#1 Rated Trailer Dealer in the Carolinas!

Learn About Leaf Spring & Torsion Trailer Axles

What's The Difference Between Torsion and Leaf Spring Axles?

When shopping for a trailer, several questions need to be answered:

  1. How much weight are you hauling in or on the trailer?
  2. What are the dimensions of the item(s) you are hauling?
  3. How many miles do you plan to tow your trailer annually?
  4. How soon do you need to begin using your trailer?
  5. How much can your vehicle tow?

The answers to these questions will help us determine the best trailer for your needs. In order to determine the best trailer for your needs we need to determine the answer to an important question:

What Type of Axles Do You Need?

Axle's are a key structural component that help determine how much you can haul, how durable your trailer is and the life of the trailer.

At NC Trailers we equip our trailers with one of several brands including Dexter axles, Lippert axles, and Sure trac axles. Keep in mind we can also custom order the axle brand of your choice such as, Al-KO axles.

What else should you know?

Trailer axles, in general, are supported by two types of suspension systems.

  1. Leaf Spring
  2. Torsion

Leaf Spring Axles

Leaf spring axles are used in the majority of the trailers we stock. They are made up of stacked spring leaves and are assembled over or under the trailer's axle.

Take a look at these images to get an idea of what that looks like:

Benefits of leaf spring axles:

  • Reliable and equal distribution of tire wear
  • Easy Installation and replacement
  • Easy on-going maintenance, due to accessibility and separate replaceable components
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • Metal to metal contact wears a little faster
  • Little more of a bumpy ride compared to torsion axles

Torsion Axles

The other type of axle you'll encounter when shopping for a trailer is a torsion axle. Our torsion axle trailers are available to order.

So let's understand why most dealers don't stock trailers with torsion axles.

These types of axle's are constructed a little differently than the leaf spring axle. Instead of using metal spring plates and supporting the axle externally, a torsion axle uses long rubber cords situated around an inner core to support the axle internally. This system is all set-up inside of the metal axle itself and the core piece is attached to the torsion arms which softens impact and creates suspension.

Also, another big difference is the outer metal tubing of the axle is welded or bolted on to the frame of the trailer.

Benefits of torsion axles:

  • Dependable and durable
  • Smoother ride
  • No metal to metal contact or springs, quieter ride
  • Lower maintenance due to less wear items - All you need to do is service your axle annually
  • Good in saltwater or other water saturated areas

Cons:

  • Axles must be ordered and built by axle manufacturer resulting in longer lead times to source replacement axles
  • Limited component replacement. Damage or wear sometimes leads to replacing the entire axle rather than a component.
  • A more expensive up-front cost

Which one to use?

So now that you know more about the two types of axle's we provide, which type should you get, which type is better? Well, it's more of an individual answer because everyone's hauling needs are going to be a little different.

We recommend you go with the leaf spring axle as all of our trailers in stock are equipped with these and have had long running customer satisfaction with them. Our customers appreciate the lower upfront cost and the less expensive repair cost of the leaf spring axles. Because of the popularity of leaf spring axles, we have all the components for repairs and general maintenance of leaf spring axles.

If you are a trailer user that would benefit more with the use of torsion axles after understanding the differences, then we are more than happy to assist you in outfitting your trailer with these axles. If you'd like to know more about the special ordering process, or axles in general your best bet is to give us a call and speak with a trailer pro.

Axle Service, Parts, Brakes, Warranties

A) Axle Parts for Trailers

We carry parts related to the care and maintenance of your axles. A trailer axle kit can assist you to conveniently service your trailer. Some of the products we offer are; bearing kits, replacement leaf springs, hub kits, drum kits, and brake kits.

Click here for more details on axle and brake parts

B) Trailer Brakes

Not every trailer axle is equipped with brakes. However, manufacturer's will start installing brakes when the GVWR of the trailer reaches 3,500 lbs. The law in North Carolina is if you have a trailer with a GVWR of 4,000 lbs or more, the trailer must be equipped with brakes and a break away system.

