Torsion vs Leaf-Spring Axles
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Elder User
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From: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Torsion vs Leaf-Spring Axles
My dad is getting ready to buy a new gooseneck stock trailer, most of them come standard with torsion axles, but some still have leafs, can someone explain the difference and why torsion axles are better (or at least for the price I would think they are)?
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From: Fraziers Bottom, WV
As for better I don't know! My 23' TT had torsion axles and the only thing I found they were good for was a lower trailer height. I dragged almost everything out from under the trailer on speed bumps! Had to but an OEM add on lift to keep from breaking things. The spring type are easer to maintain. My 30' TT has springs and I think it tows and tracks better (IMO).
Rod
Rod
Last edited by 5_labsownus; Oct 3, 2007 at 05:24 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Simpsonville, KY
The springs have higher travel distance. You can not use that stupid little ramp tire-changy thing with spring axles. Torsions are lower to the ground (good for horse trailers). I prefer torsion, and am very happy with my Featherlite's 7k axles. They are far smoother riding than any other trailer I've driven, including my friend's 3500lb torsion axles.
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From: Wickenburg, AZ
I am of the belief that the torsion axles ride better. When I moved to a car hauler that had torflex axles in it, I noticed right away that the chains didn't loosen near as fast as they did with the old conventional setup.
The big downside is that they are lower to the ground, and it's not easy to get one lifted like it is with the old spring and shackle setups.
Then again, being lower to the ground is often considered an upside for horse and stock trailers, as it's an easier load (part of why "conventional" leaf spring setups aren't so conventional anymore). It all depends on how well you keep your road maintained. If you want a low load height AND a better ride, I'm all for torsion. If you want to get it up in the air a bit or forsee the need to modify for heavier weight, stick with leaf spring type.
The big downside is that they are lower to the ground, and it's not easy to get one lifted like it is with the old spring and shackle setups.
Then again, being lower to the ground is often considered an upside for horse and stock trailers, as it's an easier load (part of why "conventional" leaf spring setups aren't so conventional anymore). It all depends on how well you keep your road maintained. If you want a low load height AND a better ride, I'm all for torsion. If you want to get it up in the air a bit or forsee the need to modify for heavier weight, stick with leaf spring type.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Mifflin, PA
True that torsion axles ride better - perhaps. But, did you ever see a triple axle torsion setup? And you won't, either. Torsion axles have several drawbacks - 1) There is no load sharing between axles - pull the trailer up to a speedbump or curb riser that is higher than the travel of a single axle - voila - there's your trailer sitting on one axle. The other is dangling in mid air. Say you have 3000 lb. axles - common size. Trailer weighs 5000 lb loaded. (1000 lb below max) Stick it up on one axle, and, yep, overload. This happens every time you hit a steep driveway crossing, high speedbump, etc.
2) The rubber in these axles ages - eventually no springy thingy. And in extreme cold, well, you get the picture. And no repairs to these axles either.
I would consider them fine for a smaller single axle trailer. For a large multi axle trailer, its springs /w equalizers all the way. And a good set of shocks make a world of difference. Naturally, JMHO, YMMV.
2) The rubber in these axles ages - eventually no springy thingy. And in extreme cold, well, you get the picture. And no repairs to these axles either.
I would consider them fine for a smaller single axle trailer. For a large multi axle trailer, its springs /w equalizers all the way. And a good set of shocks make a world of difference. Naturally, JMHO, YMMV.
Last edited by alchymist; Oct 4, 2007 at 05:10 AM.
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No Repair
2nds that about no repair. If the tires start wearing badly due to overloading there is no repairing. They must be replaced.
