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 — with a ride smoothing effect to the whole trailer. And, they share the load!
If you’re following the past few posts about a new trailer at Mechanical Elements, then you’ve seen hints of this torsion axle setup in tandem. Now the prototype is running and testing has proven that it works very well.
Why Design For Torsion Axles?
Trailer axles come primarily in two forms: Leaf Springs & Torsion axles. Each has specific benefits and certain disadvantages. (Read more in choosing axles.)
In the list of “undesirable characteristics” both types (single axles) have somewhat of a harsh jostle or bounce. When towing a trailer, bumps are felt through the hitch to the tow vehicle. It is less, for a torsion axle when loaded, but it’s still there.
In tandem, leaf spring style axles smooth the ride considerably, because they compensate as they share the load. However, because a torsion axle does not share load well, we don’t recommend using them in tandem.
This new design starts with the question:
What If We Make Tandem Torsion Axles Share The Load?
The goals are:
- Make a smoother ride when pulling a trailer (especially when it’s empty).
- Make a trailer that has the advantages of rubber suspension AND the advantages of tandem axles.
- Minimize tongue weight by stabilizing axles motion. (We’ll talk about this in a later post.)
Tandem Torsion Axle Design
The premise of the design follows the railway (and over the road trailer) ‘axle truck’ paradigm. It’s a hybrid of Center Pivot and Torsion. Basically there is a pivot point in the center of a rocker beam with an axle at each end. The center pivot connects to the trailer frame. When the front axle encounters a bump, the rocker beam pivots one way then the other as the wheels go over it. Because connection to the frame is through the center pivot, loading on the axles is always equal.
As a wheel goes over a bump, it moves the trailer frame only half the height of the bump. Or, in a dip, half the depth of the dip. With the wheels undulating the road surface, the ride of the trailer is smoother.
Since the rubber suspension of a torsion axle responds pretty well to sudden inputs, they take up some of the response. The trailer frame then moves less than half the bump height. And, the faster you go, the more the rubber will absorb, so the ride smooths even more.
Images here show the ‘axle truck’ design with a torsion axle placed at each end of the rocker beam. The wheel centers are equidistant from the main rocker beam center, and the axle beams mount appropriate for the trailing arms of the torsion axles.
More Value In The Design
It looks like a lot of ‘stuff’ under the trailer, but axles mount above the beam, so it does not make the bed high. And if that’s not enough, this design has two mounting heights.
Another important feature is attachment to the trailer frame. The mounting piece tapers from the center out to the ends. This taper does 2 things: First, it allows space for motion of the rocker beam; and Second, it distributes the load to the trailer frame. (Lower stress is always a good thing.)
Finally, to compensate for articulation side to side, the axles mount to the rocker beams spaced by rubber pucks. The rubber pucks force alignment, but also allow articulation of the axles side to side. (Like when only one side goes over a big bump.)
Building The Suspension
As mentioned in the post on Economics of DIY Projects, special parts often require extra cash. The special parts here are mounting plates and axle attachments. You can see them in the photos.
The biggest trick / biggest concern in building the suspension system is alignment. If the axles are not spaced perfect, or if they do not run true and parallel, the suspension will fail, tires will wear, and problems will arise even if the general concept is a good idea. Execution is key.
Here’s a video showing some attention to alignment while building the rocker beams. Parts from each side of the trailer are built together and aligned together. Bolts and clamps join everything for welding and machining, so they match. Extra care while building these components will pay big dividends.
After welding, some adjustments are made to compensate for the induced stresses of the weld. This video shows how that is done for the Pivot Anchor piece that attaches to the frame.
Testing The Tandem Torsion Axle Arrangement
Excitement in the project, and especially in success of the first test run, prompted this early video. You can see the big clamps holding the suspension in place, since we want to be sure before permanent mounting.
That first test drive and the video helped a lot with feeling that the design was right. For pulling an empty trailer with full tire pressure it was actually impressive.
Subsequent testing also gave a lot of great insight. Check this second video of testing the trailer rolling over curbs. In this case, the GoPro camera (much better than the phone) along with freeze frame editing gives a much better view of suspension action than the early video. The GoPro view from under the trailer helps too! Check out both video’s.
