages on the front bench and driven 2 hrs home one some of IL. great roads without them bouncing off the bench. I use a weight distribution hitch. My dually rides worse than the trailer. I think it also depends on how much weight you are going to be carrying.
Bill

 

[schmism]

gooseneck or 5th wheel with shocks and airbags.

gonna beat a bumper pull no matter how much fancy WD hitch gear you got.

 

[VachonMan]

thanks for all the great posts everyone, I'll be checkin' out those links.

Been shopping around at the local trailer suppliers and starting to lean toward a stock trailer with torflex, but modifying the inside with a custom sub-frame that would include its own vibration compensation. (similar to those anvil cases, but on a large scale for our AUV).

Seems going to an airbag system may add too much cost and complexity, whereas a custom sub-frame with rubber or coiled shock mounts may do the trick. Any experiences out there?

5th wheel or gooseneck is not an option for us due to availability of trucks, much easier for us to get access to bumper hitches than anything else.