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Torsion Axle or Leaf-Spring Axle?

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 6:00 pm
by xe1ufo
For those who have already built their own teardrop, under what circumstances is a leaf-spring axle better or worse, as compared to a torsion axle? My first Teardrop is supposed to be lightweight and towable with my VW Bug.

Thanks in advance!

Sub-Assistant to the Director General of Unimportant Affairs

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 6:16 pm
by Chris C
I don't really qualify as an "owner" yet, but the subject has been covered extensively and I think torsion is the over all winner. You might go to the top of the page and do a Search and you can see some of the comments.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 6:56 pm
by asianflava
Check out this thread:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=761

I ended up going with a torsion axle.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:23 pm
by mexican tear
I vote for the torsion axle. I just returned from Minden (long way home) and towed 10 hours on Mexican roads and all inside the trailer is just fine. No Shocks either. Rides as smooth as silk when about 3/4 of the load on the axle.

Send me a mop of where you are. I am in Tecolutla, Veracruz. Go east from Poza Rica and you will run into it.

kai

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:27 pm
by doug hodder
Kai...glad to hear that you made it home safely. I hope that your "non-raffle" made some money for the kids. I really enjoyed meeting you and hope to see you again at another gathering.....Doug Hodder

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:35 pm
by bledsoe3
My tear is not complete yet, but I have pulled the trailer around. It doesn't bounce around near as much as my utility trailer with leaf springs. I decided on torsion axle based on all the input I got from this site.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:44 pm
by mexican tear
Doug
Made about $100 for the kids, actualy my wife got $190 because she kept the money I paid for the stove.

I guess I am adicted to this site. I was home 5 min when I posted.

Thanks to all for your help. Keep an eye out for pictures this Christmas.

kai

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:54 pm
by Kevin A
Kai,

Welcome home, it was great getting to meet you & Lois in Minden.
I'll be looking forward to seeing you at the redwood gathering next summer.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:57 pm
by mexican tear
Kevin
thanks great time . I have been home an hour or so and I am ready to go camping again. Maybe I will have to take a trip to see Dr. Steve.

kai

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:17 pm
by Juneaudave
The torsion axles I've seen look like the trailor would ride lower than with springs. Is that right? I was looking at a set from Northern Tool.

Also...I've been thinking 2x 1/8 thick tube for the frame....that would work for mounting the torsion axles wouldn't it?

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:49 am
by asianflava
Juneaudave wrote:The torsion axles I've seen look like the trailor would ride lower than with springs. Is that right?


It can if you want it to. The Dexter axles allow you to specify the ride height when you order, Flexride axles have splined shafts that allow to remove the arms and set the ride height you want.

You can set/order the arms with either an up angle, down angle, or flat.

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 5:47 am
by Arne
reality is for me, that springs are better: they came with the trailer.

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 9:46 am
by GeorgeT
I can't weld and was astonished at what the local welding shops charge to build a little 4x8 trailer, so if it weren't for Harbor Freight and their cheap trailers with the leaf springs I probably wouldn't have gotten started on the project at all. I have pulled my camper loaded with 40 lbs of air in the tires and it does just fine. Have to pay attention and slow down for bumpy roads, cattle guards and speed bumps. Torsion axle might be better, I guess I'll never know, but ;), I betcha have to slow down a bit for the same things.

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:14 pm
by SteveH
My teardrop is built on a tortion axle. I have two other trailers that are built on leaf spring suspentions, and although I like the tortion better for asthetics and ease of installation, I can't say that it rides any better.

Trailer ride, IMHO, is a funtion of weight vers suspention capacity. My tear weighs about 1200 pounds (an estimate because I've never accurately weighed it) and it has a 2000 pound suspention, and the ride is acceptable. I have a boat trailer that also weighs about 2K, has a 2K suspention, and rides better than the tear. I have a utility trailer that has a 2K suspention, weighs about 500 Lbs unloaded, and rides awful when empty.

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 3:54 pm
by Marck
I had the choice when building the six-pack as I had 2 frames, one with torsion and one with leafs.
I am glad I listened to the advice given to me on this board.
The six-pack is 6' wide 5' high, and 12' long, with the slideout..I haven't weighed it but I am guessing close to a ton, and it pulls nicely. I was worried about it "bottoming out" but it doesn't. once I solve my slight balance problem it will tow even better.