Torsion axles???

[Fallon]

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.

They seem to use them on low profile gravity tilting deck trailers to get a lower deck height. You can get them setup for lower or higher clearance by where the torsion arm is clocked as previously noted. I love torsion for single axle trailers. But went with springs for my newish deckover power tilting deck. Mostly due to the equalizing over rough ground.

The rubber in torsion axles wears out after 10-20 years on travel trailers, probably faster with more heavy use. You end up with a lower ride height & little to no suspension travel as the rubber hardens.

 

[Redbug]

They seem to use them on low profile gravity tilting deck trailers to get a lower deck height. You can get them setup for lower or higher clearance by where the torsion arm is clocked as previously noted. I love torsion for single axle trailers. But went with springs for my newish deckover power tilting deck. Mostly due to the equalizing over rough ground.

The rubber in torsion axles wears out after 10-20 years on travel trailers, probably faster with more heavy use. You end up with a lower ride height & little to no suspension travel as the rubber hardens.

I have wondered about the rubber life of torsion axles. That's one reason I have shied away from torsions. My trailers are all the standard type with springs. I went out of my way to make sure the newest equipment trailer I ordered has the standard spring and equalizer setup. I have had blowouts before and you can ratchet up the blown side and limp home if it's short enough.

 

[Oldoak]

The rubber in torsion axles wears out after 10-20 years on travel trailers, probably faster with more heavy use. You end up with a lower ride height & little to no suspension travel as the rubber hardens.

It's a toss up. :confused3:

In 10-20 years spring suspension components wear out and break, and the leaf springs themselves sag or break. Even with light use I have seen individual leafs snap.

 

[ruffdog]

Can the rubber be replaced or is it all permanently molded into the axle? Can a person "re-clock" the axle to get a different ride height after the trailer is delivered?

 

[Oldoak]

The rubber in the torsion axil suspension is permanently molded in and cannot be replaced separately. That is the one drawback to them. The whole axle assembly must be replaced if/when there is a failure, $$.

 

[Redbug]

Can the rubber be replaced or is it all permanently molded into the axle? Can a person "re-clock" the axle to get a different ride height after the trailer is delivered?

Good question. I have wondered the same.

 

[bcp]

All I've examined (not a lot) have had the trailing arm welded to the part that rotates in the rubber. But adjustable angle axles are out there.

Here is an example of a clamped and welded arm.

Adjustable:
3,500 Lb. Adjustable Trailer Torsion Axles | Northern Tool + Equipment

Bruce

 

[bcp]

Interesting axle articles:

Trailer Axle: Use Leaf Springs? Or Torsion Axle? Here's the Engineering

Tandem Axles (& Triples) - Choosing The Right Trailer Axles Technology

Bruce

 

[ruffdog]

Interesting axle articles:

Trailer Axle: Use Leaf Springs? Or Torsion Axle? Here's the Engineering

Tandem Axles (& Triples) - Choosing The Right Trailer Axles Technology

Bruce

Very interesting read......thanks.

 

[Redbug]

Interesting axle articles:

Trailer Axle: Use Leaf Springs? Or Torsion Axle? Here's the Engineering

Tandem Axles (& Triples) - Choosing The Right Trailer Axles Technology

Bruce

Thanks Bruce. I learned stuff I never knew. I am glad you posted this.