Torsion axles???

[John White]

I am sure it has been discussed here but I just couldn't find a thread. Buying used trailer you cant always get what you want. I am looking at a Corn pro 14GVW equipment trailer 18' long. It has torsion axels. I have always stuck with springs. How will torsion axels perform and hold up? Any advice appreciated.

 

[oliver1555]

Torsion axles are great on smooth, flat surfaces, and if the trailer is always level. I would not want them on an equipment trailer.

 

[Morning Wood]

They’re fine.

 

[Oldoak]

They’re fine.

Yep, I prefer torsion axles. Although I don't own an "equipment trailer", I have torsion axles on my utility trailer and my TT which is 27' long with a GVW of 10,000#.

 

[bcp]

The problem is on multiple axles with no equalization. On a sharp rise or dip, most of the weight on one axle is shifted to the other axle, which may overload it. Equalized conventional sprung axles can do the same, but it takes much more rise or drop.

Bruce

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I have a 14k Moritz torsion axle gooseneck and haven't have any problems hauling 11,000lbs of tractor on it. I do try and stay on driving areas but there are some off camber areas that I have not had issues with. The big thing is to try very hard to keep the trailer level when loaded.

 

[John White]

Keeping it level probably wouldn't work for me as I haul a small dozer off pavement sometimes. What do you think of the equipt. trailers that have the donut wheels? (like house trailers) I had one once and had my share of problems. Probably due to overloading. Seems like the rims would give where the lug nuts were and loosen up. I have about 6 wheels with tires that I have found over the years that come off some ones trailer laying along the road.

 

[ruffdog]

I was wondering the same thing as the OP....springs or torsion? I have been keeping my eye out for a 14/16' 12/14k equipment trailer to haul the Toolcat (6k) and firewood. I'm looking for a flat deck that will give me ground clearance and I plan on going off road. I'm thinking pull out ramps with the rear corner jacks will offer the best uneven surface loading. My PWC trailer has the torsion axles and it has been fine, but is a light weight. They recommend to get the weight off the tires for winter time.

 

[George2615]

My PJ 22' 14K model TF full tilt bed has torsion axles. Bought it 4 years ago and have had no problems with the trailer or suspension.

 

[Stimw]

On a single axle they are OK but with more than one axle you should have springs with equalizers.
Any time the trailer is uneven front to rear the equalizers spread the weight evenly.
I drove and repaired semi trailers for over 30 years and they use springs or air ride.
In the low 70's I worked for a company and we were taking 1960's semi trailers and removing steel torsion bar suspensions and converting to spring/equalizers. Those old suspensions were UGLY! And heavy.

 

[oliver1555]

Keeping it level probably wouldn't work for me as I haul a small dozer off pavement sometimes. What do you think of the equipt. trailers that have the donut wheels? (like house trailers) I had one once and had my share of problems. Probably due to overloading. Seems like the rims would give where the lug nuts were and loosen up. I have about 6 wheels with tires that I have found over the years that come off some ones trailer laying along the road.

Look at 17.5 tires. Ratings up to 6000# apiece. 10,000# axles with 17.5 wheels and tires are great. A true truck tire far superior to 16” LT or ST tires without the hassle of duals.

 

[Xfaxman]

Re: Torsion axles??? Yes!!!

Bought it new in 2006. 14k with torsion axles. Hauled over 11,000 pounds of round bales twice a year for several years:

Handles the V417 just fine, total weight on the deck is about 10,990 pounds including tie downs:

 

[RoyKing]

On multi axle use springs, easy to inspect, takes overloading better. Torsion when fail leave burning a tire on a fender.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I'll take torsion any day over springs. Yes you do need to be more careful but there is so much less maintenance long term. And they ride so much smoother and there is no noise. No thinning/breaking of u-bolts due to gravel hitting them. No axles being pounded thin from the gravel. No replacing equalizers and bushings that are wore out. A torsion is also a lot easier to run the brake wires behind so that the gravel doesn't burn the wires off.

I realize that most of you don't drive gravel roads much but I repair for farmers and see it all the time. I see it as the negatives for torsion are a lot less than the negatives for springs.

 

[joecdeere]

been running these 7,000 Dexter torsions for almost 15 years, great ride, no/low maintenance

 

[Redlands Okie]

Unless your running over rough uneven ground, terraces, and such, a LOT then for the reasons listed above make the torsions the way to go.

 

[4570Man]

My trailer has 10,000 pound spring axels. I’m not aware of torsion axels in use over 7k. Edit the do exist but from what I’m seeing they’re nearly $3000 each. That’s probably why I’ve never seen one. I might be in the wrong but I’ve never done any maintenance to trailer springs. Brakes and bearings yes, but never springs.

 

[Oldoak]

I'll take torsion any day over springs. Yes you do need to be more careful but there is so much less maintenance long term. And they ride so much smoother and there is no noise. No thinning/breaking of u-bolts due to gravel hitting them. No axles being pounded thin from the gravel. No replacing equalizers and bushings that are wore out. A torsion is also a lot easier to run the brake wires behind so that the gravel doesn't burn the wires off.

I realize that most of you don't drive gravel roads much but I repair for farmers and see it all the time. I see it as the negatives for torsion are a lot less than the negatives for springs.

Precisely why I prefer torsion suspension over springs. I have also seen a lot broken springs at our local truck and trailer repair shop. As far as brake and wheel bearings go, the maintenance on them would be the same on either type of suspension system.

When traveling on rough roads or off road, speed has a lot to due with suspension dependability and longevity of any suspension system.

 

[ruffdog]

Are torsion axles tucked up under the trailer higher for better ground clearance vs a trailer with springs?

 

[pmsmechanic]

Are torsion axles tucked up under the trailer higher for better ground clearance vs a trailer with springs?

It depends which clocking of the axle you buy. If the axle is clocked 45 degrees or less down then yes you get more clearance. If clocked level or 22.5 degree up then the answer is no.