How to Determine if a Torsion Axle Needs to be Replaced and Lifting a Trailer Off the Ground
Question:
Follow up question: Thanks for the quick response. The trailer has the torsion axles so no suspension to check. However my mechanic was saying he heard its rare but the torsion axles can get weakened and have to be replaced. Thoughts on that? I looked at the axles, I know it is all internal so cant see much but it all seemed normal, the arms coming off the axles to the spindles all seemed to be at the same angle. Would imagine if an axle was bad, the spindle arms would not all be the same? Thanks for the info on tires, I will stick to radial trailer tires, just try to find a quality tire. One more question: being this is a boat the trailer sits in our yard with the boat on it most of the year. We had a smaller boat before this and we would raise the trailer off the ground during the off season, would you recommend doing the same? This boat is quite bigger and would be a little more difficult but if it saves from having to deal with these issues, Ill figure out how to get it in the air. Thanks for all your help.
asked by: Colin
Helpful Expert Reply:
It is certainly possible for any axle to wear out enough over time to need replacing. Since the suspension is built into a torsion axle if the suspension part was to wear out pretty much the only solution would be to replace the axle.
If the deflection, or amount of travel of the wheels, on the torsion axle has increased, caused the trailer to bottom out, or is not the same on each side then that would be a good indication that something is wrong.
Having the weight off of the tires if the trailer will be sitting in the off season is not a bad idea. You could use a floor jack to raise up the trailer and then use some stabilizers such as # UF48-979004 to support the trailer. Each one in the set of 4 can support 6,000 pounds.
Wayne K.
3/3/2020
I have a tandem axle cargo trailer that will lift any one of the tires off the pavement when traveling through a rain gutter in the road. It happens when ever a tire has to move over anything that is more than three inches in height. It has torsion axels in it and I don’t know anything about them, but I would think they would have more than 1 or 2 inches of travel. What am I missing?
Chris R.
3/4/2020
Products Referenced in This Question
Ultra-Fab Stackable Stabilizers for Small Trailers and Campers - 6,000 lbs - Qty 4
- Camper Jacks
- Pop Up Camper
- Teardrop Camper
- Travel Trailer
- Stabilizer Jacks
- Aluminum
- 5001 - 6000 lbs
- 17 Inch Lift
- Not Mounted
- 4 Jacks
- Ultra-Fab Products
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range F
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range F
- 235/85-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Review of etrailer Bearing Kit - DBRKHW6EZ
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: torsion axel for trailer
- Q&A: How Many Bolt Holes Should Dexter Coupler Actuator DX89FR Use to Install
- Shop: Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch - Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package
- Search Results: torsion axle
- Shop: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w/ Idler Hubs - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 2K
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Torflex Lift Kit - Tandem Axle - 2-5/8" Lift
- Shop: CE Smith Single Axle Trailer Fender - Pre-Galvanized Steel - 14" and 15" Wheels - Qty 1
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Shop: Replacement Master Cylinder Assembly for Dexter Model 10 and Model 20 Brake Actuators - Disc
- Q&A: Can a Damaged Torsion Axle Be Replaced with Timbren Axle-Less Suspension
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Dexter Axle Torflex Lift Kit Review
- Search Results: 00~04002k
- Q&A: Recommended Lift Kit for # 10 Dexter Torsion Axles
- Search Results: 13427
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Shop: Tonneau Cover
- Video: Review of Dexter Axle Brake Actuator - Replacement RH Master Cylinder Bracket - DX58FR
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: How To Determine the Make of an Axle on a 2006 Keystone Zeppelin II
- Search Results: titan model 20 master cylinder
- Search Results: 6000 lb torsion axle
- Search Results: bunk board brackets
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
Lyle P.
9/7/2020
What would cause the tires on a tandem axle trailer to be out of alignment with torsion bar suspension? The back tire on the left side of the trailer is rubbing the frame.