TORSION vs SPRING Axles-Which Is BETTER?

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What are the differences between a torsion axle and a spring axle for your trailer? I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each of these axles to show you which one would work best for your specific situation.
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Опубликовано:

14 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 93

@hbracerx 2 дня назад

Nice summary of the differences, advantages. Thanks!

@karsonwilliams9507 День назад

Our 28ft cattle trailer is a 1996 with torsion axles and all we have ever done is repack/replace bearings. In and out of ranches and up and down the highway. Will take torsion all day over spring. Rancher I know who runs about 3000 steers every year said he’s had more repairs on spring axles than torsion

@chucksterock День назад

I had a 2007 Pace American 8.5x24 cargo trailer that I bought new. Two 3500# torsion axles. Empty weight was 3600# and the cargo varied depending on how many of us teamed up to go racing. But I'm sure we ran it to capacity. It always towed great behind several different vehicles. It was always dancing behind us gently responding to bumps and wind and stuff. I could leave stuff on the bench and it'd be there when we arrived. Only sold it to downsize as my buddies quit racing while I didn't. The axles were still going strong I sold it four years ago.

@robkocol5664 11 часов назад

Torsion axles are a higher initial cost to purchase but the cost of maintenance and ownership is MUCH lower. Also, to swap out and upgrade only requires a plasma cutter instead of other modifications for positioning of hangers and spring mounts. Also, maybe as a better benefit, Torsion axles can achieve a lower loading tailgate angle and trailer deck height. Just order one with your desired drop amount and carrying capacity. Plus there is a whole lot less to mount underneath the trailer frame and less to break and go wrong. A spring setup for use in pasture or rough country will typically provide a greater travel distance (for sudden holes or drops) than a torsion spring (providing it's set up that way).

@jbcowherder6210 День назад

we have a fleet of 25+ trailers in the 7-10k range. the trailers with spring axles have little to no wear problems on tires and i have found they are less likely to break the wires going to the electric brakes. the torsion axle equipped trailers are pretty consistent to break wires since the wiring doesn't have a real good way to secure the wiring to the stub axle at the hub, and they fairly consistently wear tires badly. i find the axles deflect under the forces of heavy load causing the issue. they also are a poor choice for a tandem axle, as if the trailer isn't level with the truck at all times, the axles do not carry the load equally between all 4 tires since they are all independent. the downside for the spring suspension, wear yes, but it's easily replaceable and they don't really seem to wear as bad as most people think.

@zmotorsports62 День назад

Great overview and pretty much mirrors my own experience and opinions. I ordered my two past enclosed race trailers with torsion axles because they saw solely highway miles being pulled behind our motorcoach. When I built my 20' tilt deck car hauler I used tandem 6k pound spring axles because some of the cars I haul get loaded on uneven ground and I want the axles loaded evenly. Either way, one of my pet peeves is seeing a trailer nose high or worse nose low and their torsion axles loaded unevenly. See this all too often.

@rickysand1900 День назад

Excellent video! This answered many questions I’ve had for a long time. Thanks!!!

@Scott_X48 День назад

Great review. I have an off-road teardrop with a single torsion axle. It does great, and I do take it up fairly serious trails. Not saying one is better than the other, just this has served me well. Towed about 45,000 over the last years. Trailer weight approx 1000 lbs.

@adjbob56 2 дня назад

Wow - lot more knowledge than I expected on the difference between the 2 axle designs. Had no idea hitting a curb would bend a torsion axle. Now I can see all that leverage against the 90 degree attachment point vs. simple axle on leaf springs. Why don't they have a simply hydraulic shock absorber to take the bounce out of a leaf spring? All the old cars in the 60's-70's were leaf spring in rear with shocks.

@robertkb64 День назад

I’ve been wondering about the strategy of adding shocks to the existing trailer springs myself, so when I upgraded the suspension of my Titan Pro-4x I just grabbed a pair of the old ones off the truck (I think they were rancho’s). Tremendous improvement. I happened to weld mine up, but that was a function of availability and my skills as it could. Have been done just as easily with a drill and bolts.

