torsion or leaf?

[Aswaff400]

ive been considering buying a new aluminum trailer over the past month or so... im leaning towards a tandem axle,
which do y'all prefer: torsion or leaf springs

tired of being limited to where i can use the boat because the condition of the trailer, and i plan on taking the boat up to my parents place on the Suwanee River a few times this summer

[MarshMarlowe196]

I like my torsion axle.  There is some drawbacks, like it's difficult to tell if the internal springs are going bad, but from what I've gathered, the torsion axle will last a lot longer than the leaf(s) with proper maintenance.

A thought- you could buy a new torsion axle assembly, complete with new hubs, depending on the overall condition of your trailer.  This is the route I went and I saved a boatload of money.  Rebuilt my entire trailer for less than $500, and it's just as good as new and still better than used.

Good Luck!  

[wingtime]

I would highly recommend the tandem axles for sure.  They two much better than a single axle and if you have a flat or something you can get off the road. The torsion vs leaf springs is another animal.  I guess I would take a look at the upfront costs of either option verses repair costs.  Leaf springs are cheap and easy to work on.  I just plan on replacing the springs and hardware every few years.  As already mentioned torsion axles are hard to see whats going on in there but they do ride better and with care I believe the torsion assembly should last about twice as long as springs...  but they cost twice as much or more to replace them.

[fitz73222]

I am a fan of leaf springs only because I maintain them and have gone 15 years on a set in SALT water. Each time I grease my bearing buddies, the grease that oozes out of the weep hole or that bleeds through the top, I take and coat the leaf springs. This involves taking my hand and wiping it on the leaf spring. A little messy but it works. Or take a throw away paint brush and completetly coat the spring in water proof grease. My flats boat trailer is now 11 years old, springs still look like they are a year old, still have the original retainer bands around the leaf segments. This boat has almost 700 hours on her since new so she gets dunked alot in salt water. Plus I spend a good 15 minites washing down the trailer when I come home from fishing. It is amazing how long things last when you maintain them! The only thing I know about torsion axles is you dont ever want to hang one off the end of a ramp. It is not coming out without ripping the axle off. Usually with leaf springs if you unload the boat, you have a fighting chance of pulling her out without trashing the trailer.

[MarshMarlowe196]

The only thing I know about torsion axles is you dont ever want to hang one off the end of a ramp. It is not coming out without ripping the axle off. Usually with leaf springs if you unload the boat, you have a fighting chance of pulling her out without trashing the trailer.

Fitz, can you explain why this might happen?  I'm just curious because I've been in this situation before without incident, but given the boat was not on the trailer when I pulled out (maybe I got lucky).

This has me a little concerned  

[Aswaff400]

I like my torsion axle.  There is some drawbacks, like it's difficult to tell if the internal springs are going bad, but from what I've gathered, the torsion axle will last a lot longer than the leaf(s) with proper maintenance.

A thought- you could buy a new torsion axle assembly, complete with new hubs, depending on the overall condition of your trailer.  This is the route I went and I saved a boatload of money.  Rebuilt my entire trailer for less than $500, and it's just as good as new and still better than used.

Good Luck!  

with my trailer its not so much just the springs/axle/hubs, its the frame itself, i dont see the frame lasting for more than 2 more years(6 months or less for the tongue) so i dont see a point of dumping $500 on a rusted out frame... second, even though i keep the hubs/bearings greased, and check the spindle nut, i still keep blowing through wheel bearings, i think its too much weight for how often i trailer the boat around town...

i do have everything but the brackets to convert my trailer to leaf sprung tandem axle but like i said, i still wouldnt trust the frame itself, sure i could get some galv box steel and weld a new tongue on but then the cross-members will eventually rust through anyways. not something i want to put too much faith into when im 200 miles away from home

[MarshMarlowe196]

In that case, a new trailer is the answer.  My frame was still in good shape, which is why I went with the torsion axle assembly- it was a simple bolt-on to the frame with no leafs to position.

If you're shopping used, I'd look for leaf spring style trailers since it will be easier to inspect the assembly.

[wingtime]

even though i keep the hubs/bearings greased, and check the spindle nut, i still keep blowing through wheel bearings, i think its too much weight for how often i trailer the boat around town...

