Designed for regular tires, the Axle-Less system provides a smooth, quiet, safe ride and can eliminate the need for an axle. Suspension units with brake flanges replace your existing axle and operate independently. Fits any frame width.
Features:
Specs:
Note: The Timbren Axle-Less suspension system may require additional support on your trailer. If your trailer does not have a crossmember above the spot where you want to install the Timbren system, you may need to reinforce the frame. You can accomplish this three ways. First, you can retrofit the trailer with a crossmember. Second, you can build out the trailer frame. Third, you can use 2-inch x 3-inch rectangular steel tubing to connect the 2 Timbren suspensions together using the built-in square hole on each unit.
Ride on rubber with Timbren's Axle-Less trailer suspension system. This one-of-a-kind suspension consists of two separate units, each containing rugged steel arms and two strong, hollow rubber springs. Overall, the system safely and effectively absorbs road shock, minimizes trailer bounce and rattle - regardless of load size - and helps to protect your trailer's components and cargo. Built-in camber and toe-in keep your trailer tracking straight to minimize tire wear. Integrated hangers attach to your trailer's frame. And 2-inch x 3-inch holes make it easy to reinforce your trailer's frame by adding 2-inch x 3-inch rectangular steel tubing (if needed).
The Axle-Less independent suspension system replaces your trailer's existing leaf spring suspension and can eliminate the need for an axle. The independent action of the suspension reduces roll when your trailer is cornering and allows you to maximize ground clearance and minimize deck height. Your trailer can have the same side-to-side clearance as your tow vehicle. And the low deck height makes it easy to load cargo from either the rear or the side.
Because you're riding on rubber, your trailer will ride smoothly and comfortably, whether you're navigating rocky terrain or highway asphalt.
The Axle-Less suspension's progressive spring is a definitive upgrade over leaf springs. Although leaf springs deliver a stable ride when supporting a load, a trailer with leaf springs will bounce and rattle when it's empty or supporting a light or off-center load. On the other hand, your trailer can bottom out on bumpy roads if the load is too heavy. The AEON progressive-rate springs of the Axle-Less suspension always deliver the same reliable performance, no matter the load size. As more weight is added to the trailer, the springs compress and become stiffer, offering more support for heavy loads. And because they rebound more slowly than leaf springs, the AEON springs do a better job of absorbing road shock, thereby keeping your trailer from bouncing and rattling when you're carrying a light load. So with this versatile system you will enjoy a smooth ride whether you're towing an empty trailer or a hefty load.
Unlike leaf springs, Timbren's Axle-Less suspension units operate independently of one another. Each spring activates only when needed. This reduces roll and delivers top-notch performance, even when you're hauling off-center loads. When your trailer with leaf springs takes a turn, one side of the suspension compresses and takes on more weight, and the other side becomes looser and bounces. This causes rattle and can make the trailer lean to one side. But when your trailer with the Axle-Less suspension takes a turn, one side compresses and becomes more rigid to absorb the weight, and the other side expands to normal height to help steady the load and minimize bounce and rattle. The load stays better balanced, even if it is off-center.
Timbren's Axle-Less trailer suspension system is a great alternative to torsion axles. While both systems allow either side of the trailer's suspension to operate independently, only Axle-Less suspensions are actually separate units. Torsion axles still require a bar that spans the bottom of your trailer, whereas Timbren's system can eliminate the need for a thru axle - giving you the same amount of ground clearance from the front of your trailer to the rear. It also allows Axle-Less suspensions to fit any trailer width - unlike torsion axles, which have to be fitted to an exact frame width.
Axle-Less suspensions operate in a smoother, less stressful manner than torsion axles. Torsion axles use a twisting motion, where the bar inside the axle tube rolls against rubber cords or a rubber wall to create compression and resistance. The up-and-down motion of the main spring and the side-to-side motion of the rebound spring in Timbren's Axle-Less suspension work together to provide smooth, consistent compression - with no twisting - that results in a better ride and less stress on the suspension's components.
Whether you are building a trailer or retrofitting your existing trailer with the Axle-Less system, you must make certain that the trailer's frame is both perfectly square and sturdy enough to support a heavy load without the aid of a thru axle.
There are three ways to install the Axle-Less suspension. The easiest method, which is recommended if you are replacing axles on your trailer, is to install a piece of 2-inch x 3-inch rectangular tubing (sold separately - available at most weld shops) through the integrated hole in the Axle-Less suspension. Then all you need to do is bolt the suspension to the side of the trailer's frame with three bolts (not included).
The second option for installation is to fabricate an inboard extension plate that attaches the trailer's frame to the Axle-Less suspension.
The third method of installation is to bolt the Axle-Less suspension's hanger to the trailer's frame and to an existing crossmember that is in the area where you want to install the suspension.
