1978 Trillium 4500 Axle question

[Chrishauck]

I just bought a 1978 Trillium 4500. It has the torsion axel. I'm new to this whole torsion axle thing. How do I know if my axle is good? When I put my hand on the side of the trailer and shake it, I don't see it bouncing? I'm in the Detroit area.

[thrifty bill]

First, these axles were designed with a useful life of 15 years. Yours is over 45 years old.....

Google testing old torsion axle if you want detailed testing instructions. "The first test is to jack up each side of the trailer and watch to see if the wheel moves down as weight is removed from that side, if on either side the wheel does not drop at least 1½” the axle needs replacing."

Find a local shop, one that builds landscape trailers or similar. Don't bother with most RV shops. Torsion axles are used on a myriad of trailers.

[Thomas W]

You will need a new axle, makes a difference going down the road. I have a 1980 4500, replaced axle a couple years ago. I order a Dexter axle with new brakes and had a truck shop install it. These are not precisely made like a car, so you want someone who can align it properly. While it was over the pit the owner noticed some loose bolts holding the body on the frame. He suggested getting those fixed, had a concern about potentially cracking the shell on the lift if they weren’t all secure. There are 8 bolts that hold the shell to the frame. These are super easy to find and replace from inside and outside of the trailer. I had five of the eight which were either loose or the bolts nearly rusted in half. I recommend every Trillium owner check these.