@kirkreusch5704 День назад

I replaced a bass boat trailer that had tandem torsion axles with a trailer with leaf springs. I disliked the extra noise and increased bouncing with the springs, I rehabbed my original trailer and sold the new trailer. Just trailers much better and much quieter. Love the content. Keep it up.

@jaredsimcox2248 День назад

my experience with torsion axles was a cargo trailer to haul atvs we take it off road often as well and it ended up bending the front axle exactly like your demo it was cheaper and faster to convert it to a spring setup than replacing the one bent torsion axle after watching this i know I made the right decision

@markd6777 13 часов назад

This was very informative and confirms my decision not to attempt to fix a bent torsion a customer wanted me to try and "un-bend". Well done and I like your very simplistic demo of the equalizer on the spring axle, very hands on.

@KosherFinance 2 дня назад

Thank you for great straight up info, sir!

@TheTrailerSmith 2 дня назад

Thanks for watching!

@tedfisk1211 День назад

interesting discussion of a subject I had no insight into. Thank you

@hgoff5617 5 часов назад

Good video - learned a bit. The worst thing is the cheap plastic bushings - first thing i did was put a wet bushing set in.

@roefamily День назад

Airstream has been using Torsion axles forever well since the 50s

@onefastcyclist День назад

Indeed, a well done presentation! Many Australian off-road trailers have coil springs and shocks on a trailing arm suspension - they are expensive but perhaps in a future video?

@robandnell4305 День назад

Great video for all trailer people

@truckerlarry7345 День назад

Torsion suspension is not approved by DOT in commercial applications, because they have no mechanical equalizer. Leaf spring is much more serviceable as you noted, anybody with basic tools and a jack can change out a leaf spring. When my semi tractor had leaf springs, which I broke a lot. I could change one out in about 15 minutes. If you need a smooth ride on your hundred thousand dollar RV just get air ride with a good set of shocks and you will be happy. If you think that suspension is too expensive maybe you should only buy $80,000 RV then you can afford to get the upgraded air. Over 6,000,000 miles of experience and still learning. But the basics Never change.

@mattharrod5362 7 часов назад

Great comparison video. An idea for a follow up: cover other softening alternatives such as Equa Flex equilizers, Timbren silent ride suspensions, and shock obsorbers. THX!

@davepritchard4101 День назад

Great job on comprehensive comparison. I participate in a brand specific trailer forum where the issues with both are discussed very frequently. As soon as I saw your video I shared it on the forum via a hypertext link. I couldn't imbed the video because your settings prevent it. It'd be great if you would allow this feature as many people have reservations about clicking hypertext links. Again - great video!

@shutupstoopid4518 2 дня назад

What are your thoughts on a spring suspension with the addition of a sock absorber kit added?...thanks

@michaellauer3397 День назад

Best setup. Just don’t use more spring than you need

@ronpaul8872 2 дня назад

Would you please consider covering the isolated (rubber) dual spring eqalizerss. Thank you, Ron in Virginia.

@nswsparky 4 часа назад

I have a 12k tow master trailer that has torsion axles. I like the low profile the axle is. It is mounted to the frame and the deck is in the 4" I-beam frame. So my top of deck is around 18 off road no dovetail needed

@Mike-hb4pc 7 часов назад

That was a very good comparison. For me, torsion axles all the way. Yes, they cost more up front, BUT, I think in the long run they are cheaper. If you factor in having to rebuild the spring suspension with all those parts, especially if you’re not a DIY guy, coupled with current labor rates approaching $200/hr. And don’t forget downtime. Downtime is time and money. I’ve run both styles in my time and the torsion axles ride is far superior.

@htalbott1899 2 дня назад

Great vidio always very valuable info can't wait for the next one

@garrett9186 13 часов назад

Good video. You should do a comparison between spring suspension and slipper spring.

