First Trip in my AT Horizon

[Ford Prefect]

Wow, that is just one beautiful photo. Thanks for sharing.

As for the original thread, how did you like the pull of the trailer in Moab? What trails did you take it on, and how did it feel there? Just wanting to try to compare my own experience with yours.

Brian

 

[tdesanto]

The original AT suspension was definitely not a torsion bar suspension in the traditional sense. I.e., they didn't use a twisted bar as in typical torsion bar truck front suspensions.

It was a Torflex suspension. Per Dexter: "The wheel/hub spindle is attached to a lever, called the torsion arm, which is fastened to the rubber encased bar. As load is applied, the bar rotates causing a rolling/compressive resistance in the rubber cords."

So, I think this is was Rob meant by "rubber axle".

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Ok, so... steel torsion bar without shocks, or rubber torsion axle?

 

[tdesanto]

Rubber torsion axle.

Rob, you can probably learn all you want to about it in the link I provided. Torflex suspension

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I know about them already.

I was just wondering because for a second I thought you were saying you had steel torsion springs with no dampers, which I could see being bouncy!

 

[Willman]

Wow....Love your setup!

This new Eezi-Awn looks sweet!

Might have to up grade!

:ylsmoke:

 

[Romer]

Rubber torsion axle.

Rob, you can probably learn all you want to about it in the link I provided. Torflex suspension

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[ntsqd]

Ken,
I'd suggest adding shocks to the system as the first step. This is how they were added to my TrailBlazer's trailing arms:

 

[adventureduo]

Looks like you had a good time.

We have the same suspension and yes ours bounces too.. We often air down once we hit the dirt immediately. It seems that it takes the Torsion setup too much weight to work correctly.. so therefore you need to let air out of the tires to act as shock absorbers and assist. Funny, i freaked when i first got ours and had it bounce 4 feet off the ground and cockeyed in the air to look like its a supercross bike in my mirror.. but you get used to it and learn to pull it better in time

 

[Romer]

Thanks for the comments.

I did not take it on any trails this time, only in and out of area BFE.

Based on a post on Mud I found out the white tanks require cleaning with bleach to prevent algae growth, so I called Martyn this morning and ordered a Black tank with Hand pump. Also got on of those sinks as well. After using the trailer, I can see how that would come in handy.

Has anyone else added shocks to an AT setup?

Curious if anyone upgraded to the airbag setup. I have friends with welding skills. You don't need to know how to weld, if you have friends who do:coffeedrink:

 

[adventureduo]

Ken, we've had our Horizon for a couple years now and have no problems with our clear water tank. We just clean it after a few trips.. also, our trailer is parked indoors just like yours (out of the sun). I actually prefer it over the black, so i can monitor how much water we've consumed.

Tips on cleaning it here..
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13545&highlight=water+tank+clean


We haven't put shocks on ours. I dont know if that would help.. i guess i've just learned to live with it.

I know AT will adapt and install their bag arm suspension to the older trailers, don't know if anyones chopped up theirs and done a shade tree version yet. The swap that AT offers was out of our budget when i spoke with them about it.

 

[tdesanto]

I had AT do the suspension swap. Night and day difference. It was well worth the money. My trailer no longer leaps over things. Now it simply absorbs the bumps and stays on track.

As for the clear tank. I just don't leave water in it when I'm not using it. I drain it and leave the plugs out. Rinse it, and then fill it before each trip. I've never had an issue.

The first time I got it, Martyn suggested I fill it with water and put a cup or two of white vinegar in there and let it sit overnight. Then I drained it and rinsed it. All was good.

 

[Borrego60]

I wish I could comment on the first generation suspension offroad, I have seen them,of course my 09 horizon has the air bag set up and is great offroad. As far as the tank I rinse it out and leave the drain plug open and the top cap unscrewed, I do run a little water and a quick rinse before a trip.

 

[Romer]

I appreciate the comments on the water tank. I ordered the new one with the sink setup as they seem to go together.

I will likely sell the old one, of figure out how to use it for my shower setup. Although 18 gallons should handle that as well.

I am still wondering if there is a way to upgrade the suspension locally buying components from AT

 

[boxing kangaroo]

I Just brought this trailer...

Awesome to see your build threads.. check out mine and what i plan on doing to it.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/110923-My-2005-Horizon-Trailer-Build-refit

Cheers