Don't know the difference in GVWR and GAWR? Read more here

C) Trailer Axle Warranties

Please keep in mind that every new trailer we have in stock will have a warranty on the axle through the manufacturer.

Generally, the warranties are at least a year and vary in length from each axle manufacturer.

If you have any issues with your axle while it's in it's warranty period, we suggest you contact the axle manufacturer. If you purchase a trailer from us, inquire about our Protection Plans to make filing potential warranty claims hassle free.

D) Service for Trailer Axles

We recommend that you get your axles serviced every year or every 12,000 miles, whichever one comes first.

Around 6 months you'll want to examine your spring and suspension parts for damage or wear.

NC Trailers has a 1 Year Service Plan available to customers purchasing trailers that includes:

  • Annual axle service
  • Anytime light repair
  • Anytime greasing of axles
  • And lug nut torque adjustments
  • And More!

Conclusion

There's no doubt that trailer axles are a very important part of a quality trailer. We wanted to educate you about the differences between leaf-spring and torsion style axles.

Both leaf-spring and torsion axles are available to you for purchase. Also remember, the trailers on our lot will feature leaf spring suspension. Check with our trailer pro's to discuss GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and how axle's play a big part in this rating.

Our trailer pro's are very educated about the trailers we sell and the axles involved. We will do our best to equip you with the best axles and highest quality trailer for your hauling needs.

We hope you are now more informed about the different axle types available and if you have any more questions about trailer axles or buying a trailer in general please give us a call at (336) 276-0329.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Johnny Shelton with NC Trailers, the #1 rated trailer dealer in the Carolinas. With over 300 trailers in stock, we’ve proudly served contractors, adventure seekers, and everyone in between since 1996. Having sold and serviced over 10,000 trailers, we’re grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We’re committed to using our experience to help you succeed in all your trailer and towing needs. Let’s thrive together!

REQUEST FINANCING

Trailer Prelim Financing Blog
First Last N.
12:41 13 Apr 25
Nctrailers Team are awesome !!! Sam the sales representative was very helpful on the phone and when I should up on site. Shanice with my contract. Tammy explaining each process during the DMV registration and paperwork. Ryan was very patient in the pouring rain preparing and getting me connected to the truck and doing the safety checks 5 times to make sure no issues. Thanks nctrailers of Thomasville for professionalism and attention to detail. I definitely be seeing you guys in a few months for a car trailer .
Desiree B.
18:02 12 Apr 25
Had the pleasure of buying our first trailer for our new business from them this weekend. And let me say I can’t say enough about this company. From the first call with Donna, till we drove off the lot hooked up, they were absolutely amazing! Their inventory is intensive yes, but the customer service is extraordinary! Our purchase experience start with a transfer to Zach who was welcoming and extremely knowledgeable! Shancie took care of the financing and made everything so easy and simple, and Tammy was fast with our paperwork! Noah and Ryan went above and beyond for the install and hookup of all the accessories we choose! These folks are the best around and hire the most wonderful crew! Highly recommend them for any trailer purchase or service needs!
Mitch O.
12:47 12 Apr 25
I would like to take a minute and recognize several people at NC trailers. From the start it was Zach & Sam in sales which went above and beyond the process of helping me pick the correct trailer and helping me complete all necessary paperwork when I was literally 1800 miles away driving down the road.

Shanice in financing made financing the trailer simple and quick, and behind the scenes Tammy in tag/title department was doing her magic so it all came together as one cohesive unit the day of picking the trailer up.

Speaking of picking up the trailer, Ryan & Noah truly went above and beyond expectations working in the pouring rain, while not compromising standards of making sure everything went smoothly and that I was hooked up correctly while taking the time to fully go over every aspect of the trailer and how to hook and unhook the trailer.

Tyler in Service & Parts was very helpful with information regarding the Gooseneck hitch for my next trailer.

Thank you to each Team member of NC trailers. I HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone needing a trailer.