The big test came as we towed the trailer to Moab Utah for a mountain biking week with a bunch of friends. The trailer performed perfectly, and was awesome for carrying bikes to each of the big rides. Experimentation with tire pressure gave an almost perfect trailer ride. With a lightly loaded trailer, you will typically feel the trailer bumping through imperfections in the road. However, with this design, combining rocker beams with torsion axles, and setting the right tire pressure, the trailer virtually disappears at speeds over 40 mph. It made a very pleasant trip pulling the trailer.
How Can I Get One?
Several readers requested plans for the torsion axle walking beam suspension described above. Blueprints are now ready in 2 size capacities: A 2000# up to 4200# version of the Walking Beam Trailer Suspension; and a 5000# up to 8000# version. The plans are complete, and give the options for any total capacity in the ranges listed. Available for immediate download right now in the plans store. Enjoy.
I stumbled onto your website and I am thrilled about the ideas, the content, the write ups, the videos — in short, this is the website I have been looking for — for a long time. Technical enough to provoke thought and educational and practical enough to see it all come together. You folks are Masters!
I am currently building a goose neck trailer — 26.5′ flat and a 4.5′ dovetail. I am using 12″ X 19# I-beams (some call them wide flange) — flange surfaces are all parallel and 4″ wide. I have been looking for sometime for intelligent information on using Torsion axles for this project. I have three 7,000# torsion axles with electric brakes that I will be using. I may just make it tandem but I would like the option to make it a triaxle. I am very interested in your plans for the “walking beam” you have created to make a tandem using torsion axles — brilliant thinking outside the box!
Thanks for the compliment about the site. We want it to be more than just a place for plans.
With a trailer that length, triple sounds great, but I’m not sure how to do triple with torsions in a way that won’t overload one (or two) like going over a speed bump or into a parking lot. In doing the tandem with torsions I toyed with a combo of springs coupled with torsions. Read the Hybrid Mechanisms Section on this page and see if that sparks something. Good luck with your project!
Hi This is Max in Missouri and I would like to build your Walking Beam for my Tandem Torsion Axles that I’m planning to put on my Pontoon Trailer. I have the Four wheels Tires and the new Ultra Pac Hubs from Northern Tool. I ordered the Torsion Axles for them also and still waiting on shipment. Can you Sell me the plans for your Beam? I watched the Videos and am impressed with the results. I’m an old retired Shade Tree Machinist and I can Weld and make anything I put my mind to. Please let me know. I can Download anything you send.
Thanks Max
Thank you for writing. I have a few requests, so it’s on the list. However, requests vary in both size and capacity, which means I need to do several sets of plans to cover it. They are coming. I’m sorry, I don’t have anything for you at the moment.
Thanks for your quick answer.
I’m going to bolt the torsion axles on as soon as I get them. I plan on building your walking
Beam this winter. Do you think that a 2″ hollow Shaft, similar to a large Wrist Pin on a Cat Engine piston, would be stronger than your 1″ bolt, for the Beam to pivot? Just my 2 cents. lol
Thanks Max
Hey guys,
Cool idea! Currently looking for a suspension system for a horse trailer that improves the ride, but is still reliable in a tandem configuration.
One question I had, is why can’t one of the rubber torsion axles be reversed? This would make the assembly shorter and simpler as well as remove the asymmetry issue.
Also could you use the half width rubber torsion assemblies which would make this completely independent, and remove the need for rubber bushes? It would need to be heavier but may make for a better ride.
Thanks for the note and questions. You have a good point about partial width torsions and yes, that could be designed. However, the Timbren Silent Ride Tandem does it one better. It is heavier, more expensive, and taller, but it’s cool. Goals of our walking beam suspension include low, lean, reasonable cost, and practical for the DIY builder. Alignment, machining and setup with partial axles on a walking beam preclude the simple construction elegance we want for most DIY.
On turning the axle around, yes, sort of. Trailing arms are very stable and forgiving. Leading arms, not as much. It can solve some things, but it will change the towing dynamics.