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Torsion Axle
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David and Danette View Drop Down
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Joined: 24 Nov 2009
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Posts: 1214 		Post Options Post Options   Quote David and Danette Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Torsion Axle
    Posted: 10 Mar 2024 at 3:51am
  I have a aluminum utility trailer with a 2,200 pound torsion axle thats 28 years old. By what I have read on the internet the lifespan of a torsion axle is 15 to 20 years. So undecided if I should buy a new utility trailer the heaviest weight I carry in the trailer is a riding mower less than 500 pounds. Does a torsion axle fail by breaking and the trailer colapses. I don't want to be driving down the road and have a axle failure and be stuck on the road. Has anyone known of a torsion axle lasting over 30 years? Thank you
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-              
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2629 		Post Options Post Options   Quote GlueGuy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Mar 2024 at 10:35am
Torsion axles are either wound springs, or in the case of Rpods, there are rubber rods that get compressed with the twist of the axle. 

For sure the rubber rods would degrade over time if they're actually rubber. If they're something else, who knows?

However, something that was made 28 years ago (circa 1996) stands a good chance of beig the coiled spring variety. As long as the springs are not corroded, they may be almost as good as the day they were made.

I'd maybe do a little load test. Measure the ground-to-deck distance with the trailer unloaded, and then load it up with whatever you've got to max. Take another measurement to see how much it sagged and do a value judgement.

Any clue who made the axle?
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
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gpokluda View Drop Down
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Posts: 275 		Post Options Post Options   Quote gpokluda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Mar 2024 at 12:11pm
Originally posted by David and Danette

  I have a aluminum utility trailer with a 2,200 pound torsion axle thats 28 years old. By what I have read on the internet the lifespan of a torsion axle is 15 to 20 years. So undecided if I should buy a new utility trailer the heaviest weight I carry in the trailer is a riding mower less than 500 pounds. Does a torsion axle fail by breaking and the trailer colapses. I don't want to be driving down the road and have a axle failure and be stuck on the road. Has anyone known of a torsion axle lasting over 30 years? Thank you

Coincidently I'm going through a torsion axle situation right now with our 1 year old tandem axle camper. Fortunately there is a highly recommended trailer frame and axle shop where I now live and I had an enlightening conversation with the owner last week. 

In general, the weakest part of a torsion axle is the spindle. The torsion components should be okay as long as the axle is not submerged. Any grit that makes its way through the seal into the axle tube will grind away and weaken the internal bands or coils and all bets are off at that point. The spindle on the other hand is the weak point and will bend or twist should the forces ( not just load) exceed what the capacity of the axle is. This is why the shop highly recommends that a utility trailer (which I am also in the market for) have a solid axle mounted on leaf springs.
Gpokluda
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David and Danette View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Post Options Post Options   Quote David and Danette Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Mar 2024 at 7:27pm
 I am sick with a bad cold now when I get the chance I will check the axle to see if I can find the manufacturer. I bought the trailer from Northern Tool June 1996 its called a Rough Rider it cost about $800. Thank you for your replies I will see if I can do the load test. I like that it is aluminum it's lightweight and easy to move around and no rust. Would be nice if it has the coil spring axle. I found out that Forest River owns the company now the company name is Rance.
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-              
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab


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David and Danette View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Post Options Post Options   Quote David and Danette Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Mar 2024 at 1:35pm
 The label that identifies the axle says that the brand is Reliable and that it is a rubber torsion axle. The axle seems to be very stiff not giving much but haven't tried loading the trailer with a heavy load. Was reading on the Air Stream forum that someone had a Air Stream torsion axle last 38 years before it finally dropped the camper unable to support it.
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-              
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab


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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2629 		Post Options Post Options   Quote GlueGuy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2024 at 9:40am
Hmmm. 28 years. Maybe you have another 10 years to go?
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
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David and Danette View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Post Options Post Options   Quote David and Danette Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2024 at 2:59pm
  The specification label on the trailer doesn't give the cargo capacity only gives GAVR and GWVR both 2,200 pounds and gives the tongue weight 250 pounds I guess that is the maximum tongue weight capacity. Did a load test between 700 and 800 pounds and I would say it could carry about 1,000 pounds without the tire hitting the fender. I am thinking the axle has become weaker and if I keep the cargo weight below 1,000 pounds I will be safe for the time being. I hope it does last another 10 years I will be 80 years old then and won't have much use for it after that. I definetly have gotten my moneys worth out of it.  Thank you for your help!
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-              
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab


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