With both the second and third options, you must use three bolts to attach the suspension to the side of the frame. And you also have to use two or three bolts to attach the suspension to the bottom of the frame extension, or crossmember. Both the second and third methods of installation will eliminate the need for a thru axle and provide the most clearance.
Timbren's Axle-Less suspension units should be installed directly across from one another. Before mounting the units, measure back from the coupler and mark the frame to make sure that the two distance measurements (A and B) are within 1/8 inch of each other. Then you can drill holes through the frame and attach the hangers with Grade-5, half-inch bolts (not included).
The following diagrams show measurements that were taken with electric drum brakes installed on the Timbren Axle-less suspension system.
Alternate Instructions
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hey guys, it's Jake here with etrailer. Today we've got John with us from Timbren. He's gonna tell us a little bit more about what separates Timbren from the competitors. I appreciate it, I'm glad to be here. Timbren is a suspension specialist. We're based in Whitby, Ontario, so we are a true manufacturer in Canada and we offer a wide range of suspension products from light duty, from commercial all the way up to Overlander, Sprinter applications and trailers.
Now we've talked about a few of the options you guys have and we have plenty of options on our website. Right. We've got the SES kits. We've got the axle-less suspension. Right.
We've got your new coil inserts that just came out recently. But what would you say is your bread-and-butter at Timbren Yeah, no, our SES, suspension enhancement system, is definitely our bread-and-butter. Came out in 2011, won a SEMA New Product Award for best truck suspension. And really, the evolution you just mentioned here, you know, starting in 1968 all the way through now, 2024. But the SES kits are really the core of who we are.
And if you, if you would say at, in the level of stiffness on the market, what would you, would you put yourself in more in a heavy duty side for the SES kits or is it more of a lighter duty Yeah, great question. Lighter duty, we certainly can have a product for commercial and heavy duty, but in '82 when SES was introduced, it was purposely introduced for that, that light duty market. So we start with 1500 and again, go all the way up, but by far really popular with that 1500, 2500 crowd. That kinda leads me into my next question. So we talked about, your specialty is kind of in the lighter duty, but do you have an option for the heavier duty for your sprinter vans and maybe for your truck bed campers Yeah, absolutely.
We do have SES kits for truck beds, truck campers with a higher center of gravity. That creates a new kind of set of problems with the sway side to side. So we have severe duty kits for those. And it uses a single convoluted AON versus a double convoluted to tackle that problem of side to side. And the same thing with the sprinter van. It uses a rectangular shape Aon, but it's there to do the same deal that side to side sway because they're so top heavy, it'll eliminate that. Okay. And then we've had an instance here at etrailer that we had a van that was very, very heavy on the one side. Is there anything that you guys can do personally to help, I would say, I guess customize that kit for that particular user Yeah, by all means we would want that individual to contact us. We would ask a couple questions, see where that weight is distributed and we can actually produce an AON with either a stiffer hardness or durometer or a softer durometer and that will help level it out. So yes, we can take care of that for 'em. And I think that'll really, really help people to get their rigs dialed in because who knows what they're putting in the campers afterwards, after they buy 'em. They come from the manufacturer already heavy on that side and they're trying to load stuff on the other side to try to even it out. But knowing that there's a solution that you can customize for your rig no matter what the weight is on either side is really, really cool. Yeah, absolutely. We're happy to take care of 'em and again, there's no charge for that. Awesome. Now to kind of wrap things up, what sets Timbren apart from a lot of other manufacturers out there Well, I think there's a couple things. We're a family run company and our longevity, you can't deny, 1968 to 2024 and our warranty, we have a lifetime warranty regardless of how old it is. We will take care of it, replace it, limited lifetime warranty, and the hundred day money back guarantee. Very cool. And that's whether or not you're the first owner Right. And yeah, we're not asking for receipt, who'd you buy it from It'll be taken care of. Just give us a ring and we'll take care of it for you. Very cool. Well thank you again for meeting with us. Appreciate it. It was a pleasure to work with you. Thank you.
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (302 Customer Reviews)
Designed for regular tires, the Axle-Less system provides a smooth, quiet, safe ride and can eliminate the need for an axle. Suspension units with brake flanges replace your existing axle and operate independently. Fits any frame width.
The axle-less suspension worked very well for my boat trailer. The suspension was easy to attach to the trailer frame and provided a lower profile than the traditional leaf spring and axle system.
