Experience with different types of trailer axles?

[aviaator]

Tried a search already and didn't get an answer to my specific question...

I'm in the market for a trailer for my '97 Tourer.  I'm wondering if those of you who have towed trailers can give me some advice:

Leaf spring vs. torsion axle suspension.

Does a leaf spring suspension make the trailer bounce over bumps and make the bike feel "squirrely"?  I'm considering a HF frame with a car top carrier for the cargo box but am worried about the leaf springs.  The other option is to order a torsion axle and fabricate a frame for it (more $$ and labor intensive).  If the experts here can ease my mind about leaf spring trailers I would certainly like to take the easy, cheap way (I know, that usually ends up being the hard, expensive way but humor me).

Thanks.

[alph]

From what I’ve learned about torsion axles and leaf spring axles, on a cycle I would definitely go with torsion.  Why, ‘cause they don’t bounce after hitting a pothole, or bump in the road.  Don’t take my word on that though since I don’t have a torsion trailer for my cycle, I’ve got a cheap “harbor freight” trailer with springs.

We’ve got a pop up camper with a torsion axle and you can really tell the difference pulling it verses our old camper with springs.  It does trail smoother and even with my F150 truck it doesn’t swerve around like the springs on our old camper did.  Also, using a torsion axle will allow you to lower your center of gravity since you can get the axle in different set angles.  I ordered my axle from Dexter, I think they’re out of Indiana.  Didn’t cost that much and they were really good to deal with.

The biggest mistake a lot of people make with trailers is not having enough weight on the hitch.  That alone will make it swagger back and forth. 

Good luck making your trailer, I’m planning on making one with a torsion axle myself, let me know how yours ends up!!

Al.

[BudMan]

I have a Starlight Trailer from Neosho Fiberglass of Missouri with individual torsion axels.  I have a swivel hitch and I can honestly tell you, I can not tell it is back there, until I need to stop quickly,  or pay the gas bill  .  I have never taken it on really rough roads, but normal bumps and dips are not really noticeable.
It makes camping and long trips a real joy.  You just have to get used to not trying to fill it up just because you have the room. 

Ride Safe 

[Bill Laslett]

lower center of gravity....has a basement, 8" deep with floor over it... torsion axle with 13" wheels...tounge wait is a must...pulls great, no wobble or drifting...pulled this one a total of 15,000 miles with the I/S

[Bill Laslett]

[Same I/S, now blue...taken first week of June... Americade 2009...Mike Holmes Bee also in pix

[R J]

Leaf springs, worst case,  like that has already been said, have a tendency to bounce.  You can also remove 1 of the leafs if you so desire, but, if the single leaf should break, you is in for a great ride.

Torsion axle, somewhat better, is nice, they remove 80% of the bounce.

Trailer I built had air suspension, my choice,  under it and rode like a  dream....

Worst problem with this set up, was on a rough road the compressor had a tendency to think it needed more air and would end up topping the bags out.  So, the next gas stop, you drained em and let the compressor refill em.

I suppose if ya got real technical and added gauges up the ying yang, you could eliminate that problem......   The compressor was one they used in the bounce em cars.  The 1st ones were hydraulic, now they are air.

[3fan4life]

Tried a search already and didn't get an answer to my specific question...

I'm in the market for a trailer for my '97 Tourer.  I'm wondering if those of you who have towed trailers can give me some advice:

Leaf spring vs. torsion axle suspension.

I'm considering a HF frame with a car top carrier for the cargo box but am worried about the leaf springs. 

I would certainly like to take the easy, cheap way (I know, that usually ends up being the hard, expensive way but humor me).

Thanks.

That's essentially what I'm using and I haven't had any problems with it.

I only know it's there when I need to stop quickly or if I go over 95 mph......

[sandy]

Harbor Freight now sells a trailer already made up with a box on it for motorcycles. Price is competitive with the cost of making your own. Check their website for the price. I recall it's around $429 + or - a bit.

[ptgb]

Run a Harbor Freight with no modifications to the leaf springs. From what I have read and experienced, the most difference in bounce/no bounce scenarios is tire pressure. The HF tires are supposed to be run at approximately 50 psi... other HF owners suggest running at 20-25 psi.

