What axles are on my trailer?

If you bought a company-made trailer (as opposed to building one yourself from a kit) there should be a tag with the VIN, weight and capacities all there for you. You should find it on the driver’s side of the trailer. A second way to determine the size axle you need is to measure the diameter of your existing axle.

Are torsion axles better?

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 is the difference between torsion and spring axles?

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.

What is the difference between a straight axle and a drop axle?

A Straight Axle is what you might expect — a straight beam with hubs at the ends. A Drop Axle just allows the trailer to sit lower, usually 4″ for a leaf spring style. Torsion style trailer axles handle the drop a little different.

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.

What is the life expectancy of a torsion axle?

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.

What is the point of a drop axle?

Drop axles are similar to standard spring axles, but the spindles at the end of the tube bend up. This puts the hub higher up, generally lowering the axle closer to the ground by 4 inches center-to-center. This allows the trailer to sit lower to the ground. Lower deck height means easier loading and unloading.

Can I change drop axle to straight axle?

You can change your axle to a straight axle from a drop axle. As you mentioned it will move the center of gravity up. This is important to keep in mind while driving and when making turns.

What is a drop axle used for?

A dropped axle is a straight front axle that has been altered or built to drop a vehicle’s ride height. Used on nearly every type of vehicle from the 1930s-era roadsters and coupes to modern hot rods and pickup trucks, the dropped axle is often the most cost-effective method of lowering a vehicle’s stance.

Are torsion axles good for off road?

Torsion axles work well on road, I have them on my horse trailer, but off road they just don’t perform well. Failure of a torsion axle is not repairable in the field the closest you can come to it is welding a gusset in place to solidify the broke arm.

Can torsion axles be repaired?

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.

Do torsion axles have bearings?

Maintenance free

The torsion axle has a very simple design, utilizing rubber cords and an inner rod, rather than the large variety of parts found in a spring axle. The simplicity of this design means that there is little or no maintenance to be performed. All you have to do is lubricate and maintain the wheel bearings.

Are torsion axles adjustable?

Torsion axles have a straightforward, attached construction with adjustable ride height and a rubberized suspension system.

How do you jack up a trailer with torsion axles?

If you want to jack up the whole trailer, front and back and both sides, you can use the tongue jack for the front and then use a floor jack to jack up one corner at the back of the trailer, place a jack stand to hold it, and then jack up the other side using a jack stand to hold it as well.

How do I know if my torsion axle is worn out?

The first test is to jack up each side of the trailer and watch to see if the wheel moves down as weight is removed from that side, if on either side the wheel does not drop at least 1½” the axle needs replacing.