Best Suspension Enhancement For Grand Design Trailer With 3,500 lb Axles on Rough Roads
Question:
Thanks for the in depth answer. We would be traveling 20-40 miles at a time on dirt roads which might make up 10-20% of our total travel. The timbrens I was referring to were axle less like ASR35HDS01. Sorry, I should have been more explicit. Any comments on the axel less vs the "joined axle timbrens" and the comfort ride? I'd assume an improvement but what are the pros and cons? Thanks so much
asked by: David C
Expert Reply:
The best option for your Grand Design trailer with 3,500 lb (or 3,000 lb) axles for bumpy roads comes down to how often you are going to be on roads that are really bad. The Timbrens, like you mentioned, are overall the best option - but also the priciest. The correct part number for those are the following:
- Timbren Silent Ride Suspension for Tandem Axle Trailers w/ 2-3/8" Round Axles - 7,000 lbs # TSR7000T04
The Silent Ride really does everything, and is a complete leaf spring suspension replacement. It has a pivot point in the middle and rubber springs that compress when you go over rough terrain while also equalizing the weight across your tires. So unlike a standard leaf spring suspension that rattles the whole trailer, the individual arms keep the trailer level and absorb shock independently, greatly limiting the amount of movement and shock you feel.
Those are the pros, and there's a lot of them, but its installation is more involved than most because it replaces your suspension. The other option you mentioned is the Comfort Ride, which is the following part number:
- Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 3,500-lb Axle # RM-2450
The Comfort Ride are another really good option, but they supplement your leaf spring suspension instead of replacing it. They definitely improve and stabilize your ride, and for most people, these shocks are going to be more than enough for a pleasant towing experience. They are also more economical and an easier install than the Silent Ride.
So for occasional rough roads, the Comfort Ride will work, but if you are traveling bad roads on a regular basis, the Silent Ride is definitely worth it.
![Kyle S](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/1237_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 3,500-lb Axle
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Shocks
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Tandem Axle
- Roadmaster
more information >
Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - No Drop - 5 Bolt Flange - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Rubber Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- 3500 lbs
- Spindles Only
- Universal Fit
- No Drop or Lift
- Timbren
more information >
Timbren Silent Ride Suspension for Tandem Axle Trailers w/ 2-3/8" Round Axles - 7,000 lbs
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Leaf Spring Replacement System
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Utility Trailer
- 7000 lbs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Tandem Axle
- Timbren
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle w/ No Drop - 5 Bolt - 3.5K
- Trailer Axles
- Rubber Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- No Hubs
- 3500 lbs
- Spindles Only
- Universal Fit
- No Drop or Lift
- Timbren
more information >
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David C.
10/20/2022
Thanks for the in depth answer. We would be traveling 20-40 miles at a time on dirt roads which might make up 10-20% of our total travel. The timbrens I was referring to were axle less like ASR35HDS01. Sorry, I should have been more explicit. Any comments on the axel less vs the "joined axle timbrens" and the comfort ride? I'd assume an improvement but what are the pros and cons? Thanks so much