I think your on the right track.  Assuming you have five lug wheels your probably running 3500 lbs axles and I'm sure your boat and trailer frame weigh way more than that.  Add fuel, gear and such to that and your WAY over weight for a single axle...  The tandem will give you 7K or so capacity depending on the wheel and tire size you pick.  Plenty of capacity with a nice safety factor.

Search around online you might be able to score a deal on a nice used one.



wait looky here: http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/2203943523.html

[Capt Matt]

Torsion axle all the way. not only do they last longer they allow your boat to sit lower and make it much easier to get in and out of.
I have had 3 brand new trailers over the last 10 years.  My first trailer was a boat master torsion axle and lasted 6 years with one axle replacement, The next one I bought was a rocket with leaf springs it lasted 3 years with a axle and leaf spring replacement.
My current trailer less than a year old is a continental with a stainless package and composite bunks. So far it has held up better than any other trailer I have had owned.
I have been told what I do to trailers is criminal, I launch my boat 5-6 times a week, the boat ramp is less that half a mile from my house. I rinse them off everyday but they just do not last.

Don't skimp if your buying a new one get a stainless package and buy the trailer the next size up than what you really need.

Capt Matt

[RickK]

Think Rolls Axle

http://www.rollsaxle.com/lifetime_spring.htm - I put one on the 170 trailer and never have to worry about it again.

[MarshMarlowe196]

even though i keep the hubs/bearings greased, and check the spindle nut, i still keep blowing through wheel bearings, i think its too much weight for how often i trailer the boat around town...

I think your on the right track.  Assuming you have five lug wheels your probably running 3500 lbs axles and I'm sure your boat and trailer frame weigh way more than that.  Add fuel, gear and such to that and your WAY over weight for a single axle...  The tandem will give you 7K or so capacity depending on the wheel and tire size you pick.  Plenty of capacity with a nice safety factor.

Search around online you might be able to score a deal on a nice used one.



wait looky here: http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/2203943523.html

I actually had the same problem with my rig, which is what prompted me to redo the trailer.  I originally had a 2200lb axle (5 lug).  Did ok for a while, then blew a hub.  Then kept blowing that hub.  Problem with blowing a hub is that sometimes the race/hub-housing gets scored, and it just has to be replaced entirely.  

I went with a single axle, 3500lb torsion style.  I'm not sure where the weight of these boats is coming from, but this is what I've gathered as far as the weight of the boat published in the photo gallery:

Boat = 1450lbs, factor in soaking wet foam/heavier inner liner of later model boat, 1700lbs
200HP 2 Stroke Evinrude Motor  = 450lbs
Full 50gal Tank = 250lbs
Heavy Single Axle Trailer (I can pick my trailer up with my bare man hands) = 500lbs
Gear = 100-200lbs
Water trapped between PVC pipe drained bulkheads = 2oz
 
Grand Total= 3100lbs

From my calculations, a 3500lb single axle is sufficient to tow a 19-6.  Of course, a tandem axle is a nicer rig to tow long distances, but Lewis pulled my boat 800 miles without any real complaints.  As far as blow outs- I've had a few with the previous single axle.  Tandem is safer in this respect, but I've never been yanked off the road because of a blowout, but then again, I do drive an F150  

Since I switched to the heavier axle, I've never had a blowout, bearing failure, or even a lukewarm hub.  Just sayin it's not absolutely necessary to go with a tandem axle, but nothing wrong with it if you do.  I'm a frugal bas___, but that's me.

Torsion axle all the way. not only do they last longer they allow your boat to sit lower and make it much easier to get in and out of.

Really? Mine must be a little jacked up  ...  :)



Mind the naked, fenderless tires.  They've been ordered  

[John Jones]

I know that I'm sick enough of replacing springs that my next tango will be with torsion axles.  I have never owned torsion but something out there has to be better than springs.

[Circle Hooked]

Torsions are the only way to go.

[Aswaff400]

ive called around, a few of the local builders, average price seems to be about $2400 to $2600 for a new 19-22 ft with all aluminum and stainless hardware, LED lights, torsion springs, disc brakes, you know, everything that is considered standard in florida

[Circle Hooked]

Not bad,my trailer is a load master 24-26ft which is not you average continental and i payed 2500 for it in 02.