What's The Difference Between Torsion and Leaf Spring Axles?
When shopping for a trailer, several questions need to be answered:
- How much weight are you hauling in or on the trailer?
- What are the dimensions of the item(s) you are hauling?
- How many miles do you plan to tow your trailer annually?
- How soon do you need to begin using your trailer?
- 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.
- Leaf Spring
- 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 every 6 months or 12,000 miles
- 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, manufacturers start installing brakes at 3,000 lbs. That is why most new trailers on a single 3,500 lb idler axle (no brakes) are rated at 2,990 lbs GVWR, and the same single 3,500 lb axle with brakes is rated at 3,500 lbs. If a new trailer has brakes, it must have a breakaway system. In most states, trailers that have a gross weight over 3,000 lbs are required to have brakes and a breakaway. Any trailer with brakes is required to have a breakaway system. The law in North Carolina (NCGS 20-124) is that a trailer with a gross weight of two tons, 4,000 lbs, or more must have brakes the driver of the tow vehicle can operate.
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 6 months 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.
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