The service from etrailer has been great! They have been very helpful through the entire purchasing process. My one star is due to the quality of the product. First, for something as heavy duty as these are, you’d expect better packaging. On arrival, one of the spindles was sticking out of the box and the hand holds were torn on one of the other boxes. I was a little worried what I might find in the damaged box but everything seems to be intact. The disappointing part is the quality of the welds. For the price you are spending on these, I would expect a higher quality of fabrication. There is undercut in the welds that hold the three support plates together and big ol sloppy welds every where else. Unsure of what to do as my trailer has been designed around this suspension system.
I purchased the 3500 lb. set w/4" drop. Wish they made a 2" drop. Install was fairly easy, but most of your time will be consumed with alignment measurements, acquiring shims, and making adjustments. I was lucky to have a very square trailer frame. However, the "slop" in the all of the mounting bolts (especially, the spindle mounts) is more than the 1/8" window they specify. You will want to preload all bolts before tightening, and then measure for alignment/toe-in. The units are supposed to have camber built-in, but it's not near enough (more shims). Also, this suspension has more travel then the documents indicated. I had to re-mount my fenders 1" higher to keep the tires front hitting. When fully loaded, you might have 1" of travel left. All that being said, the ride is better than I anticipated. It's less bouncy than a torsion axle, and very quiet. If I was building a trailer from scratch, I would use this system, again.
It is important to know that your wheels are going to sit very tight to the trailer frame. I needed to add an extension to the hub for it to clear the sides of the camper I built.
We made an amazing creation out of those two axle-less axles.
We made a large fuel cell that is used for offroad use and it has worked excellent this entire time.
They are really great products and we would love to work with them again.
Actually, we do a ton of social media stuff and youtube and if you ever have interest in sending us products to build content around, I would love to have the opportunity!
Thanks,
Michael Brandt
Garage Bound, LLC (On Youtube and Instagram and all the other socials)
The trailer rides great down the road and no more worries about saltwater and rusty leaf springs. Not a cheap option but I’m very happy with the setup. When installing, just be sure to measure accurately and have sharp drill bits. A drill press type of guide also helps ensure correct drilling angles. The first picture is of a mounting gusset a local welding shop made. One is needed for each side and necessary to provide needed mounting strength-at least on my trailer frame. Pics 2 and 3 show the mounted suspension on one side of the trailer. Pic 4 shows the suspension on one side of the trailer with the axle attached and a separately purchased disc brake assembly mounted on it. Finally, pic 5 shows a 2” box channel between both suspension assemblies. Independent suspensions would have been nice, but I wanted to ensure trailer rigidity was maintained. So, after one year, so far, so good. It’s all smooth sailing down the highway.
Very smooth pull. I'm very impressed on how the trailer pulls. My traditional axle trailer seemed to bounce a lot on the highway which made a lot of noise, but with the Timbren Axle-less that I installed on a new trailer, the trailer is so smooth and way less noise.
Great product.
Purchased 2 sets of the Timbren 1200 Axle-less systems for upgrading the suspension on an older 30' ft glider trailer. Single axle with small (13") tires made towing tough due to porpoising, dragging on drive entrances do to poor flotation; also German made and metric, no repair parts. GVW 2000 lbs equated to bouncy ride.
Dual sets now allow the trailer to ride over bumps and sharp inclines easily, smoothly, little bounce on country roads; porpoising is history. My glider now rides securely, safely, quietly.
Install time 4 1/2 hours (includes head-scratching). Results are outstanding, units are totally solid. Recommend the square tube interconnect, easy and quick - trailer frame was on the light side, so a precautionary fix. Clean look underneath.
Ordered 5 wheels w/tires, very nice.
Helpful neighbor so impressed he ordered a HD single set for his new DIY snowmobile trailer.
Customer satisfaction 100%, from phone order, online support, product information, immediate shipping, install instructions, followup... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
I used these axles in a different way than most would. I needed a trailer that was small, could handle tight switch-backs, carry 600 lbs and be light. I had this idea and as a retired design engineer I saw a great possibility in this axle. I have made four of these trailers now, one as a camp trailer, 2 for trail work for State Parks and one as a utility trailer.
Trailer suspension and disk brake performance is outstanding big big difference over leaf spring and electric drum brakes.
Installation required modifications to the frame to monut the timbren suspension
I rebuilt a 4 x 8 trailer using the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension and it works great. I would recommend it to others.
Installed the Timbren Axle-less suspension a little over a year ago and approximately 5000 miles ago. I have been extremely satisfied with the installation and performance thus far and have had no issues. I also chose to install an optional crossmember for more strength using a 1/4" thick piece of 2x3 steel. I had to increase the weight capacity of my campers suspension due to renovating the interior completely and adding more weight. I also strengthened the frame to accommodate the extra weight. In addition to installing the Timbren 5200LB system I installed new 12" electric brakes and upgraded to 225/75R15 tires with E load range rating.
