I'm still looking into buying a cargo trailer, and I'm seeing that a lot of them have either torsion axles or leaf springs. Which are better, and which are more durable in the long run? Any experiences? Thanks......

 

The torsion beam axles do ride a lot smoother than ones with leaf springs.

MikeyB

 

Torsen axles are smoother, quieter, less to wear out. Downside is that the torsen axles need to be kept more on the level with kingpin setting. Another downside of the same thing, level, torsen axles will be more sensitive to tire size when hitting the brakes on an empty trailer, easier to lock a wheel and trash a tire. In other words the spring axles do equalize a bit better, but lose a tire and just take the wheel off and limp to a place to fix it. Don't need a jack with torsen axles either, just back up on a 4 x 4 and the other axle(s) will hang.

 

So since I'm looking at a 5 or 6 x 12 tag trailer, I just need to make sure the trailer sits level when loaded, correct? And yes, I'm leaning toward tandem axles with brakes. I won't be pulling that much weight - probably no more than 1500 lbs of payload, but I'm thinking the tandem axles will give better stability and control, correct?

 

In a light trailer get the torsion axles. The trailer will be less "bouncy" than with leafs especially when empty. You don't need trailer brakes with a trailer that size and I would think you will be hard pressed to find on that size that has them or has tadm axles.

I had a 6x15 v-nose (a 6x12 with 3' of v space up front) with torsion axles that i used for 2 years behind a Dakota with zero probles without brkaes.

 

I've got a 6x12 tandem built with 2-3500lb Torsion axles loaded all the time to within 30 lbs of it's 7000 lb gvwr. (CAT scale)
Making hard turns to the passenger side backing in and out of my driveway over the curb ramp bent the right front torsion axle by 3/8 inch, causing faster tire wear on that corner. It would also wear the rear axle tires faster than the front axle set, so I'd have to rotate every 5000 miles or so.

Took the trailer to a trailer repair shop to get the bent axle fixed, and the owner said "don't bother it'll happen again". He replaced the Torsion axles with Equalized Spring axles, and all has been fine over the last year. No bent axles, and gets even tire wear now.

I'm getting ready to order a 7x10 single axle cargo, and I'm spec'ing up a spring axle on it.
FYI most landscape/utility/car trailers come with spring axles- tandem or single axle.

Some people swear by Torsion axles, I swear AT them...

 

I would agree with the last statement becasue of your first one. I think if you are carrying that much weight leafs are better. For a 1500lb trailer carrying 1500lb's of cargo torsion is fine.

 

I have been towing my fifth wheel that weighs between 9,000,and 10,000 lbs. (when fully loaded) on twin torsion axles for two years now. No problems and it's smooooth.








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People like me that make their living pulling trailers have little use for torsion axles for many reasons.

It is hard to beat good old simple slipper springs.

 

Torsen VS spring. hmm, depends entirely on what you plan to do. For hauling my bobcat around town, and on smooth roads etc. you cannot beat the torsen axles, they do a great job, and keep the deck height low on the trailer. on the other hand, unladen, it rides like a buckboard, and you notice it on the back of the truck. this trailer is 20' long, hitch to tail, and weighs 2200lbs empty. built to haul real loads.
For uneven terrain, or three axle setups, springs are the only way to go. Torsens will bend badly under load, as one wheel may end up taking all the weight. with springs and equalizers, this does not happen. And, spring ride trailers pull like a dream, empty or loaded. I will give this, spring ride is tougher to wheel off in the case of a flat tire, you actually have to chain the axle up, but I'll take that over very expensive bent axles and bad tire wear any day.
I choose my trailer and suspension for the given application, if you do not have a choice of two trailers, take some time and weigh out what you intend to do, then buy the best trailer for that application. While you are at it, make sure your trailer has little things, like enclosed conduit style wiring, sealed light boxes, and if they are an option, LED lights. little things that add up to huge savings over the life of the unit.

Just my $0.02 less applicable taxes.

 

I think a bunch of car haulers with three axle wedges and double deck Kaufman trailers might disagree with you. Six cars sitting on three 7000 pound axles are trouble free.

 

All right guys - I didn't want to cause any arguments here - sorry....

Here's what I'm looking at doing. Please let me know if you think my logic is flawed. I'm looking at going with leaf springs for the following reasons:

1) From this site and from some trailer repair places I've talked to it appears that the leafs might be a bit more durable.
2) They're less expensive than the torsion axles.
3) I'm not as concerned about a smooth ride as some others may be - this trailer will probably spend the majority of it's life hauling janitorial supplies and equipment.

That said - I'm really looking at the Interstate 6x12 with tandem axles. Any thoughts on the Interstate product?

THANKS EVERYONE !!!!!

 

No thoughts on the Interstate trailers... I have a CM 6x12, tandem, torsion axles, with brakes on both of them, and LOVE it.

 

We put two 8K axles under our 5 yard (I think, not sure at this moment) dump trailer. It is licensed for 10K. But we have a tendancy to load till it is full or the tires are rubbing and go. We are replaceing an axle on a tandum two horse trailer becuase it is bent. Maybe the ratings are a little low for normal use. But, no offense intended, don't hit curbs. We all screw up and that is why we over build our stuff.

Randy

 

I am thinking of getting a 32ft,10K GN trailer this spring.I thought the advantage of Torque flex axles was the ride hight.My present GN has 7K axles with leaf springs.very heavy and high (I have to use 10 ft. planks with the gate to load the car)but tows great and I thought by getting torsion axles the trailer would be lower.