3 axles... Torflex or springs.

I've been around triple axle Airstreams- the only funky part is the axles can deflect quite a bit in sharp turns. Looks like it would be hard on the axle, easier on the bearings, rim and tires. Never had an axle failure in hundreds of thousands of miles though.

Chris Bryant wrote:
I would go torsion as well- on the one hand, you can work on springs. On the other hand- you have to work on springs. Torsion is pretty foolproof- no shackles, equalizers, wet bolts, leaves, etc. to worry with.

X2. I have no experience with a triple axle, but our new Windjammer tandem axle TT has the Torflex axles and it tows much better than our old trailer with the leafs. I had a broken leaf spring once and nothing will stop you in your tracks faster. That's one reason I wanted the Torflex on our next trailer. No more leafs for me. JMHO

JIMNLIN wrote:
Caution: triple axle assemblies are not recommended for Torflex axles

So Dexter says at the bottom of this page;http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/product_flyers/Torflex.pdf.

Might give them a 1-800 and find out why.

They list the reason in the FAQ- http://www.dexteraxle.com/faq_s

TORFLEX - Can I use 3 Torflex axles under my trailer?
Dexter does not recommend triple Torflex applications of our standard axle because Torflex axles are totally independent and not equalized like a typical leaf spring set of axles. There is no ability to transfer loads from one axle to another. When traversing uneven operating surfaces such as driveway entries, railroad crossings or speed bumps, the entire load can be put onto one axle causing severe overload. It isn't reasonable to expect one axle to carry the entire load of three axles when these conditions occur, even though these instances cause only momentary over-loading. Dexter Axle does offer a specially designed 7000, 8000, and 10,000 lbs. Torflex axle that can be used in triple applications. We refer to these axles as our T series of Torflex axles.

Caution: triple axle assemblies are not recommended for Torflex axles

So Dexter says at the bottom of this page;http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/product_flyers/Torflex.pdf.

Might give them a 1-800 and find out why.

I would go torsion as well- on the one hand, you can work on springs. On the other hand- you have to work on springs. Torsion is pretty foolproof- no shackles, equalizers, wet bolts, leaves, etc. to worry with.

Personally I would go torsion and disc. Disc brakes are much more consistent and reliable. And any empty trailer with 20k of suspension is going to ride like a rock.

Yeh, I put them on my 5er and they are awesome! I thought I might be the only one who's had problems with 12x2 drums so I asked the trailer builder what he thought of them and he said they're too hit and miss. Sometime they are OK but too many time they suck and they've tried everything to make them work better with no luck... Just like my experience. Craig

Go with disc brakes, you will not regret it!

I called Dexter and they have the 12T Torflex 7k now that's good for tri-axles. The guy said Torflex rides worse than springs empty but better when loaded to 80% or more. I think Torflex would make good sense for an RV that's probably at 80% even when unloaded but not so much for a cargo/car hauler with a light empty weight. I asked him how he would have it built if it were him and he said double eye springs cuz slippers are noisy. It's close to a coin toss but I will probably go with the longer 26"springs and 6 shocks so I know I can always rebuild everything myself. I'm seriously considering 6 wheel discs cuz it's a lot cheaper at build time than to change them later. Thanks for the input! Craig

Ductape X2

Doug