The torsion trailer axle refers to a straight trailer axle with torsional elasticity, which is standing between the body and the frame of the boat trailer and is used to resist the rolling vibration of the body.
What is the axle on a boat trailer?
What is a single axle boat trailer? Firstly, an axle is a rod or bar that is installed through the center or a wheel or set of wheels. A single axle ’s name gives away its definition: this term refers to a trailer that uses one axle to connect the wheels on the sides of the unit.
When and how to replace boat trailer bearings?
To inspect your wheel bearing, be sure you have the following:
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Proper size lug socket and breaker bar
- Rubber or plastic mallet
- Flathead screwdriver
- Rag
- Compressed air and air nozzle
- Proper bearing grease
- Bearing Packer (optional)
How big is a boat trailer?
They are commonly rated for a maximum trailer weight of 1,300 to 3,500 pounds, making their average load capacity just under 2,000 pounds. A fishing boat trailer usually weighs 200 to 1,100 pounds on its own, without a boat loaded. The average for a boat trailer is about 600 pounds.
Do boat trailers need stabilizer bars?
The sway bar acts as a damper that prevents the trailer from moving from side to side. You can tighten the sway bars if you feel that your trailer is swaying too much and loosen it if you feel like you are having trouble making turns. You can also adjust the sways bars independent from each other.
Are torsion axles good for boat trailers?
Having a good quality axle means you are worry-free. Torsion axles offer a low maintenance, reliable, quiet, smooth ride. HSI Duratek torsion axles make it simple to have peace-of-mind while trailer towing.Aug 12, 2020
How long do torsion axles last on a boat trailer?
Torsion axles, the metal parts, last forever, except when rust comes into play. The rubber rods is always the failure. Ball park life, when used frequently, like 2 to 3 times a year, is about 25 years.Jun 29, 2014
What is the advantage of a torsion axle?
Torsion axles are mounted directly to the frame which means fewer moving parts compared to spring suspensions, resulting in a smoother shock action. This stiffens the frame, reducing flex. This system is also less likely to corrode because the axle tube is galvanized inside and out.
How does a boat trailer torsion axle work?
Torsion axles work by using rubber cords or cartridges inside the axle tube to handle suspension travel and shock absorption. Torsion axles do not use leaf springs, but instead the compression of the rubber to supply the suspension support needed. Each wheel works independently from one another.Jan 31, 2018
Do torsion trailer axles wear out?
Helpful Expert Reply: It is certainly possible for any axle to wear out enough over time to need replacing. Since the suspension is built into a torsion axle if the suspension part was to wear out pretty much the only solution would be to replace the axle.Jul 17, 2014
How do you maintain torsion axles?
Torsion Axle Maintenance Torsion axles do not require any regular maintenance, unlike springs that need constant review for worn or loose parts. Spring axles must be checked regularly to make sure the spring surfaces are not corroded, creating a weak point in the suspension.
How long does a torsion axle last?
Subject: RE: Rubber Torsion Axle Life Expectancy? the lifespan is 15-20 years.... no matter how many miles towed or how stored (weight off frame, etc.)Jul 1, 2015
Are torsion axles worth it?
Torsion trailer axles offer a smoother ride and less maintenance. Leaf springs are more durable, less expensive and far easier to replace parts on. Selecting the proper axle is as simple as determining your application, and figuring out the loads you need to carry.
How do you lift a trailer with torsion axles?
1:216:18Cargo Trailer Conversion Lift Kit Installation Dexter Torsion Axles ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe easiest way to get your lookthat's off so loosen them while the trailer tires still on theMoreThe easiest way to get your lookthat's off so loosen them while the trailer tires still on the ground otherwise.
Can you replace the rubber in a torsion axle?
Expert Reply: Torsion axles use internal rubber cords to provide the suspension motion and they really are not practical to repair/rebuild. Certainly any axle that was damaged in an accident should be replaced purely for safety reasons.Aug 24, 2017
How do you check a torsion axle?
0:343:27How to Measure a Torsion Axle - trailercanada.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe most common bolt pattern on a trailer with 5 bolt wheels is a 5 on 4 and a half inch boltMoreThe most common bolt pattern on a trailer with 5 bolt wheels is a 5 on 4 and a half inch bolt pattern. For axles with a 6 bolt wheel the bolt pattern is six on five and a half and four axles.
Do torsion axles need shock absorbers?
Torsion axles do not suffer from the same harmonics of spring-rate as other axles do, so they rarely need shock absorbers.Jun 8, 2017
What axles are used in the Boler?
The original Boler came equipped with an Ingersoll Rub-R-Ride rubber torsion axle and later was replaced with the Dexter Torflex. Rubber torsion axles are a good system that requires little servicing other than the usual bearing repacking and maintenance. One very unusual aspect is that the axle in the Boler is actually installed backwards.
Why is a Boler axle 0° up?
Since the standard Boler axle is installed as a leading arm, a 0° or 10° up is beneficial because suspension movement arches in the direction of travel which provides a smoother ride , a down angle will result in a rougher ride because the arm arches against the direction of travel.
What happens when a trailer tire wears out?