I run 20-22 psi and have never had a problem with bounce, fishtailing, tread wear (on the trailer tires), of any other dilemma from running the tires at a lower psi. Pretty much using the tires as the "shock absorbers".

[B]

SANDY - Are you running that new HF Trailer? If so. how are the 8" tires working out & have you noticed any high temps on the bearings at high speeds?
I was considering one, but was concerned with the stated 55MPH max speed.

[Chrome]

Hi I have been using my H/F for two years now.Took off one of the leafs and run 25lbs in the tyres.Yes you do know that you are pulling a trailer but once at speed no problem at all. I did put a plastic sleeve over the bolts that hold the springs in place. I don't mind alittle bounce but hearing the bouncing made it worst.Once loaded,very little bounce.
I thought this was going to be a "Beginner" trailer to see if we liked it and if we did,we would spend the big bucks but totally happy with our "Keeper"
Happy Trails Adrian(Chrome)V

[aviaator]

ptgb:

Did you modify that Harbor Freight trailer?  Looks longer with a cooler pad up front.  Also, are the wheels/tires stock?

Run a Harbor Freight with no modifications to the leaf springs. From what I have read and found, the most difference in bounce/no bounce scenarios is tire pressure. The HF tires are supposed to be run at approximately 50 psi... other HF owners suggest running at 20-25 psi.

I run 20-22 psi and have never had a problem with bounce, fishtailing, tread wear (on the trailer tires), of any other dilemma from running the tires at a lower psi. Pretty much using the tires as the "shock absorbers".

[Master Blaster]

When I built my H/F trailer I extended the tongue by 18 in and added a cooler carrier.  I also used the Sears 20 cf cartopper for a box.  I removed one spring from the stack and also put the 12 in wheels on it.  It pulls like its on rails, and I have had it to 100+ a time or two.  Once did a 4500 miler pulling it, no problems as long as you dont forget its back there and wider than your machine.  Swing wide around gas pumps, dont crowd the centerline, and just be aware when stopping of the extra weight and momentum.  I have the standard hitch and there is no need for a swivel hitch.  I can tell you crossing the desert there is nothing like having that cooler with Iced down water whenever you want it.

[ptgb]

ptgb:

Did you modify that Harbor Freight trailer?  Looks longer with a cooler pad up front.  Also, are the wheels/tires stock?

I bought the trailer from a fellow Valk rider, but it was pretty much the frame and the carrier. It did have aluminum "C" channel for the tongue, which I thought might be a bit too flimsy, and I wanted to add a cooler. I replaced the tongue with 8 feet of aluminum square tube (I think 1/8th) It runs from the rear of the trailer.

As far as the wheels, yes they are add-on chrome rims and tires... I got them from: http://www.redtrailers.com/

Harbor freight now sells the chrome 12" wheels and tires: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97182

The whole sordid tale of my trailer build can be found here: www.valkyrieguy.com - "MC Trailer Build" on the left side links.

[B]

SANDY - Are you running that new HF Trailer? If so. how are the 8" tires working out & have you noticed any high temps on the bearings at high speeds?
I was considering one, but was concerned with the stated 55MPH max speed.

Harbor Freight sent a 20% coupon so I figured - H#!! with it ... went ahead and picked up the tag-along ($343 with coupon).  They only had one at the store ... assembled yesterday as a display model ... not putting it together REALLY broke my heart.  

I picked it up with the car and pulled it home on the Interstate at 75mph to see how it reacted.  No problems so far; bearings were warm / not hot.  I'll probably take it on the "maiden voyage" north, behind the Valk next month.  Seems like an awesome trailer for the money.

[3fan4life]

SANDY - Are you running that new HF Trailer? If so. how are the 8" tires working out & have you noticed any high temps on the bearings at high speeds?
I was considering one, but was concerned with the stated 55MPH max speed.

My trailer has 8" wheels and I've had NO problems with the bearings getting hot.



And I Can't Do 55

Seriously, It will run 70-75 mph all day long with no issues.

