Do you need help choosing the right axle for your trailer? There are two types of axles on trailers: torsion and spring. Please read on to learn more about the features and benefits of both.
A Torsion axle uses the force of the ground pushing back against a steel rod in the axle beam. The steel rod is encased in high-density rubber. This rubber is used to cushion the axle when it impacts on uneven road terrain.
Torsion axles have the following advantages:
- The ride is not as bumpy or bouncy as that of an unloaded or lighter trailer
- Less maintenance due to fewer moving parts
- Longer warranty periods
- Range of arm articulation to allow raising or lowering the clearance of the trailer potentially without having to block the axles
- Removable spindles in case of bearing blowouts, potentially saving thousands on repair costs due to not having to replace the entire axle
The following are the disadvantages of Torsion Axles:
- Most repair facilities don’t stock torsion axles
- Higher initial cost
- Trailers must be level when towing to prevent overloading because they are welded directly to the frame and axles are not connected to transfer weight.
- Colder weather stiffens the rubber inside the axle creating less cushion
Most people are familiar with spring axles and the type of suspension used on trailers. As the axles are bolted together, the weight is transferred between them when encountered on uneven road terrain. The leaf springs provide cushioning when the trailer hits uneven road terrain, bumps, and potholes with spring axles.
Advantages of Spring Axles:
- In many repair facilities, parts are readily available and don't need to be ordered
- A spring axle is available in either a straight axle beam for increased road clearance, or a 4" drop axle for easier access to the trailer. The 4" drop axle adjusts the pitch of rear ramp trailers, allowing lower profile cars to be loaded without bottoming out.
- The initial cost is lower
- An interlinked axle system helps prevent load spikes (overloading) on an axle by assisting in distributing the weight from either front-to-back or back-to-front with the equalizer.
- Easier to repair when encountering issues
Spring axles have the following disadvantages:
- If the trailer is empty, it will bounce a little more than a torsion axle
- More moving parts that will require additional maintenance with time and use
- Shorter warranty periods