So, if you need any type of trailer, accessory or even a repair, NC trailers should be your First and only stop. They truly make you feel like Family and the trailers are rated top in the Industry and priced very reasonably.

Head on over to NC trailers and get your trailer today. Tell them Mitch with a “M” not a “B” sent you, and you should receive an extra smile or two.
Anthony T.
21:34 10 Apr 25
Awesome place to do business!
Shaun O.
04:19 09 Apr 25
I have to say I had great experience with the staff at NCtrailers in Thomasville, NC. The staff up there were amazing. I had the pleasure of being David’s first sale for his new career dealing in this type of equipment. He has had many years in sales and it shows but he decided to venture into a new atmosphere of sales. Working through the contract side of things Shanice was very thorough and was able to give me all the details I needed. She was so inviting and made you feel comfortable through would could be a stressful process.

Tammy was a sweetheart with the tag and title paper work and talked me through all the necessary links and info I would need to setup the last little bit of info.

Ryan and Noah had me all hooked up and ready to go and even took the time to help me find a short in my connection on my truck so I would be comfortable knowing all the lights and everything worked properly on the new trailer.

All in all I had a great experience with the entire staff from parts to sales to service. I will most definitely be recommending them to anyone I know for their trailer needs.

Now wish me luck on my lawn care company venture.
Lawn Legends LLC.
Conard B.
14:22 07 Mar 25
The staff was very helpful and motivated I went back and forth with two trailers figuring prices and add ons they were very patient and provide me with two different layouts for two different prices. I finally made my decision. I would highly recommend for your next trailer go too NC trailer sales.
Keith B.
02:54 07 Feb 25
After searching many sites, I settled on calling NC Trailers of Thomasville, NC. Zach was very helpful over the phone answering my questions. After I decided on a trailer I drove 3 1/2 hours to arrive at their location only 30 minutes before they closed. They didn’t mind my late arrival or staying to complete the sale. I changed my mind on the trailer I wanted and Shaun was very quick to redo all the paperwork for the sale. Noah was also helpful in going over the trailer with me and answering questions I had. And thank you Tammy for saving me a trip to NCDMV, at NC Trailers they can do your DMV registration and you leave with tags already installed. The trailer pulled smoothly all the home.
Jenny D
00:33 11 Dec 24
Tyler at NC trailers was knowledgeable, helpful & communicated well. Tyler made getting the replacement part I needed hassle free. Thanks again!
Stephen J.
18:46 09 Dec 24
What a great place to purchase a trailer!! Such a huge inventory and very competitive pricing. My sales representative was Zach and he really went over the top to satisfy what I wanted. Shaun handled my contract and was super efficient as with Tammy, who handled my DMV paperwork. Many thumbs up to this great group!!
Thanks so very much!!
Frederick H.
10:06 07 Dec 24
Bought a Landscaping trailer from them 5 years ago. Great trailer! They service and have parts in stock! Went and seen Tyler for parts the other day and he's very knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend these guys to anyone! Dec 2024 Update: This is my second review. Lol. I some new HD axles installed on a trailer back in the spring and they are holding up GREAT! Thanks Tyler again for your sales work and Wes for an amazing flawless install! Great knowledgeable crew here!
Stephanie N James R
03:44 07 Dec 24
This company was great! Zach showed us great options, and helped us pick the perfect trailer for our needs. Shawn explained all of the extra packages we could add to it, and finalized the contract. Tammy did a great job at making sure we had our title, tag,and registration taken care of. And, Ryan and Noah got us hooked up and ready to go. Because they have an on-site parts and service department they were able to install the needed brake controller the our truck wasn't equipped with. Wonderful place. Will definitely recommend!
william C.
20:34 27 Nov 24
This is my second Trailer I bought from NC Trailers. Everyone that helped me went above and beyond with their service.
Sales- Shancie
Finance- Shawn
DMV/paperwork- Tammy
Hookup-Ryan & Noah.
Their Service department helped me out a week later too.

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