@BlackBuzzzard День назад

yeah I travel with and extra leaf spring and hardware, after I broke a spring in Utah I wised up.

@derekheuring2984 18 часов назад

Rockwood installs torsion bar suspension in their GeoPro line of travel trailers which are by design going to be taken off paved roads and in fact I'm looking to buy one real soon. My truck has air bags in the rear for load levelling so I'm hoping that as long as I pay attention to keeping the trailer as level as possible it will mitigate the problem of overloading one axle while driving along rough backcountry roads.

@Chris_at_Home День назад

I had a custom made ATV trailer made and put 1,000 pound torsion axle on it. It towed nice in mud and bumps.

@jimmydollar День назад

Does the torsion rubber have memory or lose it's carrying capacity over time? Wondering when I store my snowmo trailer for 10 months if I should unload it during the off sesaon.

@Paladin7845 День назад

Great Question!

@TheTrailerSmith День назад

Yes, I would recommend unloading during off season. Keeping the torsion under constant load will decrease the life span of the axle. Great question!

@jeffwelsh1185 2 дня назад

In the past 13 years working in a repair shop for a city in Texas, I can’t even tell you how many torsion suspension spindles that get bent and eat tires. In my opinion, I feel the torsion system is a horrible design and not as good as they put it up to be. Also I read a write up on a form, there way a torsion suspension system on a RV. It was towed from east coast to west coast on a vacation, and back to the east coast again. He claims to tow it on highway only, no off road or dirt roads. When checking out the trailer after the trip, all 4 spindles were bent. He contacted the dealership and they would provide new torsion assemblies at no charge, but if he wanted them to replace them, he had to pay labor. That’s just a crap deal all the way around. In my opinion, anyone who wants a torsion suspension system on a trailer instead of a axle with springs is setting themselves up for failure.

@Paladin7845 День назад

I have an 8x18 cargo / tool trailer with torsion axles....it's an 03 purchased new and still tracking down the road dead straight. The OPERATOR has a Lot to do with how well any piece of equipment performs and how long it lasts.

@phildegruy9295 2 дня назад

What hwy. or road is smooth and good anymore?

@sparklersfrom_nj2294 2 дня назад

Can you add shocks to a torsion axle without them? I see that most new airstream trailers have tension + shocks.

@gordoncloutier7835 10 часов назад

I had torsion axles on my trailer and if I touched a sidewalk while turning it killed the wheel and tire. Changed to spring axles and never had problems since. Will never have torsion axles again.

@Garth2011 13 часов назад

Springs seem to have to bulk of towing covered best. What I have noticed much are the 3,500 lb spring axles with 15" tires and 5 lug wheels and tire failure, much too often. My observation is those set ups just don't work well however stepping up to a 6 or 8 lug 16" wheel and heavier axles such as 6,500+ have much better success with tire longevity. Also, I don't understand why trailers do not have shocks.

@TraconWizard День назад

Thank you. Can you replace the spindle on a spring axle setup? And how bad can rust be before it's necessary?

@keithdickie7735 5 часов назад

Question: in you video the spring axle trailer shown, was tandem axle /single axle brake. It appears in the video that the brake equipped axle is the rear axle. Why do you put the brake on the rear axle rather than the fwd axle. I have both types, on my trailers My pref is on a tandem axle with single brake is having brake on the fwd axle, if I have my controller set too aggressively & inadvertently lock up the brakes I can see the tire skid on the fwd axle , hopefully remedying the issue before flat spotting the tires but I cannot see tire slide, when only the rear axle has brakes. There must be a reason for rear axle brakes. regards

@philip4x4guy 2 дня назад

Ive had very good luck with torsion, but i can see a place for both. A week ago i was talking to an old guy who warned me, "don't ever get a torsion axle, they're garbage and they bend, I just replaced a 2900lb torsion (his claim, not mine) with a 5000k leaf spring axle and its way better" I just nodded 😂

@robkocol5664 10 часов назад

A 2900lb axle is lightweight and it won't matter what style it is! I see many bent axles going down the street. I'm guessing when calculating loads they didn't factor in the weight of the trailer itself or maybe?- it's just a low IQ issue.

