Acceptable Deflection of Torsion Axle Spindle on Homemade 4 x 8 Trailer
Question:
I have a new homebuilt trailer 4x8 for hauling fire wood with a new torsion suspension 3500 lb .IF i carry 2500 lb on bumpy road .do you think i will have problems. fully loaded it comes down .75 inch
asked by: GILLES R
Expert Reply:
Since your trailer's torsion axle is rated for 3500-lbs, and since a 4 x 8-foot trailer frame is unlikely to weigh more than a few hundred pounds, you should still be well within the axle capacity even when you have 2500-lbs of firewood loaded.
Since the trailer is homemade there is the question of the weight capacity for the frame itself. In any trailer, the actual weight rating depends on each of the component parts (frame, suspension, axle, wheels and tires) and the lowest-rated among them determine the trailer's overall capacity. This is the classic "weakest link in the chain" scenario.
If the wood weight alone causes a frame height drop of 3/4-inch this is not excessive. The spindles on torsion axles can deflect as much as 4-inches between the unloaded and loaded conditions so 3/4-inch height drop again suggests you are well within the axle capacity.
Just the same, when transporting any heavy load (2500-lbs of firewood certainly qualifies!) you should keep your speed within a safe limit suited to the road conditions, not only to avoid damage to the trailer axle but also to avoid loss of any of that firewood...if you're like me you split by hand and every bit of that effort is precious!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- Idler Hubs
- 3500 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 74 Inch Long
- 89 Inch Long
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Search Results: 13 inch 4 lug rim
- Q&A: What Is Outside Diameter Of Kenda 13 Inch Tire/Wheel Combo
- Shop: Trailer Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles - 4" Drop - 95" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Q&A: What is the Capacity of a Dexter P-12 Model D100 Axle
- Q&A: Weight Capacity of Dexter P-12 SLR SN: D5287869 Axle
- Q&A: How to Determine Weight Rating of Dexter Trailer Axle
- Q&A: How to Determine Dexter Axle Weight Capacity
- Q&A: Locating Dexter 3,500 Pound Axle to Replace Dexter 2,000 Pound Axle
- Q&A: How to Determine Fender Clearance when Timbren Axle Less TASR5200S03 is Installed on Trailer
- Shop: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - 4" Drop - 5 Bolt Flange - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: TorkLift GlowStep Stow N' Go Scissor Steps w/ Landing Gear - 4 Steps - 375 lbs - White Bracket
- Shop: Victory Step Manual Fold-Down Steps for RV and Toy Hauler Patios - 4 Steps
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Test Course
- Shop: Lippert Manual Pull-Out Step for RVs - Single - 6" Drop - 24-1/4" Wide - Steel - 300 lbs
- Shop: Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Shop: Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: lug nut
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: safety chains
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: fender
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)