As the elastomer deteriorates the axle will start to sag, causing the trailer to sit lower, there can also be movement laterally in the torsion tube which will cause the wheels to toe out, this can cause slight swaying and tire wear.
Where to place a jack on a trailer?
Place the jack on the frame behind the axle as close to the mounting bracket as you can. Lifting the trailer by any part of the axle will bend the axle and replacement of the axle will be needed.
Is bigger axle better?
Bigger is NOT better. The axle capacity is determined by the weight of the trailer, you want the suspension to work within the range it was designed to carry, if you put an axle on that is rated too low then the suspension will be at or near the maximum compressed range, when you hit a bump the axle will not absorb the bump and send the shock through the trailer and frame (bottom out the suspension). If you put on an axle that has too high a capacity, like a 3500 lb axle, the suspension will resist moving and again any bump will be sent through the trailer and frame. Ideally you want the capacity so that the suspension is slightly compressed when the trailer is just sitting, when a bump is hit the suspension compresses and absorbs the impact rather that transferring it to the trailer and frame.
Is the Boler axle backwards?
One very unusual aspect is that the axle in the Boler is actually installed backwards. These axles are designed to be installed so that the suspension arm trail behind the axle tube, the wheels are pulled behind the axle, but the Boler designers saw the opportunity to install the axle tube behind the step in the kitchen leading up to ...
What is the difference between leaf springs and torsion trailer axles?
That’s a complicated question. Torsion trailer axles offer a smoother ride and less maintenance. Leaf springs are more durable , less expensive and far easier to replace parts on. Selecting the proper axle is as simple as determining your application, and figuring out the loads you need to carry.
What are the different types of trailer axles?
Trailer axles are normally divided into two different types: Spring axles and torsion axles. While these two types of axles perform the same basic job, the way they go about suspending and cushioning the trailer load is completely different. .
Why are spring axles important?
This decreases the ride height of the trailer, which is important for many reasons. Load stability is greater on a lower trailer, and they’re easier to load and unload as well. Spring axles are by far the most popular option when it comes to trailer suspension systems. They’re inexpensive and relatively easy to maintain.
What is a spring axle?
Much like the name suggests, spring axles are constructed of stacked flat spring stock in proportion to the load. . But rather than having the spring over the axle (like on a pickup truck), trailers normally have the axle slung over the springs.
Can torsion axles be cut off?
These short units are perfect for specialized, custom applications. Unfortunately, the attached design of torsion axles means that any major repairs are going to require the axle to be cut off. They really aren’t designed to be totally overhauled.
Do half torsion axles need to be galvanized?
Great corrosion resistance, as torsion axles are usually galvanized inside and out. Warranty typically lasts longer than leaf spring axles. . Half-torsion axles are also available, which means they come in two parts that don’t need to.
Why is a torsion axle different from a trailer axle?
The torsion axle is very different because of the torque applied through the trailing arm (or torsion arm), to the axle beam, to the trailer frame. The “moment” as we call it in engineering speak, causes a more complex load at the point of axle attachment and that causes some additional stress.
How does a torsion axle work?
Basically, each trailer wheel mounts to a short trailing arm which pivots around the main axle tube. The rotation of the trailing arm is resisted by a set of elastomer rods (many people call them cords) as shown in the image below (from Kendon ).
How many locations are leaf springs on a trailer?
For leaf springs, the loading is effectively vertical, at four locations on the frame. These locations (2 on each side of the frame) each carry roughly 1/4th the total axle load. This makes loading to the trailer main beams simple, and stresses are easy to handle.
What does hitting a bump do to a trailer?
Hitting a bump, or a pot hole for instance, increases load for a short time.
Where does the term "torsion axle" come from?
The name “torsion axle” comes from the resistance to a moment load inside the trailer axle tube. Resistance to torque. Basically, each trailer wheel mounts to a short trailing arm which pivots around the main axle tube.
Do leaf springs help with trailers?
For heavier trailers, the leaf springs provide a reasonable ride when the trailer is full. Then, for times when the trailer is lightly loaded, let a little air out of the tires to get better ride quality. (Be smart. Don’t run really low tire pressure.)
Do torsion axles need to be stronger?
For a torsion axle, the frame must be stronger in areas around the axle mounting. The added loads simply require added strength. For leaf spring type axles, there are different accommodations. Look closely at the images, and you’ll see there are locally higher stresses at the spring bracket mounting.
What is a 6x12 utility trailer?
The 6x12 utility trailer is the most popular of our 6' width trailers. It's great for business, landscaping projects, ATV's, moving, . . . you name it. Lots of volume, yet very maneuverable and it tows…
Is a 6x8 trailer the same size as a 5x8?
The 6x8 trailer is one size wider than the popular 5x8, while maintaining similar options with the same strength and stability. See the images on this page and on the trailers category page for a view…
Do trailers have brakes?
Brakes (or not) Some trailer axles have brakes, some do not. Check your local laws to know if you need them. There are a few types to choose, like Drum Brakes, or Disc Brakes, and the motive as Electric, or Hydraulic, or mechanical actuation.
