Torsion Axle

[mike71000]

Hi Guys,

My wife and I are looking for an "off road" trailer (more for rough fire roads than actual hardcore off road), and we saw a 5x8 enclosed trailer this afternoon. The trailer manufacturer "upgraded" (or downgraded) from a leaf spring axle to a 3500 lbs torsion axle.
We are planning on converting it into a small overland trailer.
What are your thoughts on how the torsion axle will perform on fire roads?
Thank you for your time.

 

[grubworm]

its pretty much like everything else where there are articles and research claiming good and articles and research claiming bad.
i bought a 16' enclosed trailer nearly 20 yrs ago for my construction company at the time. the company is gone, but the trailer is still here and it's torsion axels have hauled a lot of stuff all over jobsites. zero problems. i also have a tear-drop type camper with torsion axels and it has bounced around at big bend and rough roads all over. zero problems.
i think repairs would be harder on them out in the field, though. the military uses the dexter torsion axels on their trailers, so there's that
i know this isn't part of your question, but have you looked at Timbren axel-less? might also be worth a look

fire roads aren't that crazy bad, so i would say that the torsion axels would do quite well based on my usage of them

 

[RatAssassin]

I've never had a problem with a Dexter torsion axle.
I'm having a 3500lb one built on my new off road teardrop that should be done in 3 weeks.