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From: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
We wont be using the trailer that much, so I dont think wear on the rubber will be an issue. The trailer we are planning on buying has torsion axles, and for what the price is on it, replacing an axle wont be that big of a deal in the 10 years it takes to wear one out.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: virginia
Originally Posted by alchymist
True that torsion axles ride better - perhaps. But, did you ever see a triple axle torsion setup? And you won't, either. Torsion axles have several drawbacks - 1) There is no load sharing between axles - pull the trailer up to a speedbump or curb riser that is higher than the travel of a single axle - voila - there's your trailer sitting on one axle. The other is dangling in mid air. Say you have 3000 lb. axles - common size. Trailer weighs 5000 lb loaded. (1000 lb below max) Stick it up on one axle, and, yep, overload. This happens every time you hit a steep driveway crossing, high speedbump, etc.
2) The rubber in these axles ages - eventually no springy thingy. And in extreme cold, well, you get the picture. And no repairs to these axles either.
I would consider them fine for a smaller single axle trailer. For a large multi axle trailer, its springs /w equalizers all the way. And a good set of shocks make a world of difference. Naturally, JMHO, YMMV.
2) The rubber in these axles ages - eventually no springy thingy. And in extreme cold, well, you get the picture. And no repairs to these axles either.
I would consider them fine for a smaller single axle trailer. For a large multi axle trailer, its springs /w equalizers all the way. And a good set of shocks make a world of difference. Naturally, JMHO, YMMV.
yes, the rubber ages and the axles wear out over time. not a big deal. the axles are easy to replace, and they are fairly inexpensive. btdt. lots fewer moving parts than leaf springs, so far fewer things to break and maintain.
you can also get torsen axles in different preload angles so you can raise or lower the ride height of the trailer. want more ground clearance? just specify a higher preload angle when ordering an axle or trailer. can't get it looking like a jacked up 4x4, but can get it up a couple inches.
ymmv, jmho based on towing a lot of stuff with both kinds of suspension setups, although none of it is offroad tt's.
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From: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Ordered a trailer today, we went with the torsion axles at the manufacturer's reccomendation. Going to pick it up in 2 weeks, since thats the first day I have off during the week. For some reason dad doesnt want to go pickup a 20ft goose with his gas chevy... 
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by mlytle
ahhh, no. if you ever go to a car racing event, you will see lots of triple axle torsen car hauler trailers. they are fairly common and work great. the low ride height is a big advantage for loading cars. never heard of anyone having an issue with breaking anything due to the temp loading over speed bumps. ever had to change a tire on each suspension setup? i'll take a torsen on a rainy dark night every time.
yes, the rubber ages and the axles wear out over time. not a big deal. the axles are easy to replace, and they are fairly inexpensive. btdt. lots fewer moving parts than leaf springs, so far fewer things to break and maintain.
you can also get torsen axles in different preload angles so you can raise or lower the ride height of the trailer. want more ground clearance? just specify a higher preload angle when ordering an axle or trailer. can't get it looking like a jacked up 4x4, but can get it up a couple inches.
ymmv, jmho based on towing a lot of stuff with both kinds of suspension setups, although none of it is offroad tt's.
yes, the rubber ages and the axles wear out over time. not a big deal. the axles are easy to replace, and they are fairly inexpensive. btdt. lots fewer moving parts than leaf springs, so far fewer things to break and maintain.
you can also get torsen axles in different preload angles so you can raise or lower the ride height of the trailer. want more ground clearance? just specify a higher preload angle when ordering an axle or trailer. can't get it looking like a jacked up 4x4, but can get it up a couple inches.
ymmv, jmho based on towing a lot of stuff with both kinds of suspension setups, although none of it is offroad tt's.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: virginia
Originally Posted by alchymist
Ok, I'll give you the car hauler part - was thinkin mostly of RVs - got a lot of them in the extended family (half a loop at Assateague island!). Anyway, owned both, and swapped axles on both types. I'll take springs if I have a choice. Looks like it's moot any way - original poster decided on torsion.
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From: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Originally Posted by grafekie
Doesn't want to pick up a 20ft with a gas Chevy? Must be a pretty wussy Cheby My little 302 can tow my 20ft!
My little 302 can tow my 20ft!