Best tandem axle leaf spring set up for boondocking? Load Equalizers.

R

rebar

Member
Hello everyone.. New here..

I'm having a custom 7x16 narrow track enclosed trailer built to convert into a mini toyhauler, so I can specify almost anything.. Since I'm installing two 50 gallon water tanks and the trailer will be packed with as much glamping gear I can stuff in plus a few motorcycles, Ive decided to install tandem 7k 8 lug axles on 3500# springs. No torsion axles or independent..

Ive found a couple different load equalizers that look nice (LCI Equa Flex , CRE3000) but wonder what else maybe available.. Ive also just read something about the Lippert "wide Trac" or "spread axel" equalizer. It measures about 14" between the spring mounting holes which sounds like it has the most travel when crossing washed out gullies and ruts etc..

Anyone have recommendations for tandem axles designed for forest service roads?

Thanks!
 
CarterKraft

CarterKraft

Well-known member
rebar said:
Hello everyone.. New here..

I'm having a custom 7x16 narrow track enclosed trailer built to convert into a mini toyhauler, so I can specify almost anything.. Since I'm installing two 50 gallon water tanks and the trailer will be packed with as much glamping gear I can stuff in plus a few motorcycles, Ive decided to install tandem 7k 8 lug axles on 3500# springs. No torsion axles or independent..

Ive found a couple different load equalizers that look nice (LCI Equa Flex , CRE3000) but wonder what else maybe available.. Ive also just read something about the Lippert "wide Trac" or "spread axel" equalizer. It measures about 14" between the spring mounting holes which sounds like it has the most travel when crossing washed out gullies and ruts etc..

Anyone have recommendations for tandem axles designed for forest service roads?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

A trailer from scratch I would be really tempted to use torsion axles.
https://www.dexteraxle.com/products/torsion-axles

Or a new comer is the axle-less Timbren axles.
https://timbren.com/blog/products-page/asr35hds07/
 
R

rebar

Member
CarterKraft said:
A trailer from scratch I would be really tempted to use torsion axles.
https://www.dexteraxle.com/products/torsion-axles

Or a new comer is the axle-less Timbren axles.
https://timbren.com/blog/products-page/asr35hds07/
Click to expand...

Thanks Carter but I cant mix and match springs and axles using torsion axles. Plus you dont repair but replace.

I'm sure in my travels I will completely unload one axle some day in a deep gully.. If I don't use 7k axles, Id have a good chance of bending the other when it sees most of the load. I'm going to need bump stops also because of the 3500# leafs.

I found another equalizer from Lippert called the Centerpoint equalizer.. It uses air bags instead of rubber.
 
Kathi-27

Kathi-27

Well-known member
Need to use slipper springs and not shackles. Also hanger cross braces.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Kathi-27

Kathi-27

Well-known member
stronger and less spring twist. shacles allow more side to side flex that will lead to hanger failure. most heavy duty trailers use slipper springs for that reason.
 
CarterKraft

CarterKraft

Well-known member
Opinions vary but a traditional leaf spring trailer suspension would be the last on my list for what you are after.

For decent travel and reliability standard leaf springs would not fit the bill.

Just want you to have a good setup.
 
R

rebar

Member
CarterKraft said:
Opinions vary but a traditional leaf spring trailer suspension would be the last on my list for what you are after.

For decent travel and reliability standard leaf springs would not fit the bill.

Just want you to have a good setup.
Click to expand...

I appreciate that CarterKraft.

I also wondered why most serious off road trailers use leaf spring and read that torsion's were tested by a few off road trailer manufactures, but discontinued because dirt gets into the rubber and tears it up. You cannot repair a torsion axle unlike leaf spring. You also cannot mix and match axles and springs with torsion's.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top