[B]

3fan4life - good to know ... I'm hoping I see the same results.

[Jean the Black Wolf]

lower center of gravity in first and for me small wheels are better
Good luck making your trailer Aviaator
I'm ok with alph The biggest mistake a lot of people make with trailers is not having enough weight on the hitch.  That alone will make it swagger back and forth
 

[Andy]

I haven't built mine yet but here's a link to trailer parts starting with torsion axles: http://www.trailerpart.com/halftorsionaxles.htm

[Str8shooter]

PM sent

[~ Timbrwolf]

....Hey B....thats an excellent buy ya got there man....Chili and I picked up the same exact one 3 years ago...when we were leaving for Inzane in Colorado and points beyond.....we paid 599 at the tiem + shipping....and put it together in an afternoon over a few beers....I know for the money you will love it....the only thing I would recommend is a cooler rack for it....and I cant see if yours came with a spare...but thats a must ...especially for out of state trips....like I said...we took ours to Colorado...Wyoming...South Dakota.....and hardly knew it was back there....even without a reciver hitch..

Harbor Freight sent a 20% coupon so I figured - H#!! with it ... went ahead and picked up the tag-along ($343 with coupon).  They only had one at the store ... assembled yesterday as a display model ... not putting it together REALLY broke my heart.  

I picked it up with the car and pulled it home on the Interstate at 75mph to see how it reacted.  No problems so far; bearings were warm / not hot.  I'll probably take it on the "maiden voyage" north, behind the Valk next month.  Seems like an awesome trailer for the money.

[B]

Timber - I plan on pulling it to T.City & St Ig ... that'll probably be the maiden voyage.  I f you and "Chilli Gurl" feel like cruising up the Bay and the tunnel of trees ... I'll be leaving out of Grand Traverse on Friday of our StIg get together.  I'll shoot you some addition info on email.

[~ Timbrwolf]

........if you,re tallken bout St Iggy weekend...we,ll prolly just shoot up the super slab like we usually do....think were sposed to hook up with Scar and his wife somewhere in the wind along the way....we  usually do the Tunnel of Trees on the way home, if you want to do them then....

[R J]

Here is the best suspension you can get for any trailer.  I have had them all, axle solid to frame, springs - 4 leaf, 3 leaf, 2 leaf & 1 leaf, rubber torsion, & neoprene torsion, last but not least - Air Ride, love this one.

Even empty you do not realize it is there, don't ask how I know, it was a very expensive mistake on my part.

Here is a link, watch some of the videos and you will see the difference in the bounce to the ounce.

 http://www.adventuresportsproducts.com/index.cfm/0/0/4

Here is my trailer.............    Best one I ever owned bar none, & I was in cycle recovery for about 20 years on my days off.  I also had 2 others that lower to the ground, it was either a manual winch or a electric one.   This one is total air, suspension and floor lifting to travel height,  If you did not watch the bike hauler like this one, go back & have a look see.

I have no interest in the company, however, if ya buy 1, tell em I sent ya. (R J Bullard or Vullard) I don't know if they ever changed my purchase records. It puts some clinker's in my pocket




Another view:

[B]

........if you,re tallken bout St Iggy weekend...we,ll prolly just shoot up the super slab like we usually do....think were sposed to hook up with Scar and his wife somewhere in the wind along the way....we  usually do the Tunnel of Trees on the way home, if you want to do them then....

Sounds like a plan ... I'll have to swing back down to TC anyway to pick up the wife.  Maybe we'll follow you into Grayling & take 127 home.

[TWT]

lower center of gravity....has a basement, 8" deep with floor over it... torsion axle with 13" wheels...tounge wait is a must...pulls great, no wobble or drifting...pulled this one a total of 15,000 miles with the I/S

Wow that is one big trailer, how does it affect your fuel millage?

[Bill Laslett]

Pulled it to Americade last June from Detroit area staying in the states and got 29 mpg for a low and 36 mpg for a high. Ran anywhere from 50 to 80 mph. Got 38/42 mpg when riding around the eastern states without the trailer.