Trailer leaf springs vs torsion axles

[Ford850]

I just read a very good comparison on a trailer manufacturer's site a few days ago. They make and sell both, so I trust their information. I think much of what they said has been repeated above. They also mentioned parking or storing on uneven ground would be bad for torsion. Overall, my take on it was that springs are better for heavier use and abuse, and will likely last longer with lower cost to maintain and repair. The advantage of torsion is that they are low, and provide a nice ride.

 

[TheGoose]

Another advantage that I'm aware of is for boat trailers used in saltwater torsion seems to be the way to go.

 

[crazyal]

If you go with torsion make sure you have the right draw bar height to make the trailer ride level when loaded otherwise you are going to put more wear on one axle. Plus if you are not careful and are loaded near the maximum capacity and the trailer is not level you could overload one axle.

 

[bcp]

Sounds like a torsion axle would be a good choice for a single axle trailer. Most of the tandem torsion problems would be avoided.

Bruce

 

[lilranch2001]

For me it sounds like leaf springs are correct.
I learned a lot from all of your comments
Thanks

 

[FTG-05]

Sounds like a torsion axle would be a good choice for a single axle trailer. Most of the tandem torsion problems would be avoided.

Bruce

This. Torsion axles are great for one axle trailers. I built my first trailer using a torsion axle, it worked great! For a two axle trailer: no way.

 

[Quickster2]

I have torsion axles on my 4 horse gooseneck and a 21' enclosed trailer. No issues with either one in more than 10 years. Both are towed essentially level as all trailers should be. I ordered and have slipper leafs on my 25' Sure Trac gooseneck for the same reasons others have described (heavy, sometimes uneven loads). I think both have a place depending on the application. All trailers are stored on flat ground outside, over gravel, with the tires sitting on 2 X 10" treated lumber boards to keep the tires off the ground.

 

[lilranch2001]

How old is your Sure Trac and how do you like it?
I am considering the Sure Trac Gooseneck Implement
Im not sure if I should go gooseneck or bumper pull

 

[Oliver1655]

Goose neck trailers enable you to transfer more of the trailer weight to the pulling vehicle as the attachment point is just before the rear axle where the "bumper" pull trailers will lever the front end of the vehicle off the ground easier.

If you are pulling with a heavy truck such as a dump truck a "bumper" hitch will work fine but if pulling with a 2/4 or one ton p/u, especially if it has a short wheel base, I prefer a goose neck.

Another consideration is the turning radius. A goose neck will allow you to turn in tighter spots.

 

[Deere Dude]

If you go with torsion make sure you have the right draw bar height to make the trailer ride level when loaded otherwise you are going to put more wear on one axle. Plus if you are not careful and are loaded near the maximum capacity and the trailer is not level you could overload one axle.

One concern I have with my fifth wheel camper with two leaf spring axles is this; I want to extend the hitch a couple inches so the truck isn't so close to the front of the camper, but when I do that on my particular GN hitch, it will raise it two or three inches also, and that will tilt the camper up in front making it noticeably not level. Will that effect the weights on rear axle to a point of overload?