5000 lb trailer with single axle what kind of suspension?

[Photobug]

I drove for a living. 23K# on a single axle trailer was like driving a Corvette. It is all about design, balance, engineering. I would sooner tow a single axle with duals than a tandem axle with singles. But tandem axles give much more flexibility. With a single axle, you must get it right...... and there is little room for change.

I do have 4 sets of wheels and tires. Putting a dually axle on it might be a good idea. The one thing that scares me the most is a tire blowout on a single axle. A dually axle back would solve that concern. Any idea where to find a dually trailer axle?

 

[old_CWO]

Now you tell me, I would have saved so much money if I had thought of that before.

We had a 19 foot travel trailer about a decade ago. Had a great summer in it then sold it for a slight profit before we moved. We were looking at something similar but this is what I wanted. I wanted an outdoor based camping platform with an indoor option. RIght now I use my truck with cap and storage as a camper. Except for sleeping we spend all our time outside. I want to use the utility bed and maybe a 270 awning to create an outdoor kitchen, chair storage, and other toy storage.

I see huge RVs and travel trailers that have outdoor kitchens, awnings, I wanted that is a smaller package and think the storage the utility bed gives me the opportunity to create something unique. If my truck was not already so dialed in to carry lumber and other construction supplies and be able to camp in I would likely be putting a pop up camper directly on it. If we really like the pop up thing we may look at another truck to use strictly as a camping rig.

Wasn't trying to bust your chops; just honestly curious as most folks choose the path of least resistance. It sounds like you have something very specific in mind and the only way to get there is do it yourself.

Should be a cool purpose built set up when you're done, and you probably won't be sitting at the RV Park all weekend watching satellite TV and microwaving meals.

 

[Photobug]

Wasn't trying to bust your chops; just honestly curious as most folks choose the path of least resistance. It sounds like you have something very specific in mind and the only way to get there is do it yourself.

Yep started shopping for a cheap travel trailer budgeted under $4k. I will be tripling it when done with this project. I figure the Hallmark I will be buying will be worth at least what I pay for it plus upgrades. I enjoy building and creating things this will give me a welcome break from building my home.

 

[Teardropper]

By torsion are you referring to the half axles?

No.

It's the same axle that goes under all military utility trailers. I use the 2,000# axles on my teardrops.

Here's the link:

Dexter 3500# Torflex Axle

T

 

[Photobug]

No.

It's the same axle that goes under all military utility trailers. I use the 2,000# axles on my teardrops.

Here's the link:

Dexter 3500# Torflex Axle

T

Thanks for the link and info.

From what I can tell the Torkflex Axle is less maintenance until it wears out then needs replacement. Not sure I want to invest in a suspension with a 5-7 life lifespan. Still doing the research.

 

[CampStewart]

Thanks for the link and info.

From what I can tell the Torkflex Axle is less maintenance until it wears out then needs replacement. Not sure I want to invest in a suspension with a 5-7 life lifespan. Still doing the research.

You already have a heavier duty suspension installed than you could buy. Tune your current leaf pack to your load, better yet keep a few leafs and add airbags. Strongest most durable suspension ever.

 

[Photobug]

You already have a heavier duty suspension installed than you could buy. Tune your current leaf pack to your load, better yet keep a few leafs and add airbags. Strongest most durable suspension ever.

That was my take on it. Leafspring require maintenance, torkflex require replacement. I still think I need a new axle though to work out the braking details though. I will take another look at Electric over hydraulic.