3 Things to Consider when Replacing a Torsion Trailer Axle
Over time the axle will wear out, the rubber elastomer will deteriorate with use and age. As the elastomer deteriorates the axle will start to sag, causing the trailer to sit lower, there can also be moved laterally in the torsion tube which will cause the wheels to toe out, this can cause slight swaying and tire wear. As a general rule of thumb, an axle that is 15-20 years old probably needs replacing. HAWAY shared with you the following 3 things to consider when replacing the torsion trailer axle.
Check the degree of wear of the axle
The first test is to jack up each side of the trailer and observe whether the wheels move down as the weight is removed from that side. If the wheels on either side have not dropped by at least 1.5 inches, they need to be replaced Axles. Second, measure the diameter of the tire. Now place the trailer on level ground and measure the distance from the ground to the top of the axle tube, directly in front of or behind the axle mounting bracket.
Take the tire radius and subtract the measured value from the frame to the ground. If the result is greater than 2½”, your axle needs to be replaced (the above calculation is based on a fully loaded axle, and the initial starting angle is 0° to 10° upward angle).
Indexes to consider when replacing axles
Axle weight capacity
The axle capacity is determined by the weight of the trailer. You want the suspension to work within its designed load range. If the axle rating you place is too low, the suspension will be at or close to the maximum compression range. When you encounter bumps, the axle does not absorb bumps but transmits shocks through the trailer and the frame (suspension hits the bottom).
If the axle capacity you install is too high, such as a 3500 lb axle, the suspension will not be able to move, and any bumps will be sent through the trailer and frame again. Ideally, you want enough capacity so that the suspension will be slightly compressed when the trailer is just sitting down, and when bumps are encountered, the suspension will compress and absorb the impact instead of transferring it to the trailer and frame superior.
Axle arm start angle
The axle arm start angle is one of the primary factors that determine the ground clearance or ride height of your trailer. In most instances, you are replacing your axle because it is worn out, as the elastomer deteriorates the ride height goes down and ground clearance becomes less, so don’t just guess at the start angle.
The roads or terrain you will be traveling on, rougher or rutted roads need more ground clearance than paved highways. As a reference, the average pick-up truck has 8”-10” of ground clearance.
Determine the final ride height of the trailer
Some things to consider when deciding on the final ride height and ground clearance of your trailer.
(1) The original axle used on the trailer was 10° up which makes sense considering the axle orientation with the frame, so use those measurements in the table as a starting reference, NOT the measurements from your trailer with its worn out and sagging axle.
(2) The roads or terrain you will be traveling on, rougher or rutted roads need more ground clearance than paved highways. As a reference, the average pick-up truck has 8”-10” of ground clearance.
(3) The height of the step-up, the average step riser is about 7”-8”, more can be awkward, again the original 0° or 10° up results in the ideal set-up height.
(4) Since the standard trailer 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 downward angle will result in a rougher ride because the arm arches against the direction of travel.
(5) NOTE: The following measures are based on using 175/80R13 tires with a diameter of 24”. Ground clearance is calculated from the ground to the bottom of the lowered kitchen floor which is 6” lower than the top of the frame rails.
The following table provides the ground clearance measurements based on two factors:
(1) Axle Start Angle: the angle of the torsion arm relative to the horizontal plane, stated in the unloaded condition. This angle is a factor in determining the frame height.
(2) Mounting Bracket Height: two-bracket heights are available, the low profile bracket which is the standard mounting bracket, and the high profile bracket which will add 0.88” additional ground clearance.
As an expert who has studied torsion axle for many years, HAWAY can provide you with some reference opinions in many aspects. If you want to know more about the torsion axle after reading the above, you can get a comprehensive solution by contacting us.
As a professional manufacturer of trailer parts, we always insist on providing customers with high-quality and safe products. We have an experienced manufacturing team and strict quality management system, which can carry out all-round quality control of our products. At the same time, we can also provide thoughtful one-stop service according to the diverse needs of customers. If you want to buy our torsion axle, please contact us immediately!
