Torsion Axle vs. Leaf Spring axle - Fiberglass RV
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Old 09-26-2012, 07:28 PM   #1
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Torsion Axle vs. Leaf Spring axle

Hi,
I'm in need of replacing my Scamp 16' axle and was curious as to which axle would be better the torsion axle or a leaf spring axle? Thanks.
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Old 09-26-2012, 07:32 PM   #2
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Better is subjective. My Scamp came from the factory with a torsion axle. I replaced the Al-Ko axle with a Dexter EZ Lube. Have zero regrets, tows like a dream.
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Old 09-27-2012, 07:22 AM   #3
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Old 09-27-2012, 11:30 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by camper1887 View Post
Hi,
I'm in need of replacing my Scamp 16' axle and was curious as to which axle would be better the torsion axle or a leaf spring axle? Thanks.
If you choose to go with leaf springs, don't over spring it by more than say...20% of your real world weight and look into installing shock absorbers.
Also keep in mind that your Scamp frame was not engineered to be supported by leafs and so the purchase points must be considered for placement and possible reinforcement.
Remember also that the original axle presently does double duty as a frame crossmember, a job which may need to be supplemented when it is removed.
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Old 09-27-2012, 03:13 PM   #5
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A leaf spring axle doesn't include the leaf springs or the u-bolts, and nuts unless you specify that they be included in the order. (I just bought a new leaf spring axle with brakes for my Compact Jr.) If all of those components are included the price differential between leaf spring and torsion is infinitesimal. I have observed a ride smoothness hierarchy going from bumpy/bouncy (#1) to smoooooth (#4).
  1. Leaf Springs alone
  2. Leaf Springs plus shock absorbers
  3. Internal Rubber Torsion axle alone
  4. Torsion Axle plus shock absorbers

I recommend for you to stay with the original engineering and get a Torsion Axle.
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Old 09-27-2012, 04:41 PM   #6
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infinitesimal
Ooh, I like that word. forgive me for thinking you were hacked Frederick. I have not been visiting frequently enough to realize you had bought a Compact Jr.
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Old 09-27-2012, 07:21 PM   #7
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Fred has been known to use a plethora of those 3 dollar words.
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Old 09-30-2012, 06:03 PM   #8
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Can you put shocks on torsion axles? I was considering getting an axle that can handle 15" wheels instead of the standard 13" wheels, is there much of an advantage to upgrading to the 15" wheels or should I just stick with the 13"? Thanks!
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Old 09-30-2012, 08:12 PM   #9
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Smile Yes, I've seen pictures of shock mods

Quote:
Originally Posted by camper1887 View Post
Can you put shocks on torsion axles?
Back in the olden days (Before the November 2005 hack and data loss) one Scamp 19' 5th-wheel owner on this board posted a thread about his shock modification to his torsion axle. I'm not sure if a search of the Legacy Posts would turn up the description, but because all of those photographs were lost I doubt if the words alone would do it justice.
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Old 10-01-2012, 05:32 AM   #10
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You must be a member of YahooScampers, but here's a link to Monroe Shocks Instructions and Templates. It's for Dexter axles too.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/...20Template.pdf
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