Walking Beam Suspension Plans – 4K w/ Torsion Axles
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Walking-Beam style trailer suspension plans are engineered for mid-size trailers. The design combines benefits of torsion axles with the excellent tandem load sharing of pivot beams. 2000 – 4400 lbs Capacity.
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Description
Description
Walking beam suspension are on big trucks, huge trailers and industrial machinery. They offer some great ride and load management benefit for those big vehicles. Yet, why should the big boys have it all?
Here’s an innovative variation of the walking beam suspension – for smaller trailers – that goes one step further with torsion axles for drastically improved ride quality. These are the 2K – 4K plans. For heavier trailer please see the 5K – 8K plans.
Engineered For Smaller Trailers
Bringing the benefits of the walking beam suspension to smaller trailers is the goal of this design. A 4000# trailer may not seem “smaller”, but compared to 60K or 100K equipment where we often see Walking Beam suspension, yes, it is “smaller”.
The walking beam suspension is complicated in some design aspects, but we’ve simplified it for DIY. Read about the design. Then, if you’re really interested in details, please read the Case Study for the Twin Torsion Engineering. Finally, you can see the suspension in action in this post and video. With lots of miles since then, the benefits are definitely worth it.
Feel free to add this suspension to any of our 3500# utility trailers instead of the axle specified. Yes, they are strong enough to handle the added weight if you want and make them 4000# capacity trailers. The ideal ones are the 5’x10′ Utility Trailer, and the 6’x12′ Utility Trailer.
Specifications
Specifications
Walking Beam Suspension Plans – 4K w/ Torsion Axles
- This design is NOT a trailer, just the suspension system for a trailer.
- Walking beam suspension has a pair of matching torsion axles giving a total capacity range from 2000 lbs up to 4400 lbs. Build it to meet your needs. Options are in the plans.
- The design adapts to trailers of most any width. It’s as simple as making the right offset. Formula is in the plans.
- 5″ axle step height differential — not including torsion arm suspension motion. It’s like 5″ suspension travel, but really it’s 2.5″ up in front and 2.5″ down in back (or vise versa). For a speed bump or pothole, it means the trailer only moves half as much as the bump is high. And really less than that with torsion axle compression action involved in the dynamics.
- The lower pivot mount allows 6″+ of axle step height differential.
- Some pieces are best cut via laser or waterjet. CAD files for those parts are in the download.
- Height option has 2 mounting locations to adjust for trailer size, travel, ground clearance, and desired step height.
- Plans allow torsion axles with various arm start angle options to give more ground clearance or lower trailer deck height.
- Plans include complete drawings and instructions as well as CAD files for the special parts. Download the whole package in a single .ZIP file.
More About The Design Features
More About The Design Features
Benefits Of Adding Torsion Axles
The walking beam suspension has a lot of great benefits all by itself, but we went one step further. Torsion axles are great for a softer ride, but in a typical mounting — because they don’t load share. The walking beam, by definition, is a load sharing platform, so this design combines the benefits of torsion axles with the walking beam. This suspension is the result, and now you can build one too.
The plans are Engineered by Synthesis, and they have already proven their viability. The walking beam suspension won’t conquer load distribution problems, but it will definitely smooth out the ride. Get the plans, build the carriers, and change the way your trailer tows.
Construction Requires Metal Cutting, Drilling, Welding, Precision Setup and Some Outsourced CNC Cut Parts.
Videos to assist with the setup and alignment are here to watch as well.
Maximize Your Project
Plans from Mechanical Elements are an awesome start to a great project. Here are even more resources!
First: For more info, please read: What's In The Plans? and What Makes Our Trailer Plans Better?
Second: Purchase plans with the "Add to Cart" button, then right after payment, a digital copy is ready to save to your computer. Please see this article for answers about getting the plans.
Third: We have many articles to help with trailer building. Just type a question in the Show Me bar (top of this page), then press "GO". Or, for simple browsing, visit Articles from the Mechanic.
Reminder:
Trailer building requires metal working skill and tools for things like cutting, drilling, and accurate set-up, as well as welding skill. Strength, durability, and enjoyment depend on building the trailer well. Build it well, then Enjoy the Finished Project !!
Notes for Success
* Trailer load capacity depends on all the parts and materials, as well as the craftsmanship in building. All Mechanical Elements trailers are engineered to perform as stated when built as defined with proper care in construction – including parts, material, construction techniques, weld integrity, assembly methods, and finishing. Capacity for this trailer also requires proper choices for parts such as the hitch, axle(s), wheels, tires, safety chain, decking, bolts, pins, etc. Please make sure component load capacities match or exceed the trailer total capacity. Do not exceed manufacturers limits.
For trouble-free trailer life, think care and safety. Please select fastening methods to handle how and where the trailer will operate – including vibration, proper fastener types, bolt grades, torques, and nut types (like lock nuts). Then, be smart about loading the trailer, load distribution, tire pressure, tire condition and the mechanics of towing. We want you safe to enjoy your trailer for a long time ahead. Always use proper safety and securing equipment when loading and towing a trailer.
Thank You — The Mechanical Elements Team
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