leaf spring vs. torsion spring suspension - Diesel Forum

flatlander · 08-20-2006, 08:53 AM

Considering switching trailers 2004 Nomad north trail 3040 34' 6600 dry, 9400 GWR
t0 2006 Flagstaff super lite 31'6" 5300 dry 7300 GWR.

The flagstaff has torsion spring suspension vs. the nomad's conventional leaf spring. I've never seen a setup like on the flagstaff and was wondering if it is as trustworthy.

I was told that it acts similarly to a garage door spring and gives all 4 tires independent movement. I also assume that it's only used on lighter trailers.

Anyone familiar with this?

LMJD · 08-20-2006, 09:58 AM

If we're both talking about the same thing, I have it on my horse trailer and it's the greatest thing since sex. Totally trouble and maintainance free. The system hadn't been out too long when I got my tlr. ('90-'91) and soon became real popular. The brand name was something like Henshen, but now I see Dexter, etc, offers the same system.
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I was told that it acts similarly to a garage door spring

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Not really, but if you do a search, I'm sure you can find pics. If you go to the Dexter axle site, then select Torflex, (that's their name for theirs) there's a good pic of the system.

nashvillebill · 08-20-2006, 12:13 PM

Torsion spring suspensions have been aroung for years, my '70 Scotty trailer has them. And I believe Airstream used them.

They're generally suited only for light trailers, since the torsion spring is very highly stressed. They're not quite like garage door springs, the trailer versions are heavier and consequently have less "wrap".

LMJD · 08-20-2006, 05:43 PM

With the Torflex and Henshen type there's no spring involved. You get your torsion action from a strut or arm coming out of an encased rubber bushing in about a 4" section of thick walled square tubing. It's the rubber bushing flexing with a twisting action under load that gives you your "spring" action. They also come in heavy axle weight ratings, mine was supposed to be 7000lbs. but is 6000lbs.--factory screw-up. You can get them for as heavy as 14,000lbs. rating, maybe more nowdays. However the original poster never posted back, maybe this type isn't even what he has in mind.

mflores · 08-20-2006, 07:48 PM

They work fine but the only problem with them is like you said they work independent. I had them on one of my goosenecks and my truck was to tall and the trailer didn't sit level so a lot of the weight of the trailer was sitting on the rear axle where as with a typical leaf spring set up, when one axle goes up it pushes down on the other axle so the weight stays even on both axels. The torsion is fine as long as the trailer sits level and you dont go much off the pavement with the trailer.

flatlander · 08-20-2006, 09:25 PM

I appreciate the info, and I looked up the dexter axle site for their system. It's definitely a cool concept, and if they've been around as long as y'all say, I guess there's no concern.

I just hadn't seen them before.

NickKent · 08-20-2006, 10:47 PM

You'll get a much nicer ride out of them, especially for an rv

Faceplant409 · 08-21-2006, 02:07 AM

I have them on my boat trailer which is about 5K including boat. They work great, but like others have said you need to hitch so trailer is level. (equal pressure on 4 wheels)This is also important in braking. If you have brakes on only 1 axle and the trailer is 'light' on that axle you could likely skid in a panic stop.

Also something cool about torsion axles is I had a brake caliper bolt fall out (on a NEW trailer, first time out...) locked up the wheel, flatspotted the tire, destroyed the caloper. I removed the wheel to finish the short trip home. Try driving with 3 wheels in a leaf spring trailer!!! (without a chain..)

Pat

Rick M · 08-21-2006, 03:18 PM

I would guess they could be set up on a heavy pivot arm mechanism and give the same type of independent float as the more traditional setup. Kind of like I have seen of big equip trailers where there is one huge set of springs and the pivot is attached where the axle normally would be fastened. Would end up making it an off pavement capable independent torsion system! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

FastDEW · 08-21-2006, 04:01 PM

I have the Dexter setup on my 28 foot enclosed car hauler. The trailer is a 1999 and I have pulled it all over the US... the axle setup works great. Also, for loads, the trailer is typicaly about 10,000 lbs and I have had zero issues with the suspension.

Torsion bar concept has been around for years and years, this is using rubber instead of spring steel, but the same concept.

bayou49 · 08-21-2006, 11:17 PM

A torsion system doesn't bounce as much and there fore rides better.

Sparkydm · 08-22-2006, 06:12 AM

I've been shopping around for a new boat trailer. The
major choice now is leaf vs. spring suspension. Can the
Torsion take a "set" after a while and the whole axle
has to be replaced? That's one line I was given by a
builder. It didn't sound right but, I have no clue. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Mark36 · 08-22-2006, 08:58 AM

I will never go back to leaf spring axles. I have towed a 12,000 lb boat on a triple axle torsion spring trailer since 2002. I now have 46,000 miles on the trailer and have never had a flat tire. The original tires are Goodyear Marathons load range E and they look like new.

My trailer is a Myco which is a very precision trialer and Myco told me they have recorded over 80,000 miles on a set of tires.

Other then brakes and bearings this has been the best set up I have ever seen.

I trailer all over the East coast with friends with leaf spring axles and they are always having flats.

With my set up you don't carry a jack. You just drive the good tires up on a 4 x 4 and remove the bad one if you have to, or run up over a curve.

Torsion axles are the best thing to happen to the trailer industry in my opinion.

NickKent · 08-22-2006, 06:52 PM

Can you explain to me why leaf spring axles are going to give you more flat tires than torsion axles. I definitely do not understand that one.

Sparkydm · 08-22-2006, 10:21 PM

I'm wondering the same thing. Most of my wear is pulling into and out
of my driveway. The sharp turn while backing puts the rear axle
tires through contortions. You can see the extreme wear on the tire
edges. I don't see how going to a torsion axle would improve that.
I love the idea of being able to remove the blown tire and keep
on towing. That would be great! I now carry extra jacks and
chains while praying I never need them. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]