Leaf Springs vs Torsion

[rwidman]

Re: Leaf Springs vs Torsion

Yes you can get it within an inch. But what happens when you have a little more load in the back of the vehicle one trip vs another? You will have more load on one axle than the other. Are you going to have a whole set of hitch drops?

An inch or two doesn't make a difference. Remember, the weight shifts as you drive up or down hills anyway. You just want to start with it as close to level as possible.

Torsion axles are an established technology, not something that has to be examined and engineered by every potential user. Advantages:

No metal springs and shackles to rust.
No metal springs and shackles to squeak.
Allow the trailer and boat to sit closer to the ground for better stability and easier launch/recovery of the boat.
Are bolted directly to the trailer frame and can be easily adjusted fore and aft to make corrections to the trailer's tongue weight.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Leaf Springs vs Torsion

I would not expect a trailered boat to significantly vary in weight from one trip to the next to require a different drawbar.

If it was a flat bed open car hauler trailer used to haul anything, then yes there could be a wide variance in cargo weight.

Talking about the cargo in the tow vehicle.

The fact is that there will be more load on one axle than the other.

As far as switching to torsion axles, if the trailer has much flex, you have the problem with alignment which is also why people have problems with tires wearing. When the boat is loaded a trailer will flex. If the trailer does not have the rigidity required for torsion axles, you will have alignment problems and wear your tires. Will not have that problem with a rigid axle and leaf springs.

 

[pat8839]

Re: Leaf Springs vs Torsion

Sorry guys I failed to mention that my trailer is single axle...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Leaf Springs vs Torsion

This can go on forever--just like the argument between bunks and rollers. Or--Should I mention it? -- outboard oil brands. To Seafoam or not to Seafoam? Etc., Etc., Etc., Ad Infinitum--Ad Nauseum