IFS for trailers in the USA? Trailing arms! I meant trailing arms!

[Czechsix]

I've been trying to get in contact with some of the Aus trailer builders, Bruder for example. I'm interested in sourcing an tandem IFS kit like some of them offer, but I've had absolutely zero responses from them.

I've contacted trailer manufacturers here in the U.S.. Basically anyone that says "we'll build anything you want, custom projects not a problem"....so I email them, and get, you guessed it....zero responses. Called a few, talked to a few - no callbacks, or "nah, not interested, too much trouble".

Hell, I'm willing to buy, and freight from Aus a kit - but it looks like it's too much of a PITA for them to do shipping, or something.

Anyone have any clever ideas as to how to get in contact with some of the trailer builders down under? That'll actually talk to an overseas customer?

I swear, this is like pulling teeth.

 

[Maninga]

Have you tried www.gnschassis.com.au. Seen their stuff on some heavy caravans here

 

[Paddler Ed]

Not intending to be a smart ********, but IFS stands for Independent Front Suspension, IRS is for Independent Rear Suspension.... if you're asking for IFS that might explain why they aren't replying. The challenges of asking for things in a different version of English - it would be like me asking for a new wing for my 4Runner in the States; I'd get a complete look of blankness until I asked for a fender...

Have a look at Couplemate, Vehicle Components and Simplicity Axles

Hope that helps,

Ed

 

[indiedog]

I also wondered what IFS has to do with a trailer. Typically we have "trailing arm" which covers systems such as Vehicle Components (VC) do. I'd chase up VC as they do independent suspension kits for home builders as well as supply to many of the trailer manufacturers here. I've only ever had good experiences with them.

 

[Czechsix]

Not intending to be a smart ********, but IFS stands for Independent Front Suspension, IRS is for Independent Rear Suspension.... if you're asking for IFS that might explain why they aren't replying. The challenges of asking for things in a different version of English - it would be like me asking for a new wing for my 4Runner in the States; I'd get a complete look of blankness until I asked for a fender...

Have a look at Couplemate, Vehicle Components and Simplicity Axles

Hope that helps,

Ed

hahahahahah, you definitely got me on that one, Ed. Completely correct.

Then again, if they'd at least give me a quote for the front pair of arms, that would be fine with me. Then I'd ask for the pricing on the rears! Trailing arms, but that's what I get for not having enough caffeine in my system. It's either that or age related.

Thanks for the links everyone, I'll check them out.

 

[pugslyyy]

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Timbren/ASR2000S01.html

I checked some photos online, doesn't seem overly complicated - why not just roll your own?

 

[Czechsix]

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Timbren/ASR2000S01.html

I checked some photos online, doesn't seem overly complicated - why not just roll your own?

I simply don't have the time - in the process of selling some properties, cleaning up others, dealing with rentals, etc etc. I've gone around to some fabricators also. Even ones that have been specifically recommended by folks, but after getting responses that have taken up to two months (simple things like "can you build a dump trailer for use with this suspension and these tire/wheel combos"), I've cut them loose. Would have been nice to have had the trailer done in the months that EarthCruiser was building the coach, but the "best" fab guys in Bend couldn't get their act together.

I've found a local bunch of guys that are just starting a business, experienced solid works designers, mechanical engineers, and aluminum TIG welding specialists, and have them working up a bid. We'll see, but I trust them more than the established ones that don't seem to have time to do custom builds, no matter what their web page says.

I suspect that by the time I'd get an order from Aus, and have it shipped over here, the cost will be quite a bit above custom fab costs over here, but I'd like to make sure. Who knows, might be cheaper....but with no figures......

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Why not modify the IRS setup out of a vehicle to fit your trailer? You can remove the complete sub frame with everything attached and bolt it up to your frame with a bit of work.

 

[OCD Overland]

I think this is exactly what you're looking for but I don't know if you can get it in the US -

http://www.alko.com.au/al-ko-enduro/

AL-KO and Dexter are the same company. Some of what they offer is available here, so it might be worth checking if you can source it.

Apart from that, send an email to Mike at VMI. They've done upgrades on other people's trailers before.

Personally, I've come to question the advantage of a trailing arm suspension on a trailer. For lighter trailers, perhaps, but if you've got something heavy enough to require tandem axles, I'm not sure what the advantage is, unless you're trying to do some slick adjustable airbag thing.

Curious what others think.

 

[pugslyyy]

Just curious - how is the trailing arm superior to a torsion axle in this application?

 

[Czechsix]

Just curious - how is the trailing arm superior to a torsion axle in this application?

From what I see, much better travel, plus with air bags, extremely adjustable for load. Most of the load behind the FG will be light - a 1200 pound 4x4, bicycles, kayak/jonboat etc. But I've got tow vehicles that are capable of towing over 20k, so I'd like to build it so that it's as adaptable as possible, heavy loads shouldn't be an issue. Everything from rough road conditions, whoops, washboard with light to medium loads, all the way to hauling heavy loads interstate. We've got a move coming up that's going to take multiple loads over several thousand miles, and that's part of the spec for the trailer.

 

[elcoyote]

I've been trying to get in contact with some of the Aus trailer builders, Bruder for example. I'm interested in sourcing an tandem IFS kit like some of them offer, but I've had absolutely zero responses from them.

I've contacted trailer manufacturers here in the U.S.. Basically anyone that says "we'll build anything you want, custom projects not a problem"....so I email them, and get, you guessed it....zero responses. Called a few, talked to a few - no callbacks, or "nah, not interested, too much trouble".

Hell, I'm willing to buy, and freight from Aus a kit - but it looks like it's too much of a PITA for them to do shipping, or something.

Anyone have any clever ideas as to how to get in contact with some of the trailer builders down under? That'll actually talk to an overseas customer?

I swear, this is like pulling teeth.

We offer a "bolt on" version of our trailing arm air suspension with a 2700 lb GVWR for $2385. Contact me directly at mario@adventuretrailers.com and I am happy to discuss with you whether or not it would be compatible to your trailer.

 

[pugslyyy]

From what I see, much better travel, plus with air bags, extremely adjustable for load. Most of the load behind the FG will be light - a 1200 pound 4x4, bicycles, kayak/jonboat etc. But I've got tow vehicles that are capable of towing over 20k, so I'd like to build it so that it's as adaptable as possible, heavy loads shouldn't be an issue. Everything from rough road conditions, whoops, washboard with light to medium loads, all the way to hauling heavy loads interstate. We've got a move coming up that's going to take multiple loads over several thousand miles, and that's part of the spec for the trailer.

ah okay I missed out on the adjustable air suspension requirement. That makes sense.

 

[Czechsix]

We offer a "bolt on" version of our trailing arm air suspension with a 2700 lb GVWR for $2385. Contact me directly at mario@adventuretrailers.com and I am happy to discuss with you whether or not it would be compatible to your trailer.

Thanks Mario, I'll be in contact.

 

[4x4runner2002]

if you are looking for something custom contact BAMF metal fab. I know that owner built his trailer from scratch and it has air ride ifs. I have personally seen it and its amazing. He is in the Bay area. Just another option.