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grampyjd's avatar
grampyjd
Explorer
Jan 24, 2021

tandem axle channel supports

I am in the process of buying a 32' travel trailer and would appreciate some input from current/past owners. After looking this trailer over, again, I noticed that the dual axle supports were formed steel channels with no center pivot point. Has anyone had problems with these channels bending or any towing problems. My wife and I have been RVing for forty years in motor homes but now were ready to down-size and this is our first pull trailer.

Any comments good or bad will be greatly appreciated.

Grampyjd
Life member
  • If your axles look like this, then you have the torsion type of suspension, and IMO, I like this over the leaf spring type.. Just me..



    First TT ever was a small 2003 Prowler, yet it had this type of suspension. Never an issue in over 16 years of owning it.. These are the Dexter brand torsion axles.

    Got the new Rockwood and it has the same Dexter torsion suspension axles.. I bit higher axles rating of course, since the Rockwood is a heavier TT.. But, in the end, I'll stick the the torsion axles... But, that's just me... ;)

    Good luck! Mitch
  • Sounds like a "torsion axle"?

    Any visible leaf springs?

    If no leaf springs and the axles are directly mounted to the frame then you would have what is called "torsion axles" which in a nutshell are like a heavyduty rubber band inside of the axle tube..

    Looks like this..



    Torsion axles have been around for a long time are are pretty reliable, some folks prefer them over leaf springs for a smoother ride..

    You can read up on torsion axles HERE at Dexter Axle website.

    Otherwise if there are leaf springs there should be a leaf spring for each axle and a mount and equalizing link between the springs..