What Axle is Right for your Teardrop Trailer?
You may be surprised at just how many options there are for suspension on your teardrop trailer.
”So how do I know which is best?”
There are a number of factors to consider when picking out which axle you want on your teardrop trailer. The good news is all options we’ll be discussing have a record of reliability. There are advantages and disadvantages to all, but it comes down to your preference because they work well in their own way. We are going to walk you through our top three axle options and help you decide which is the best fit for you!
Standard Leaf Spring Axle
TOTAL COST: $250-$400
Leaf spring axles are likely what you picture when you hear the word axle. It is the most common and well known axle, consisting of a stack of curved springs (leaves) and are assembled to either the top or underside of a trailer axle. This is the most widely used suspension system due to its affordability.
PROS
They’re inexpensive and fairly easy to install.
It’s possible to perform extensive maintenance and parts can be easily changed out.
They provide even tire wear
Spring axles don’t require re-welding to replace an entire axle.
CONS
Rougher ride in comparison, especially off paved roads
Lower Clearance
The wheel are connected. A pothole on one side is felt on the other, and the entire trailer is affected.
Overall, a leaf spring is a solid choice for a teardrop trailer. Unless you’re doing intense off-roading, it will get you where you want to go. However, you may need to take dirt and gravel roads much slower than with the next options we’ll be discussing. If you are buying a trailer frame through Harbor Freight, Costco, or your local hardware store, you will likely be getting a leaf spring
TIPS
If you’re building a teardrop, it is likely a light weight trailer. Make sure you do not get a leaf spring axle rated for a weight much higher than the true weight. We made this mistake on our first build with a 3500lb leaf spring axle, for our Vaga with a 1200lbs dry weight. This will make your trailer airborne more times than you’d like!
LINKS
FlexiRide Torsion Half Axle
TOTAL COST: $550-$950
Looking for a smoother ride? A torsion axle is something you’ll want to check out!
Because this option is independent suspension, if you hit a bump with one tire, that side will absorb the blow, rather than reacting like a spring axle. The suspension is a torsion system with rubber cartridge on each side. Price wise, this option is more expensive than a leaf spring, but more affordable than a Timbren axle.
PROS
Independent wheel suspension
Zero maintenance design. Grease your wheel bearings and you’re good!
No metal-on-metal contact points
Quieter and smoother during travel
Higher clearance
Great corrosion resistance, as torsion axles are usually galvanized inside and out
Easy to install
CONS
Requires a weld-on bracket. If you are building your frame from scratch this is not much of a con.
As of writing this post (August 2022) most FlexRide models are backordered several months.
This is a great middle ground suspension. It’s affordable and gives you the smooth ride of independent suspension.
LINKS
Timbren Axle-less Trailer Suspension
TOTAL COST: $950+
If you’re into off-roading, or overlanding, a Timbren axle-less suspension may be for you! The Timbren system uses a jounce style bumper. This compression jounce spring will give you far more durability than a torsion system or leaf spring axle by taking the brunt of the impact.
The system is designed to resist and absorb impact, versus absorb it.
When installing to your trailer, you can use a 2x2 steel tubing between the axles for a cross member of the trailer, as seen above, or a weld-on bracket to keep the Timbren brackets from flexing or twisting the frame under high impact. This gives you high ground clearance and ensures the separate axles are staying square during the ride.
PROS
Extremely durable
Bolt on installation
Built to travel off-road and handle all terrains
Smooth Ride
High Clearance
Available with lift to increase clearance
CONS
High cost
The bracket attaches to the exterior of the trailer frame. Any teardrop walls that site along the side of the frame will need to be modified.
Timbren has several axle models that will work for teardrop purposes. For any trailer around 1500lb we recommend the 2000lb Heavy Duty model (ASR2KHDS01). The wedges are squishy enough not to throw your tiny camper if she nails a pothole, but also have a 3500lb spindle, allowing you to add trailer brakes. And, yes, you want trailer brakes!
LINKS
In a nutshell, torsion and Timbren trailer axles offer a smoother ride and less maintenance, Timbren performing the best. Leaf springs are more durable, less expensive and far easier to replace parts on as you’d likely need to replace the whole axle for the other two options.
We have a leaf spring on our personal camper and it has not restricted us from going anywhere we wanted to get to. However, we have experienced our fair share of bumping down dirt and gravel roads because we have to take our time. With the Timbren axles, you’re able to drive a reasonable speed on rough roads and be far more comfortable!
So, which option will you go with?
Purchase a trailer frame for your DIY Teardrop from Wander Tears.
For trailer frame schematics and more teardrop build details, shop our DIY Plans.
“Use the weekend to build the life you want, not trying to escape the life you have.”
