justalayman
Senior Member
that's odd considering what I posted was from Tiedown as well. I did a bit of research and found what might be what you are referring to which does state to not use torsion axles in a triple axle set up.run4bear;3014505]If I could attach a document here, I would. I have a PDF from Tiedown engineering where they specifically state that the "do not recommend triple torsion axles". I had three 7000# torsion axles, but it is evident now that any application of tri-axle torsion axles will result in the problems I am having. 8000# axles are doing no better.
FAQ's - Atlanta, Georgia - Tie Down Engineering
can't find anything on that. I did find their Airflex system which simply appears to be a torflex with an added air bag (in the most basic terms anyway). To me, that appears to be an attempt to simply upsize the capacity of the torflex unit without upsizing the actual torflex components. Not sure I like the design though. It seems as it will not actually remedy the problems seen here.Dexter also has a new type of Axle called a Flex-Ride that is similar to what is used on semi-trailers. I have done a lot of research. Again, a big expense.
while I can see your point, I believe it is not due to the 3 axle use itself but a lack of properly sizing of the axle that results in overloaded axles more often. There are some very large trucks out there that use totally independent 3 axle systems that do not have this sort of problem because their axles are rated properly for the use. If you look at a semi or large capacity truck that uses triple axles with air bag suspension, you will find plenty with no equalizer system used. That results in the same loading of the axle problems that is causing your issues yet they do not have the loading issue problems. I do not believe it is something inherent to a torsion bar suspension but a poorly engineered system using under rated components due to a lack of understanding and including the loading issues in the design. As you have stated, there are manufacturers with improved torsion suspension and other types where triple axle set-ups are just fine. The loading problem inherent to a non-equalized suspension doesn't simply go away because you change the actual type of suspension or the capacity of the axles. It will always be there. Maybe they cannot make a torsion suspension able to carry the same load as an air bag suspension (I did see a 10k rated Dexter torflex though)I have towed torsion axles trailers almost since their inception, but in a dual axle application and NEVER had a problem. You are looking at hundreds of thousands of miles. There is no doubt in my mind and I think I have enough evidence to directly relate my problems to the tri-axle application.
wow. Even when designing a tandem axle the load divided by half is not how you get the resulting necessary rating of the axles.They simply said 3 7000# axles mean a 21,000 load rating. I have always been under that and based my purchase on that rating knowing my load.
do some internet research. While I did find some happy results, I do recall reading of those with problems as well.Since I have yet to find anyone else who has had this problem, my guess is that since this trailer was made under the assumption that the "average buyer" was only going to use it occasionally and they had no problems in the past, most people did not use their trailer full-time as I do and hence did not have the problem - or at least not to the degree that I have.
I believe #3 is about the only feasible remedy BUT the accessories will be a problem. Most likely you will not be compensated for them and told to either install them on your next trailer or sell them to recoup what you can. I do not recall how you came about paying to install the larger axles you now have. Was it simply due to your attempt at a remedy or was it at the suggestion of the manufacturer? If the latter, I would think those costs should be able to be recouped. If your idea, it makes it harder to claim the manufacturer is liable. I believe it will depend on why you did what you did and if you are able to lay the attempt on the manufacturer for some reason.So in addressing the trailer manufacturer the options for resolution are:
1) reimbursement for damages and replacement with axles that will work (if even possible)
2) a different trailer (which I am not sure they make one that will address my needs)
3) they buy back my trailer (I also added about $20,000 in accessories: solar panels, charging system, satellite dish, generator for which I would no longer have any use.)
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no problem selling the business but the trailer is a complete no no given the problems you have and are aware of but that you already know.I have a buyer for my business who would want to continue what I am doing (on a smaller scale) but I cannot legally or with a clear conscience sell them this trailer with the business without disclosing the problems. My reputation (and that of my business (32 years now) would be at stake as well as the liability for damages they would incur.)
the one thing I did see in running around looking at internet sites for this issue that may be a problem: You use your unit for a commercial application. Some manufacturers have very different warranties on commercial use of their products which may strongly affect your avenues for recourse.