@philip4x4guy 4 часа назад

@robkocol5664 exactly the point, he had a severely underrated axle and attributed it to the style, not the overloading

@richeastmain4031 2 дня назад

Thanks for another informative video. I have a 2006 enclosed car trailer with 2 torsion axles and I have always wondered if the rubber deteriorates and how I would know if it did. Is there any way to inspect or measure it?

@jaredsimcox2248 День назад

I don’t know if I was told the truth but I replaced 20 year old torsion axles for springs because one was bent and they told me that the rubber breaks down after about 25 years and replacing the axle is the only way to fix it

@richeastmain4031 14 часов назад

@@jaredsimcox2248 Thanks for the info. I guess I have a few years left!

@paulstanley3265 День назад

Can you do a video on how to properly jack up a TT with torsion axel

@smore7633 День назад

What do you think of the comfort ride system for RV trailers?

@kevinherm3036 23 часа назад

How about the slipper spring set that some implement trailers come with?

@danlaur7973 2 дня назад

Unless you are using the trailer on goat paths, the torsion axle is the way to go

@js4455dl 2 дня назад

My new trailer has torsion axles hope I'm not messing up getting them

@malekodesouza7255 2 дня назад

Our dual axle boat trailer is torsion. 9K boat & trailer. Works fine with less complexity. I’ve towed it 1000s of miles.

@Rustlerbear 2 дня назад

Torsion is much better.

@michaelm8675 2 дня назад

I have a dump trailer and the battery positive terminal overheats and has melted a couple batteries while dumping. Almost looks like it’s going to start a fire, does it with a heavy and light load. Any recommendations on how to fix the issue ?

@JSRiggs-tr1gl 2 дня назад

What is your opinion about 4-point wagon suspension under a utility trailer?

@noname-vu5gq День назад

I am not going to do this but could someone replace a spring axle with a torsion axle? I know the fender location would have to be moved and there would be more tounge weight since the torsion axle will be a bit further aft. Those 2 variables aside, would this concept work to improve ride quality? I am guessing not since nobody has done this.

@wreckum56 10 часов назад

I have a torsion on my skid steer trailer and with a dodge 3/4 ton it doesn’t work because you can’t not get the neck of the trailer low enough without hitting the box in some instances and the front tires of the trailer will not touch the ground empty and when you load it up with the weight of the skid steer there is to much weight on the rear axle and very little on the front. Springs would be much better in my case the only other thing would be to space the trailer further away from the trailer frame.

@Blake-nu2vv День назад

Where is your trailer shop? I'm in Texas. Houston.

@Blake-nu2vv День назад

Sorry, just saw you answered that already in another comment

@kevinbishop1323 Час назад

Spring all the way

@jeffrogers8314 День назад

where in tx are you located

@TheTrailerSmith День назад

We are in North Texas, just north of Fort Worth. Are you close?

@EnvirotekCleaningSystems День назад

@@TheTrailerSmith I'm not far and I would love some info on the trailer you used in the demo for the spring set-up..

@jeffwelsh1185 2 дня назад

Why in Texas do they put the brake axle on the rear? Every trailer I have ever owned and most were from California, the brake axle is in the front. Why is that? By the looks of the suspension, it would be better to have the axle that is gonna have rotational torque on it from brakes being applied should be rotating again the hard mount to the front of the spring.

@tmiklos4 День назад

Does anyone still make a spring type of torsion axle. We have two or three vintage trailers with torsion spring . They are great axles we have never had an issue with that type. What it is there is a torsion spring that wraps around the axle. The ones we have are 55-70 years old. I think they all are at least 3500 lb axles. We have a number of trailers with modern torsion axles and are happy with them. We did buy a box trailer cheap with a damaged torsion axle. Not sure why it failed . The replacement axle was more expensive than standard spring, but I didn't think the price was that bad. . But I will spend the extra $ for bulldog couplers, because I will never have to replace it again. .

