springs or torsion suspension?

[Ray Torresdal]

As I delve further into the gooseneck trailer options, I find springs on some, and torsion suspension on some. I'm looking for something in the 24' range with 2 - 7500 lb. axles. Loads may well range up toward max trailer capacity. Which suspension setup is better?

Thanks much!

Ray

------------------
01 QC LWB 5 spd, trailer tow pkg, camper pkg
VA, PS boost module and elbow, PS heater saver

 

[roadranger]

I would think that the spring suspension would be better for max loads- the spring system equalizes itself to spread the weight over both axles.

I've got a tandem axle 7500 GVW cargo trailer with torsion suspension, and there are a lot of times when one axle doesn't even touch the ground (momentarily), putting all of the weight on one set of tires, squatting them right down. Also, if you don't have the trailer set up to tow level, the torsions transfer more weight to the low end axle wearing that set out prematurely.

Just my $. 02

 

[QRTRHRS]

Ray,

That's a good question. My 25', 14k, flatbed beavertail gooseneck has torsion on it. I get a lot of "backslap" out of it, more so loaded then empty. Even with the upgraded throttle, I also have oscillation problems. I have yet to find a happy medium with load placement for concentrated weights. My two horse BP trailer with springs on the other hand, pulls like a dream. But that trailer is only 6300 lb gross. I never thought about trying out a trailer with springs.

 

[DennyDay]

I've got two trailers both with torsion suspension. Ride is fair on both but tires take a beating. I'm going to change one to equalizer and swap the other trailer for one with springs. Also the torsion suspension is to low for my liking.

 

[Extreme1]

Funny you should ask...

A couple years ago we lost the rear axle from under our enclosed snowmobile trailer. One of the leaf springs broke and the trailer rode home on a flatbed. Not a good evening. . I burned the sled down the next day at the race we managed to get to but that's another story!)



We figured the cause of the spring failure was due to the overloading we did the previous summer when I moved.



I replaced the equalized leaf springs with a pair of torsion axles. Same ride height, same weight. It pulled alot differently. As roadranger pointed out, the weight is spread over the two axles equally with leaf springs. If the trailer isn't LEVEL, we get a bounce when the trailer tires go over a bump.



However, I have seen torsion axles overloaded pretty bad and not show any damage (other than the main tube being bowed the wrong way).



So, I guess I would recommend leaf springs for towing rated loads if you tow alot (distance). If you are only towing a piece of equipment locally (short trips) and will be abusing the load rating, get the torsion axles.



Hope this helps!

 

[JJW_ND]

Torsions Hard to beat!

I have pulled 100s of late model stock/horse and flatbet trailers (deliver from factory to dealer). The only thing that comes with springs anymore is car hauler flatbeds.



I to have had "U" bolts fail and axle flop around.



When properly loaded and on a trailer with proper engineering, torsions ride very smooth. They are almost fail proof with the simple design. And will far out perform spring suspension.



We put into service some new trailers with a pair of 8K torsions and 17. 5 16ply Single tires. Very solid trailer and really carries the weight great and no duels to fight.



Part fo the problem I notice with brand trailers and bouchy torsions is "CHEAP" tires. Cheap rubber makes for lots of sidewall flex that really exagerates the bouching. Getting heavy duty, high ply tires eliniates this.



We even specify torsions on all our boat trailers.



The ablity to easy lift one wheel off the ground with torsions makes for very easy tire removal BTW!



jjw

ND

 

[Jeff H]

The next trailer I build will have leaf springs. Built one with torsion bar and it is stiiff. It is common on mine when it hits any good sized bumps that the trailer will lunge up pretty hard.

 

[Bad340fish]

Torsions

My dad just bought a 24" Classic RTX car trailer. It has the torsion axles and rides and tows very nice!! I picked it for him in MO and hauled it home going 80-85(I know bad idea) and it did not bounce around at all unlike an empty leaf spring trailer. Loaded(about 9K) it sits level and pulls even better. I have been trying to find an Open car hauling trailer with torsions... . not to many out there

Clark

 

[roadranger]

The BEST setup for tire wear, ride, and capacity would be an equalized spring suspension with shocks. The shocks save the springs and U bolts from road rash.



I had a 1970's model 10,000 lb cargo trailer with that setup, and it pulled/rode SMOOTH with over 60,000 trouble free miles on it, with the same set of tires--never shoulda got rid of it.



Nowadays all you can find is torsion- cheap to install, cheap to set up, and cheaper to sell.