Tandem Torsion Suspension

[Silvertip]

I've been looking at tandem axle pontoon trailers and in my research I stumbled onto something that any of you with such a trailer may want to take note of. Tandem axle trailers with torsion axles do not have the "walking beam" center spring support that a conventional "spring style" trailer has. While that is not a bad thing, there is an issue with towing tongue high and tongue low. A severe tongue high situation can cause the rear axle and tires to be overloaded since weight is being removed from the front axle and transferred to the rear axle. A severe tongue low situation causes the opposite effect. It is therefore necessary to tow a tandem torsion axle trailer as level as possible. You achieve that by adjusting the ball height accordingly. Champion Trailers also has a warning about this situation.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tandem Torsion Suspension

you are correct. my chris craft is one a tandem, torsion axle.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tandem Torsion Suspension

Yea, bought a new trailer like that for the 24' Funtoon.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Tandem Torsion Suspension

If you think about it leaf spring suspension would kind of do the same thing.
I try to always tow my trailers as level as possible.I think the torsion axles actually ride better than springs too.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Tandem Torsion Suspension

The original trailer that came with my Starcraft Capri was a dual independent axle leaf spring trailer, if I towed it with the tongue high it would chop the front trailer tires. It was a much simpler design but had to be pulled dead level.
When I parked the boat on the trailer with the tongue up high, the front axle was completely unloaded. That lead to the rear springs sagging. I had replaced the springs and learned to park it on jack stands after that. I would place two blocks under the rear cross member and wind the tongue jack up all the way, that way both axles were unloaded completely.

An advantage to torsion axles is both lower ride height and fewer moving parts to wear out. They also ride smoother with less bounce.
Any trailer however should be pulled level to maintain proper weight distribution.
I find that most trailers all require similar hitch heights if built properly. Most boat trailers that I've had pull at about 18" of height at the tongue. Some V tongue trailers or RVs tow a bit lower. I have two receiver inserts, one for both common heights. On my truck I have one straight and one with a 2" rise.