@petercampbell4220 2 дня назад

The documentation recommends not to do triple axle, as going over bumps can put the entire weight on one axle. 2X normal is nominally ok 3X normal not so much.

@peterwright2692 19 часов назад

If u want smooth,u need aussie made Cruisemaster air bags, won't use rubber torsion.

@michaellauer3397 День назад

I’ll never have another torsion axle. Unless you’re using the higher lift where the the arm is pointed DOWN, they ride terribly rough. And that’s where your example bent. When the curb was struck, the load was sent back, not up. If the arm was clocked down it may not have happened. See physics. With tandem springs The equalizer transfers the load to the paired spring, giving a better ride. Especially when using shocks. Torsion folks try to tell you it self dampens. BS. I have a single axle travel trailer that throws everything behind the axle all around the cabin. Changed to springs with shocks, problem solved. Some people think spending more money fixes everything. Nope. Do the common thing uncommonly well, go forth and rejoice.

@FDRam22 День назад

I like spring axles better. Torsion axles are nice, but I've had a failure before on a snowmobile trailer in Northern Maine. With a leaf setup, you can jack it up and put a wood block in there and get out of the woods. With the Torsion axles, your kinda S.O.L.

@H-eq7un 2 дня назад

Torsion sucks. I just scraped a set and currently replacing them with custom 36” leaf springs. Most torsions have 1” or less of bump travel when loaded along with the other problems. You hit a bridge seam at 75 in Texas fully loaded with your fancy torsions and they are likely trash

@MDAdams72668 12 часов назад

I'll stick with springs cheaper and easier to fix If I want to have a smother ride I will add a shock

@garyag45 День назад

🙏👍🤛🦅😎🇺🇸

@akfisher508 2 дня назад

Can't use a torsion setup on a 3-axle trailer; the center torsion axle will destroy itself.

@1hasbeen531 День назад

Lots of Cimarron, and Bloomer, etc 3 axle HQ horse trailers logging lots of miles, and I have yet to talk an owner who had this "failure".

@ProleDaddy 2 дня назад

Tots and pears: 😩 Direct action: 💪

@EarlJames-q3c День назад

Torsion must be pulled perfectly level or you will overload one axle (usually the rear) FYI for all of the idiots towing a trailer nose high with a lifted truck 😊

@JoeHahn-dp6ml День назад

50 year in trailer and rv service business. Torsion axles are tire eating son of a guns. if you carry a load of only 75 percent and just drive out of a driveway apron you will see one axle float off of ground. All that wieght goes to to other axle for a 50 percent overload. You will have bent axles and worn tires in short order on a tandem axle trailer and faster than that on a triple axle.

@robgoffroad 11 часов назад

I bought a new Interstate trailer from Trailers Plus two years ago. It eats tires. They also welded the damn torsion axles to the frame, so it's not an easy thing to work on. This trailer is a giant POS and I'll never own another from them, and all future ones will have real springs.

@Rustlerbear 2 дня назад

Torsion is WAAAAY superior.

@johndias6614 2 дня назад

Maybe for you. My dual axle dump trailer sees about 50% country roads, 30% off road 20% decent smooth roads so I feel in MY situation the leaf spring is better. I did have a single axle with torsion suspension and it was great.

@Hitman-ds1ei День назад

Based on what, solely your opinion or data ?

@TurbodogCT День назад

So you weren't paying attention during the load balancing part... You think its superior to severely exeed the weight rating of each tire individually on speed bumps? No, I'll keep my slipper spring set up thank you. (Which is an advanced version of the balance bar set up he did not discuss)

@iamtheoffenderofall День назад

Torsion is garbage.

@russellbruney1997 День назад

I bought my new spring axle 7k gooseneck over 1 million miles and 25 years later i am still running both original axles trailer is always loaded with 10k lbs. How could rubber Last this long?