Axles are essential parts of a trailer that affect the vehicle’s performance, safety, longevity and functionality. Their main purpose is to support the weight of the trailer and its cargo by evenly distributing it across the wheels. They’re often overlooked because many people don’t understand their roles and benefits in a trailer. The best axles are engineered with longevity and toughness in mind to ensure they can withstand the constant pressure on the road.
Here’s a comprehensive trailer axle comparison that discusses the meaning of trailer axles, their main types and factors to consider when choosing a high-quality trailer axle.
What Is a Trailer Axle?
A trailer axle is a critical component of a trailer’s structure, serving as the central shaft to which the trailer’s wheels are mounted. Its primary function is to support the trailer’s weight and enable smooth transportation by transferring the load to the wheels. Trailer axles come in various types, including leaf spring and torsion axles, each offering unique advantages depending on the trailer’s purpose and the type of terrain it will encounter.
Proper axle selection is essential for ensuring safe towing, optimal performance, and longevity, as the axle’s design directly impacts the trailer’s weight capacity and handling characteristics. Whether for a utility trailer, boat trailer, or heavy-duty equipment hauler, understanding the role and specifications of trailer axles is key to maximizing functionality and safety.
Types of Trailer Axles
Discover the distinctions, applications, advantages and disadvantages of the three main types of trailer axles:
Torsion Axles
Torsion axles consist of a long, hollow steel tube with thick internal rubber cords that absorb road shock and provide superior suspension. The wheel hub is attached to a bar encased in the rubberized material. The rubber cords create a springing effect by compressing as the wheel moves to absorb shock and vibrations, providing a smooth and quiet ride.
They’re available in different capacities and are suitable for mid-sized and smaller enclosed trailers or luxury RVs and high-end trailers. They’re the perfect choice for lightweight trailers transporting fragile and sensitive goods.
Some reasons torsion axles are a popular option include:
- Absorb road shocks more effectively than springs
- Are more durable and long-lasting because they have fewer moving parts
- Less maintenance required
- Added stability because they’re fastened directly to the trailer’s frame
A few drawbacks include:
- More expensive than spring axles
- Can only be replaced, not repaired
Spring Axles
Spring or straight axles consist of an axle beam with spindles welded onto a traditional leaf spring suspension system. The spring axles absorb vibrations and shocks, providing a steadier ride and even tire wear. They’re more affordable to purchase, install and maintain because repairs are straightforward. Spring axles are ideal for light, medium and heavy-duty trailers, trailers carrying uneven loads and utility trailer hauling applications.
Some advantages of spring axles are that they:
- Provide a steadier ride, thus less tire wear
- Are more affordable than torsion axles
- Are more versatile and usable in many types of trailers ferrying a wide range of weights
- Have parts that are easy to repair and replace, which makes it more affordable to maintain
- Are suitable for heavy loads and rough terrains
Some negative characteristics are that they:
- Require regular maintenance in terms of lubrication and occasional replacement of springs and components.
- Give a bouncier and rougher ride, especially when the trailer is empty.
- Wear faster because the spring axles are built metal-on-metal.
Drop Spring Axles
Drop spring axles are similar to spring axles but are designed with a drop-in axle beam to lower the trailer and facilitate easier loading and unloading. To create the drop, the spindles at the end of the axle tube bend upwards, allowing the trailer to sit closer to the ground. By lowering the center of gravity, the drop spring axle improves stability and minimizes the risk of tipping or rolling.
They also improve the suspension system’s ability to absorb shocks and vibrations on the road while minimizing the tires’ wear and tear. These are the best choices for trailers with a lower center of gravity and utility trailers used for hauling heavy equipment, vehicles and motorcycles.
A few positives to note about drop spring axles include:
- Make it easier to load and unload cargo
- Improve trailer stability and accessibility by lowering the trailer’s trailer height
- Increase trailer safety by reducing the trailer’s wear and tear
Drawbacks include:
- Increase the risk of ground clearance issues
- Requires regular maintenance similar to spring axles.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Axle
Choosing the right type and size of a trailer axle is essential to maximizing performance and improving suspension. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a trailer axle:
Trailer Weight Capacity
The axle you select should be able to support the trailer’s weight and load. Overloading the trailer’s axle increases the chances of failure or breakdown because the weight is unevenly distributed, which could be costly and dangerous. The best choice is always an axle with a higher capacity than the trailer’s weight to maximize performance and safety.
You can check the trailer’s weight capacity on the VIN sticker and the axle weight on an embedded tag or plate. If the trailer weight capacity axle is not listed, you can get it by measuring its diameter. Upgrading your trailer axle’s carrying capacity increases your trailer’s versatility in handling more cargo types and sizes and boosts cost savings by minimizing breakdowns and repairs.
Trailer Usage
How you utilize your trailer determines the best trailer axle for you. When thinking of usage, here are the three key
factors to consider:
- Frequency of use: Spring axles are the better options for trailers that haul various loads from light to medium and heavy-duty.
- Type of terrain: Torsion axles provide the smoothest and quietest rides on all types of terrains.
- Load distribution: Both spring and torsion axles allow even weight distribution, but spring axles distribute the weight better and minimize tire wear.
Maintenance Requirements
Trailer axles require regular maintenance to maximize the life span of these critical trailer components. This maintenance involves inspecting the axles for misalignment, bending, clanking or clicking sounds. All three types require periodic lubrication, proper storage after use and inspection for wear and damage. When damaged, torsion axles cannot be repaired and must be replaced, which can be more expensive than repairing spring and drop spring axles.
How to Make the Final Decision
Picking the right axle for your trailer involves assessing the technical specs of the options you have and considering the following:
- Assessing your specific needs: Your trailer needs, including the trailer type, usage, budget and weight, dictate the right axle for you.
- Consulting with experts: Seeking guidance from experts such as Blueswift Axles provides insights on the best axles and what to expect from each.
- Consider future upgrades: Determining any future upgrades or maintenance needs to preempt costs and ensure you maximize their life span.
Why Choose Blueswift Axles?
Partnering with experts to find the best trailer parts and help with their maintenance will help maximize the trailer’s performance and reliability. Blueswift Axles is an engineering solutions provider offering a wide selection of trailer parts and components. We employ cutting-edge technology and high-quality materials and focus on the following features:
- Quality assurance: Our Axles are made in the U.S., which is synonymous with unparalleled quality artisanship.
- Customer support: We take a customer-centric approach, with clear communication and transparency, to ensure our customers are satisfied after every purchase.
- Industry experience: Our years of experience enable us to consistently provide parts that satisfy customer preferences and keep up with emerging trends.
Explore Blueswift Axles’ Product Range
Shop from our online store for various torsion, spring, and drop spring axles. At Blueswift Axles, we can also help you measure the size of your axles, custom-make axles within 48-hour and ship them to your address. You can also call us today at 515-606-1943 for more information on the different types of axles.
