suspension Q:

[northamerica]

so this maybe a dumb question but do ppl ever replace the torsion axle with leaf spring suspention, I have NEW set of springs, shackles, hangers, etc etc to assable a full tandon axle suspention with 3500lb axles. What are some issues that may arise. Keep in mind I havent looked tooo closely under the trailer yet but I do have wleding and fab eqpt/skills and my own shop to work in. so labor is free.

[Minno]

A big draw back I can think of it that you would raise the height of your trailer quite a bit. The frame currently sits on top of the axles, and the axles are bolted to a 1/4" thick mounting plate that is welded to the outside of the frame. The frame itself is a 5" tall channel, not a box, so that may present problems too. I would think you'd have to reinforce the frame some.

Anyway, if you add leaf springs under the frame, you will raise the entire trailer the height you need for the springs. Especially if the axles mount under the srpings. So, you might be talking about a 6 or 7 inch rise? I don't think that would affect towing too much, although you would be raising the center of gravity of the trailer. But, lots of trailers sit higher than airstream. You'd need a third step to get in and out, or carry a step stool with you to use as a third step.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by northamerica

so this maybe a dumb question but do ppl ever replace the torsion axle with leaf spring suspention, I have NEW set of springs, shackles, hangers, etc etc to assable a full tandon axle suspention with 3500lb axles. What are some issues that may arise. Keep in mind I havent looked tooo closely under the trailer yet but I do have wleding and fab eqpt/skills and my own shop to work in. so labor is free.

Airstream trailer, MUST have a soft ride, since the shell flexes.

Adding leaf springs, from torsion axles, will destroy that ride.

Then the trailer will demonstrate the results by having a number of structural issues.

The soft ride, has many great merits.

Andy

[TG Twinkie]

A major redo of the frame would be required, especially if it is tandem axle. And the results would not be good.

[northamerica]

Noted

[Hummer]

I agree, this would not be a option/consideration. As well you would have many more parts that are likely to fail. For instance springs can and do take a set. I have seen many leaf springs broken. I have had shackles ripped apart on a rough road. I have seen U bolts broken etc etc.