Travel trailer suspension

Let’s talk a little about axles and suspensions. Leaf Spring Axles (double eye and slipper), Timbren, and Torsion Axles.

Application and Load determine the axle and spring system. To see the best results from any axle / suspension system. It’s important to load the trailer with the aim of getting the most wear out of that system. Your satisfaction with your suspension system. Will depend on the proper loading your Camp.

Double-eye leaf spring systems
There are several reasons that we prefer the Double-eye leaf spring system. Leaf spring axles come with most complete trailers. They consist of several flat, curved leaves stacked on top of each other. The two main types of leaf suspension are double-eye springs and slipper springs.

Sheep Camp Tandem Axle
Slipper springs generally have a greater weight capacity, and fewer moving parts. So, there are fewer components to maintain. But, double-eye springs ride smoother than the slipper spring systems.

This is the most used suspension system due to its affordability. The parts are replaceable and need more maintenance than torsion axles. Yet, many prefer them over torsion for this very reason – they can be fixed.

If you have more than one axle on your trailer. Leaf spring systems are the most dependable for even tire wear and a steady ride. If you’re storing your trailer on uneven ground. Leaf spring will hold up better over the long term due to the independent nature of each leaf spring.

1. Leaf Springs, proven, proven, proven. (military, trucking industry)
2. It’s possible to perform extensive maintenance. Unlike torsion axles parts can be changed out.
3. Spring axles provide the most dependable tire wear, especially on multi-axle trailers.
4. They’re inexpensive and easy for the manufacturer to install. (this helps keeps your cost down)
5. Spring axles don’t need rewelding to replace an entire axle.
We are often asked why we don’t use torsion axles or Timbren axles-less suspensions,

Torsion Systems and Timbren Benefit’s;
1. Simple construction (fewer moving parts) usually means that repairs are seldom.
2. Maintenance free design. Lube your wheel bearings and that’s it!
3. No metal-on-metal contact points
4. Quieter during travel
If the axles are ever faulty. The entire suspension system must be replaced by cutting off the old one and installing new. Both systems are available in bolt on configurations.

It’s my opinion that the Timbren axle-less system is a glorified torsion axle. It works on the same basic principles. They use a hard rubber or urethane to provide tension / restriction of movement.


In the end it all boils down to the customers preference. We are here to please as well as produce the best trailer out there.