I see a lot of comments on websites and hear references once in a while about the wonders of independent trailer suspension. What do you think? Does it deliver on the hype? Or is it a sales hoax? We will look at some video
Spring
Why Special Order Axles?
Some Trailer Plans don’t use a standard axle size. Why not? Good question, along with the also common “Why should I special order the trailer axle?
There are a few common-ish axle sizes
Low Profile Trailer Suspension
Every once in a while something unique catches my eye. This time it’s a low profile trailer suspension that does much the same as torsion axles — but in a way to allow tandem axle load sharing. As I’ve looked at it more, there are some really interesting advantages
Engineering: Welding Trailer Spring Brackets
There is some disagreement in trailer building about how to weld-on trailer spring brackets (also known as spring hangers). Some of you have sent questions about which techniques are best, especially
Why Shouldn’t I Use Torsion Axles In Tandem Or Triple?
Torsion axles are awesome, so Why not use torsion axles in tandem? It’s a frequent question, along with the corollary “Why shouldn’t I have torsion axles in triple?” Good questions, especially in light of all the misinformation
The Value Of Spring Length
Why choose a long or short leaf spring for your trailer? They come in different sizes, not only for strength, but also in trailer leaf spring length. So, why do I want long ones or short ones? Does it even matter?
Overslung or Underslung Trailer Springs?
Because you asked . . . What are the advantages of Overslung – OR – Underslung trailer springs? They both have a good purpose, so let’s discuss it. The concepts are pretty easy to see with some good graphics.
Trailer Axles 101 – What You Need To Know
I’ll just drop by the parts store and grab an axle . . . . Well, trailer axles are not quite that simple, but knowing a few important details, we can certainly get the right one. Here’s a quick guide to trailer axles
How To Make A Lower Trailer Deck
Many things contribute to a low trailer deck, and often they conflict with other needs for the trailer. Here is a list of ways to build a lower trailer deck — and some potential trade-offs
There’s More To It – Mounting Trailer Axle Springs
As with many things, there’s a lot more to mounting trailer axle springs than first meets the eye. Here are 2 tips to make your trailer frame stronger.
How To Stop Utility Trailer Bounce
If you pull an empty (or nearly empty) utility trailer, you probably know the feeling of utility trailer bounce. It’s that bumpy jolting extra bouncing you feel in the tow vehicle as you drive. Sometimes it feels like the trailer is just bouncing away
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Learning good trailer construction by examining bad is a great way to focus on details. This photo shows 4 points of “less that careful thought” in the way the trailer is built. Can you pick them out?
Choosing Tandem Axles (and Triples)
It all rides on the trailer axles, so get them right. Here are some common technologies (and misnomers) for tandem axles and other multi-axle trailers.
Trailer Axles: Use Springs? Or Torsion Axle
In the discussion of trailer axle leaf springs versus a torsion axle, let’s put some engineering behind the debate. I don’t want to change opinions, but I would like to offer a practical perspective.