Video – Testing Twin Torsion Axles

Time to look at the action by testing the Twin Torsion Axles.  Video is a great way to see what is really happening with the new suspension design, so we have mounted a camera!It is especially nice when we can slow it down or freeze the video frames.  It is a great way to study what happens, then know how to make improvements.  This is what we did.

First, Some Background

At Mechanical Elements we are always fiddling with new ideas.  This time, we decided to build a whole trailer around several new ideas like the Folding Tongue (and it is a very long tongue ), then this new walking beam suspension we call “Twin Torsion Axles”.  (More to come.)  Through the process of building, we have also posted updates on Building Trailer Frame and information about the Economics of a DIY Project — especially when adding new and creative bits.

With that background in mind, a deeper look at the suspension design (and the motivations for building it) are in this article about Tandem Torsions.  You are now the beneficiary of the design, fabrication, experimentation and testing that went into this trailer suspension prototype.

Let’s Watch The Twin Torsion Axles In Video.

 

 

Portions of this testing are rather extreme as we don’t normally try to hit curbs with our trailers.  Yet, as you watch, the frame bounce is not that harsh considering the size of the step up onto the curb.  That is exactly the beauty of this suspension.  It is intended to minimize the effects of ground-to-trailer irregularities.  And, you can feel it from the drivers seat.

Camera Mount To View Twin Torsion Axles In Action
GoPro Camera Mounted With Duct Tape To View The Twin Torsion Axles Suspension Action.  Gotta Love the DIY Duct Tape And Bailing Wire!

The second thing of note is how active the rocker beam is on the small bumps, and how the frame stays fairly still.  Admittedly, some of the video effect is due to the camera mounting, but not all.  The camera mounts, sort of, to the frame, but it is only with duct tape, so it does wiggle a little.  If the frame was jarring, you would see that in the video.

Comparing to the first test (that had c-clamps holding the axles to the frame in the early test video), this new video shows much more detail.  The GoPro is a much better camera for this kind of work.  Certainly, the lower, under-the-trailer point of view helps as well.  Looking at the suspension from under the trailer just tells so much more about what is happening.

And, the finishing Powder coat makes it easier to see as we watch the action.

Making the Suspension

To read more and see some about how we made the Teetering Twin Torsion Axles suspension, please see this post on Walking Beam Suspension for Smaller Trailers.  It explains some of the rationale, the drivers as well as some of the engineering that goes into the design.

Now, for your own build, blueprints for the rocker beam suspension are available in the plans store in a couple different weight ranges.

For even more information about construction, we did some additional video that will be, or is, posted on this website.  They talk about tricks in building it to assure things line up as they should.  See the Mechanic’s Post to search.

Twin Torsion Axles Update

Since the time of this second video, deck material was installed, and we have taken a few good trips.  In the process we found with a trailer load, the twin torsion axles absorb more of the impact.  With weight, the rubber in the torsion axles becomes active.  The inertia of the load makes the suspension more active.  Yeah, it stands to reason, but it is worth noting anyway.  Oh, and the rear wheel does not hang in the air on big bumps (like in the above video) when there is a load.

As with most trailers, tire pressure makes a big difference in ride quality.  Tires in the above video are full pressure (bouncy) to demonstrate damping effects of the rocker beam and rubber suspension.  On a trip, we experimented with several pressures and found there is a sweet spot that takes away much of the trailer bounce and jostle.  Higher pressure bounces more – as we expect, but very low pressure also gave more harshness.

The big takeaway from the test drives is the smoothness and how it handles large and small bumps.  That is the goal of the suspension, so this is definitely pleasing.  For a lot more info about this trailer and the experimental features, check out the background links above, and The Mechanic’s Post where everything is listed.

Thanks For Watching The Video With Us.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
3 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View All Comments

We Found These For You . . .

Product
6x12 Utility Trailer Plans

Blueprints for a Strong and Stable 6x12 utility trailer.  This single axle, 3500# capacity trailer with many options is ideal for a million uses.  We provide great DIY Plans for builders who want the best.

Product
5x10.5, 2 Place, ATV Trailer Plans

Our smallest ATV and off road vehicle specific trailer plans.  Great for taking 2 ATV’s out, yet small enough for towing without a big truck.  The size also makes for easier storage between the fun trips.

Product
Car Hauler Trailer Plans

Heavy Duty Equipment Trailer.  Build it at 14,000 lbs capacity, or at 16,000 lbs. (Option).  20' Length, I-Beam Design, Tandem Axles, Fixed Deck, Full Engineering, and a lot of customizable options.

Article
Truss Style Trailer Frame
Have you ever thought about truss structures for the main beams of a trailer?  Trusses have some really nice advantages for stiffness and lightweight – mostly when the beams get long.  They also come with a few disadvantages that are…
Article
Living Tiny In A Bigger Way
OK, so you want to Live Tiny.  That’s awesome.  What can you do without?  What do you really want to have?  And how about that claustrophobia?
Product
20ft Tiny House Trailer

Since a great house starts with a solid foundation, these Tiny House Trailer plans focus on that goal.  Low 8.5’ x 20’ top deck height.  Up to 14,000 lbs total capacity.  Fully Engineered.

Article
Suspension Mounting Too Close
Shopping online is both a boon and a bust.  It’s great access to a wide variety of components, but it’s a bummer when misleading info causes extra work and frustration.  That brings us to this Customer Story of misguided
Article
Trailer Hitch Safety Chains
Do they accomplish the intended purpose?  Or are trailer safety chains just a legal pain in the rear?  Maybe the better question to ask, since we’re required to use them:  “How do we make the chains more effective?“
Article
Trailer Wheel Bolts
A friend asked me this question, along with the companion of “How Tight?”  The last thing we want is to lose a wheel — because it will not only delay our trip, but a wheel coming loose can do serious…
Article
SAE v. RV Standard Trailer Wire Colors
Starting at the main wiring connector, trailer wire colors help us trace the conductors to all the proper electrical connections.  The colors are specified by the various standards such as the SAE ( Traditional ) standards, or the newer RV…