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http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/118458-Dexter-torsion-axle-or-Timbren-Axle-less/page2
Are the following thoughts on trailer axles;
Torsion Axles are hands down the most reliable and durable independent suspension trailer axil available. That's why we use them for the vast majority of light tactical military trailers. There's a couple different flavors of Torsion Axil, most with rubber and for heavier applications with steel internal torsion cords. The trick to get this design to perform optimally for civilian use is to ensure you are at least at 75% of the axils capacity.
What we see more times than not in the civilian market is that users rarely load more than 1200lbs of cargo into their trailer. Tents, Awning, Fridges, ATV's (if you have an XVENTURE), Photographic Equipment, Food, Cooking Gear, etc., are all fairly light. 1000lbs of cargo is quite a lot of stuff.
The trailer itself is usually around 800-1200lbs empty, which brings the total GVW to 1800-2200 LBS fully packed. So even with a 3200lb axil the total payload is barely over 50% of the axil rating.
Most of the Schutt Industries trailers acquired from liquidators are using the tried and true 4200LB axil with monster heavy duty shocks. Do the math and you will see that in a stock configuration that's just way too much axil for most consumer applications. So of course the trailer ends up handling like a train on rails with very stiff dampening.
While it's rare you'd ever bottom out, the ride is less than desirable and can actually be hard on the payload. It's also important to note that our LTT chassis' are engineered to handle upwards of 7000lbs of payload. Way way way over the limits of even the 4200 LB axils. The published trailer GVW ratings are only in alignment with the axils we install to meet the conservative published ratings established through Aberdeen Proving Grounds.
That said, installing a Torsion axil rated at 2700 lbs-ish is a much better choice for non-commercial use as you want a smoother ride. Again, you are shooting for a trailer GVW of 2300-2500 LBS for most Overland Applications. If I am after a performance combination of, the most reliable, maintenance free, cost effective, best performing independent suspension for a trailer Torsion Axils are where its at.
Thanks,
Mark
