Harry Krause wrote in message ...
QLW wrote:
I've never built a trailer using torsion axels but I like the concept. I
wonder how to design a 2 axle system to achieve equalization? I'm thinking
a rotating sub-frame would be required. I have built several single axle
trailers with trailing arms and coil over springs that worked well but were
a lot of work to build.
IMHO, the balance point will be over the CL of the wheels.

"Gary Warner" wrote in message
...

So the axels that we have are torsion axels (no springs). They will just
attach
directly to the underside of our trailer. The thing is, it's not just a
straight
across axel. Well, the axel goes straight across, but coming from the
center of the axel is a 6" arm that goes back to the spindle. In other
words,
the tires are off-set 6" behind where the axel is.

For a picture go to this web sire (really an Adobe PDF document)
and see page 5 (the 2,300 lb to 3,500 lb Torflex axel).
http://www.redneck-trailer.com/pdf/A/810torflex.pdf


PUZZLER: Does the axel "balance" the weight over the
axel or over the wheels? .

Put another way: Say we had a rectangular frame 20 feel long and
it was perfectly balanced at the 10 point. (No boat or anything on
it yet.) So a straight across axel put at the 10' point, it'd basically
balance. But with our axels, where the wheels are off-set 6"....do
we put the AXEL at that 10' point or do we have the
WHEELS at that 10' point.

Our current thinking is that it's the wheels. It's pretty hard to test
because of the weights involved and we have to weld the axels on
(not bolt 'em) so we'ld like to get it right the first time.

Gary

Out of curiosity, how does one place the axle? Is it at the centerpoint?
I think you'd want it a bit forward of the centerline. I built a box
trailer some years ago, and was advised to have the axle forward of
center under the box. I knew why at the time, but I've since forgotten.

If a standard type of axle, and if placed at the c.g. of the trailer,
it would be in equalibrium, ie: balanced. If placed aft of the
centerline, it would have tongue weight, if forward, when you unhooked
the tongue, it would rise. Now, if using the torsion springed axle,
where there is a lever arm all of this goes out the window, because
the spring torsion, depending on which direction the wheel arm is
pointing, will either try to raise the tongue, or lower the tongue.