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
Torsion
Torsion Axle Conversion Plans
By far, the most common trailer suspension is leaf springs. They’re cheap, straightforward, easy to repair and a bunch of other things. That said, there are definitely benefits in other suspension styles, too. Torsion is the 2nd most common
Can I Use An Axle-Less Suspension
Axle-Less trailers. Yes, that’s a thing, and we get a lot of questions about this unique suspension. Some people ask if it’s any good? Other’s ask if it will work with our trailer plans? Still others ask about using them for tandems? We even get questions about using it
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
More Trailer Plans For Torsion Axles
More New Product Announcements: The Mechanical Elements line of DIY Trailer Blueprints has just expanded – AGAIN – with more trailer plans for torsion axles. These new trailer plans fill
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
Making Changes To The Plans
I can’t find quite the right plans for the trailer I want to build. Can I make changes to the plans at Mechanical Elements to fit my needs?
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
The Walking Beam Trailer Suspension For Smaller Trailers
Plans are now available for the Twin Torsion Axle Walking Beam Trailer Suspension. This was introduced on a build early in 2018, with posts about the trailer including a video of the suspension in action.
Value & Pitfalls Of Low Trailer Deck Height
To some people a low trailer deck height really matters, to others not so much. Yet you read about it in trailer descriptions a lot. So, what are the trade-offs for a low deck? And how do you achieve it? Is it even worth it?
Axle-Less Trailer Suspension
Customer Question: “What do you think about the Axle-Less trailer suspension? Is it good?” Can I use it with the Mechanical Elements trailer plans? . . . You ask (actually a few of you are asking) and pointing to
New Torsion Axle Trailer Plans
New Product Announcement: The Mechanical Elements line of DIY Trailer Blueprints has just expanded with some new sizes for Torsion Axle Trailer Plans. You ask, then we work to deliver.
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
New – Smooth Action Tandem Torsion Axles
Over and over we recommend: “Don’t use torsion axles in tandem because they don’t load-share”. Well, What if we make them share? Here’s a new design that brings the benefits of a torsion axle to the tandem axle party
Video – Trailer Test Ride!
When the rubber meets the road, that’s when the feeling of real accomplishment kicks in. This is the first on-road trailer test with (with video) of our new frame and funky walking beam suspension design.
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.