Trailer Suspension: Torsion vs. Leaf?

[Ralph Z.]

Does anyone have advice or opinion on the favored trailer suspension systems given the loads we carry with formula cars? Two options exist to my knowledge...torsion and leaf spring types. Assume an enclosed trailer around 20 feet in length.

There seems to be differing opinions in the trailer supply business. I spoke with a distributor who says the lower cost leaf spring is just fine for towing our loads.

Are you using torsion or leaf spring?

[-pru-]

Torsion. My current (InTech 20'x8.5) and previous (Pace 19'x7') enclosed have dual 3500# torsion axles with a 22 degree drop. This allows the trailer deck height to be as low a possible which helps with load/unloading. Downside is 11" ground clearance but this has not been an issue for me as these trailers spend 95+% of the time on even surfaces (i.e. not off-road).

[Ralph Z.]

Torsion. My current (InTech 20'x8.5) and previous (Pace 19'x7') enclosed have dual 3500# torsion axles with a 22 degree drop. This allows the trailer deck height to be as low a possible which helps with load/unloading. Downside is 11" ground clearance but this has not been an issue for me as these trailers spend 95+% of the time on even surfaces (i.e. not off-road).

We're you able to spec the 22 degree drop when you purchased it?

[Lotus7]

Torsion is the general preference, but what's often overlooked is that multi-axle torsion trailers don't "load share" between axles, so there's additional importance in not only load distribution, but in getting the load floor parallel to the road so as not to overload the leading or trailing tires.

[-pru-]

We're you able to spec the 22 degree drop when you purchased it?

Yes, both InTech and Pace were built to order with 22 degree drop axles.

[triumph76]

I'm in the market for a 16 ft. or 18 ft. enclosed trailer.

Any preference for one brand over the other? I'm familiar with Dexter. Lippert not so much.

Thanks!

[Ralph Z.]

I'm in the market for a 16 ft. or 18 ft. enclosed trailer.

Any preference for one brand over the other? I'm familiar with Dexter. Lippert not so much.

Thanks!

Not familiar with these brands. I'm considering an aluminum trailer that would reduce the weight by 1,000 LBS. Currently have a 7' x 20' Haul Mark. Looking into an 8' x 18' with a beaver-tail for easier loading. I currently have to use ramps to get the car on board.

[10rmotor]

I went through the leaf/torsion debate when looking for a toybox type of trailer. There were very few builders that used torsion axles, but balboa did. It is geared more towards the offroad crowd but it works fine. I wanted a trailer that was low to the ground, and leaf type suspensions tended to be higher than torsion, so I went that route. When I got the trailer, a 28' triple with 5200# axles, there was still a lot of unneeded ground clearance. Since I wasn't planning on heavily loading it, or going off road, I spent a long afternoon repositioning the swing arms on the axles to lower the trailer. I don't remember how much I lowered it but it was significant. I still need to raise the front of the trailer and use 2X6 planks at the end of the ramp door when loading/unloading but that's about it for a car with approx. 2" of ground clearance.

And I did have to lower the hitch ball to get the trailer level when on the road towing.