Installed the Timbren Axle-less suspension a little over a year ago and approximately 5000 miles ago. I have been extremely satisfied with the installation and performance thus far and have had no issues. I also chose to install an optional crossmember for more strength using a 1/4" thick piece of 2x3 steel. I had to increase the weight capacity of my campers suspension due to renovating the interior completely and adding more weight. I also strengthened the frame to accommodate the extra weight. In addition to installing the Timbren 5200LB system I installed new 12" electric brakes and upgraded to 225/75R15 tires with E load range rating.
Incredible system. Handled our Overland trek through Colorado and Moab. These axles on our 1917 Ford bed ran multiple Jeep Badge of Honor trails. The suspension handled flawlessly. Handles off camber rocks and drop offs smoothly. We ran the 4 inch lift and off road offset to fit the factory Jeep wheels.
They have more pros than cons, but the second set I bought broke the flat plate that holds the spindle at about 8 months. The steel quality seemed less than I would expect since it basically peeled it back like a pop can as you can see in the pictures. Otherwise I like the clearance and ride. They last 2-3 years where the torsion axles I replaced would wear out in 4 months after driving down rough gravel roads. There is a grade zerk on the underside which I didn't realize until I bought the second set. That would have helped the first set last longer had I known about it.
I put these on an off-road trailer build. They have been fantastic! I've done many miles and they held up great. Highly recommend.
Timbren saved our RV road trip! The leafs on the axle on our 2018 Jayco TT came apart while driving in Maryland. We tried going to the manufacturer, but they were useless. Going to a RV mechanic meant being grounded for at least 2 months. Then we found Timbren. With the help of Timbren's excellent staff we purchased axle-less system through etrailer, who made sure we got as quick as possible. It came ahead of schedule, my husband installed the Timbren system and we were back on the road! The axle-less system is better than the original manufacturers. If you plan on taking your RV or TT farther than 100 miles GET THIS INSTALLED and get it through etrailer.
enclosed are pics of trailer and spindle units. I was very happy with the end result,
lowering ez loader trailer 8 inches for hovercraft. the spindle units were well made,
very strong but had some weld repairs as pictures show.i could not set the needed
adjustments till I cleaned up the units with a stone and file. also please improve the
packaging . these heavy units need something better than cardboard for shipping.
they were dislodged from Styrofoam and partially poked holes thru cardboard. but
fortunately no damage there. again im happy with the installation.thank you!!!
These units install easily, are well made, and perform great! The trailer doesn't bounce around like you see a lot of trailers do while traveling down a bumpy road. I traveled some unpaved roads with no issues. I am certainly glad I went axleless. I installed with 15" tires. Problem is I didn't go big enough.
I intended to install on an existing trailer that I had. Changed my mind and built a new trailer. The new trailer came in heavier than I had planned. 2k pound capacity is now too small. I have to watch what I load the trailer with so I don't over load the suspension. I intend on buying the 3500 pound units when I have the money.
Five star. shipping was slow. Product was great 14 K 14 plies under 2000 pounds independent suspension. Low fast and sassy. Yep that’s how I build them.
So far great! I used one of the Timbren Axles in a mountain trail camp/SAR trailer I just finished building. I have only had the trailer on roads because all the trails I want to try it on are still under snow...but it is melting fast. I have included a couple of photos.
This suspension system did EXACTLY what I wanted. I replaced the leaf springs, axle/hubs on my small trailer. The new suspension improved the capacity, lowered the bed 4+inches, improved ground clearance and allowed me to rebalance the trailer all WITHOUT having to have any welding done. Everything needs to be measured very exactly and the alignment technique is fairly cumbersome and takes a bit of time. In the end, I have a quiet, steady, strong, low riding trailer. What more could you ask for
The order came in on time and the customer service at etrailer.com (Ashley) and Sean from Tmbren was outstanding. They both were very helpful in my choosing the right product for my needs. The axle less suspension's performance is absolutely superb. It vastly improves ride quality. I am using it on a teardrop camper that often goes on gravel roads and the raddling sound from the leaf axles was horrible. A couple of points to consider before you settle on the axle less suspension: keep in mind that you will lose some hight of the trailer. While you will gain clearance from the lack of the axle, the suspension will make the trailer sit lower than before.i had to lower my hitch by an inch to maintain the trailer leveled. Also it does appear to compress at higher rate than the leaf springs, which makes it softer but easier to reach it's limit. Overall this product is absolutely a must if you are looking to improve the safety and the quality of your towing.
My only complaint is that I had to strip off the bad paint job, grind the sharp edges and apply real primer and paint. The factory paint was crap. I completed the build and have yet to load up the trailer to see what it can carry.
Love it! What a difference it made on my trailer. It hauls so much smoother.
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