Dexter Torflex Axle

[travis potter]

I built a tool trailer and put a 35k dexter under it rides much better than the old spring trailer. Airstream travel trailers have used them for years and they are the best riding trailer on the market.My openion.

 

[2003Pilot]

I built a tool trailer and put a 35k dexter under it rides much better than the old spring trailer. Airstream travel trailers have used them for years and they are the best riding trailer on the market.My openion.

You're absolutely right about the ride of Airstream. I now own the 26' Airstream that my parents purchased in 1965. Still rides and tows like a dream. It has Dexter Torflex axles on it.

Gary

 

[Redbug]

When towing a trailer with torflex axles, it is critical the loaded trailer be level. Otherwise, one axle, (and it's tires), will be supporting more weight than the other axle.

Torflex do not distribute the load evenly between axles, (since they are not connected in any way)...The leaf spring style do distribute the load more evenly between axles with their connecting cams. It may not be as smooth a ride as torflex, but an awkward load is shared more between axles. That seems a lot safer to me.

Torflex are cheaper in price and easier to assemble on a trailer, and give a smoother ride. Leaf springs are more expensive, more parts, and a bit more rougher ride...but loads are evened out where the rubber meets the road. For an equipment trailer my choice would be the leaf axle type. I would go with torflex on a camper, though.

 

[Skyco]

Torflex are cheaper in price and easier to assemble on a trailer, and give a smoother ride. Leaf springs are more expensive, more parts, and a bit more rougher ride...but loads are evened out where the rubber meets the road. For an equipment trailer my choice would be the leaf axle type. I would go with torflex on a camper, though.

Every package I've checked out torsion axles are much more money than an "equivalent" leaf spring package...for example a tandem set of 3500 lb axles with springs, hangers, u bolts and equalizers is around $320 where two 3500 lb torsion axles will set you back over $500...
If you do know of a place that sells equivalent torsion axles cheaper than a leaf spring axle package I'd sure like to know where

 

[Redbug]

Hi Skyco,

These folks offer a pretty good deal, and are made to order.
Around $500 for both axles, (simular to your quote).
3500 LB TORFLEX AXLE ASSEMBLIES - IDLER - KMT Trailer Parts

For regular axles, I figure 2 would run you around $660 or so. You have to get the axles, leaf springs, equalizers, u bolts, etc.
CHAMPION TRAILER'S WEBPAGE FOR

Main index for all the other parts...Good stuff... CHAMPION TRAILER PARTS SUPPLY

But to be fair...Their torsion axles do look more expensive than the regular...I stand corrrrected...I don't know why since there are less parts involved. Higher markup?
CHAMPION TRAILERS WEBPAGE FOR TORSION AXLES

 

[Skyco]

I suppose the torsion axles are higher due to their design- figure a regular axle is just basically a pipe with the spindles welded on, with a torsion axle you still have the spindles of course but they are welded* to a large forged lever assembly that is then welded to a square rod that is inside the whole square tube surrounded by four rubber "rods" to give the torsion action. More materials and more labor to assemble, and perhaps there is more markup.

Champion is a pretty good reference site but I used this one to get prices-
Trailer Axles for utility and boat trailers their axle price is about half of Champions!

Their torsion page is here-
Flexiride Rubber Torsion Axles

* Dexter axles are welded but I see there are some available now that have a replaceable spindle if one is damaged....pretty cool If I'd have know that last year when I spec'd and ordered two 3500 lb Dexter Torflex axles I might have gone that route