Is the Single Point Mounting of Timbren Silent Ride Suspension Safe

Question:

These look like an excellent idea. The walking beam assures full load sharing between axles. I have one point of concern however. Whereas a conventional tandem axle setup has 3 points that the load is transfered into the frame front, center and rear hanger brackets many inches apart, the Timbren has only two points 11.5inch wide. Wouldnt this concentration of force at a single point on each side eventually result in frame failure? Does Timbren recommend any frame reinforcements for retrofit installations as these are designed for? The trailer Im considering these for is a Big Tex 6X16foot 5000# utility with tandem 3500# Dexter axles with worn springs and equalizers. The frame rails are 2X3inch channel not boxed. If frame reinforcement is recommended what is it. If I were using these for a new build the question would be moot as I would simply increase the depth of the frame rails and box them across the suspension mounting area or use I beams.

asked by: Cliff S

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you think of the Timbren Silent Ride Suspension # TSR7000T04 as a triangle then it makes a little more sense. A triangle is a strong structure. The weight is applied equally out to the legs at the bottom. Now if the single attachment point was as narrow as the point of a triangle then that would be an issue. But in this case the "point" is almost a foot long (making it more like a trapezoid than a triangle) allowing the frame to handle the weight.

But since you do not have a boxed frame then it would be prudent to box out the frame in the area the system attaches to. So if you had a C-channel beam you would have a steel plate welded on at the open side at least 11-1/2 inches long where the system would mount.

Also, in order to install the Silent Ride, a steel crossmember (not included) must connect the left-hand and right-hand units. Welding must be done to attach the included Timbren axle seats to your axle - do not weld the U-bolts. If you already have seats welded onto your axle, you will need to grind or cut the welds off to remove those seats and replace them with the Timbren axle seats.

Another option is to use 2 sets of the axle-less system # ASR3500S05 so that each one is attached to the frame (4 total attachment points). Boxing out the frame is a good idea of this system too.

expert reply by: Michael H