i have built (building) a trailer with a small truck bed on it, it started life as a 7000# double axle boat trailer (aluminum) i have cut the frame down and narrowed the axle (1). trailer is 12' long, 62" wide, approx. 400# empty. question is, ithe axle is a 3500# torsion axle. i know they arent the greatest set up, but cost being a LARGE part of the build i stuck with it. i wont be doing any heavy duty off-road with it, but definetly dirt roads. now, will lowering tire pressure on washboard surfaces help or hurt bouncing, second has anyone tried to mount shocks to the "swingarm" part of the axle. there seems to be room to mount a stud (carefully as to not heat up guts of tube) and could easily mount a upper mount to frame. i know axle is way overkill for payload that will be in it, although it rode pretty good with 16 2x8x16 on it, but again costs......
suspension questions
- Thread starter jatibb
- Start date
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
jatibb said:
Trailer suspension is worth a good investment. See http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html
GeoTracker90
Adventurer
I believe that to accurately answer you question we need to have more information. First, what size of tires will you be running when the trailer is completed? Second, what do you plan you maximum gross trailer weight will be?
If at all possible I would look into ways of replacing the axle with one that is more suited to the task you will be using it for. If that is not an option then I would consider the following:
Lowering the tire pressure will help the trailer absorb some of the road shock. With this you will also be lowering the weight carrying capacity of the tire, and if you go too low in pressure risk damaging the tire, up to and including tire failure. Tires with a taller sidewall will also offer a little better shock absorbing characteristics.
Shocks - Can't hurt if set up properly. With the torsion axle you have the concern of the rubber inserts to deal with and any heat would have a negative effect. Would it be possible to fabricate an upper shock mount that would bolt on to the axle tube with square "U-bolts"? If you have the clearance to do so i would look at that.
Also there is nothing that dictates the upper shock mounts need to be attached to the axle tube. You can make the upper mounts on a seperate cross member or on the frame itself. For the lower mounts there should be no problem in welding a mount to the spindle end of the short trailing arm, given the right equipment and appropriate experience level. The pivot end of that trailing arm is where the rubber inserts are located and not to be heated up.
Read the link that Martyn has provided. They have "been there, done that" and probably has more than a T-shirt to show for it.
Hope this helps.
Mike
If at all possible I would look into ways of replacing the axle with one that is more suited to the task you will be using it for. If that is not an option then I would consider the following:
Lowering the tire pressure will help the trailer absorb some of the road shock. With this you will also be lowering the weight carrying capacity of the tire, and if you go too low in pressure risk damaging the tire, up to and including tire failure. Tires with a taller sidewall will also offer a little better shock absorbing characteristics.
Shocks - Can't hurt if set up properly. With the torsion axle you have the concern of the rubber inserts to deal with and any heat would have a negative effect. Would it be possible to fabricate an upper shock mount that would bolt on to the axle tube with square "U-bolts"? If you have the clearance to do so i would look at that.
Also there is nothing that dictates the upper shock mounts need to be attached to the axle tube. You can make the upper mounts on a seperate cross member or on the frame itself. For the lower mounts there should be no problem in welding a mount to the spindle end of the short trailing arm, given the right equipment and appropriate experience level. The pivot end of that trailing arm is where the rubber inserts are located and not to be heated up.
Read the link that Martyn has provided. They have "been there, done that" and probably has more than a T-shirt to show for it.
Hope this helps.
Mike
first thanks for the replies. i have read martyns artical on suspension and yes would love to have the at suspension set up, but $$. im havin some fun trying to see just how economical( not cheap) i can build this. so far i have about $400 in it. currently sits on 30-9.5-15 michelins. looks good, sits level on my truck with a small load in it, plenty of sidewall. plans are for chuck wagon style trailer when completed. all camping supplies inside, roof rack on top, and small platform on front for coolers,battery w/lights, some water,awning.dunno, guessing 1000#-1500# max when loaded (gvw)no fridges,rtt... much more than that and the rangie would suffer i think.
axle and frame are way overkill. frame is aluminum i-beam approx. 8" tall.
look up a 7000# float on trailer and thats where it started. we never go out for more than a few days camping, and mostly go where there is dirt road access. but stutter bumps cause concern, and the reason for the inquiry, may have to load up and go dirt road ridin and see before venturing out very far.
axle and frame are way overkill. frame is aluminum i-beam approx. 8" tall.
look up a 7000# float on trailer and thats where it started. we never go out for more than a few days camping, and mostly go where there is dirt road access. but stutter bumps cause concern, and the reason for the inquiry, may have to load up and go dirt road ridin and see before venturing out very far.