Thoughts on a Trailing Arm Axle/Suspension

[Aktundra]

Well, after lirking and researching on the forum for about a year. Decided to pull the trigger and buy my first trailer.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f16/so-it-begins-80649.html

The trailer still has the original axle and split rims. I fully expect to do a full monty shell off, and will likely have some rust repair before the frame will be ready to slip back under the shell

Living in Alaska, I do a lot of camping, year around, but to be honest not sure if I have ever spent a night in a trailer. (there was a 5 week period this summer where I spent 3 weeks in my tent !!)

I would be curious as to the more experienced opinions in the forum of a trailing arm axle system under a travel trailer.

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html#airbag

I would fully expect to reinforce the frame. And to be clear, I have no ambitions to try and take a travel trailer "off roading". But the roads in Alaska suck. The dirt roads are usually in better condition than the paved roads! One of the grandkids favorite camping trips is a few miles down the beach.

[Darkspeed]

They are super easy to build. Not so super easy to align. I have built these before but rather used threaded tube ends and threaded rod ends to have some degree of adjustability. I used Airride bag over shock for mine.

[Aktundra]

thanks darkspeed. I have come across some of the same concerns with how difficult this apprach can be to align.

Have you seen any web links or reccomend someplace I could continue my reasearch on the adjustable axles?

[Darkspeed]

Not really I designed my own.
In your photo they used two red poly bushings as the pivot points so adjustment is minimal. I used 4130 tube and weld in threaded tube end inserts. I installed 4130 rod ends and jam nuts in the tube ends. This allowed for any type of adjustment you could imagine. Rather than use a bag and a shock I used the double adjustable shock cartridge with a Goodyear air spring.

[Aktundra]

actually those pic's are very helpful. When you said adjustable, I was trying to visualize something down at the bottom of the arm. This makes much more sense. Obviously I have a lot more research to do, to find something afforadable.

[Action]

In my opinon the modern Airstream isn't a good choice for rough service. An early 60's unit like your may be a better choice as far as heavier built components. The general design doesn't adapt to rough service. A full frame on design would be a better choice versus the existing design where the body is an intregral part of the structure.

>>>>>>>Action

[Aktundra]

Thanks for the input Action. I need more input from those with more experience

I am very inexperienced with travel trailers, and I am rarely accused of good judgement.

The Airstream Gods have intrusted me with a Bambi. I hate to blow it

[Streamtrain]

How about a upper and lower table system, GM truck style/ Hummer?

[slowmover]

Or the walking beam suspension used by AVION circa 1968-1977 (see HENDRICKSON). Called it Smooth-Glide" engineered and built by MOR-Ryde. More links to these names on this forum, and the M-R website.

DEXTER is now making an air-over-torsion axle. "Flex-Air" or some such name.