Trillium 4500 suspension - Fiberglass RV
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Old 06-05-2023, 07:50 AM   #1
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Name: Vic
Trailer: Trillium
Ontario
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Trillium 4500 suspension

Does anyone know what kind of suspension a 1979 Trillium 4500 has. Is it a torsion bar? I should know this having overhauled the wheels. I checked underneath and see no springs.

Also- is it possible to adjust the suspension to reduce bouncing? Last year, first time out, the inside looked like a tornado hit- stuff everywhere. Since then I've made changes to secure everything. Still- there must be a lot of vibration- cupboard doors open, things bounce of the upper shelves, etc.

Thanks in advance.
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Old 06-05-2023, 11:09 AM   #2
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Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
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Vic, The Trillium 4500 came with a torsion suspension. The fact that yours is so stiff is likely because the rubber in it has hardened over time. If your 44-year-old trailer has not had a new axle, it is time for one now. The torsion axle is good for 20 - 30 years maximum.

You will find that the new axle will ride much smoother.
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Old 06-06-2023, 03:56 AM   #3
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David... yikes!- a new axle? Any idea where to get one?
Would it have to be custom made?
I'll keep it in mind. Will have to cope for now.
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Old 06-06-2023, 07:16 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by Vic Berger View Post
David... yikes!- a new axle? Any idea where to get one?
Would it have to be custom made?
I'll keep it in mind. Will have to cope for now.
Find a place that repairs utility trailers. We've lived in two different areas of Minnesota and had no problem finding a utility trailer repair shop. One of them also sold new trailers. These shops repair, service, and install Dexter axles all the time. DON'T delude yourself that a RV shop knows what they're doing. Utility trailer repair shops have the experience, because that's all they repair/maintain. By 7,000 miles our Escape 5.0 had both axles repaired under Dexter's warranty. 37,000 miles later the axles were still tracking like new.

Our repair shop gives a one year/10,000 mile warranty on his work, including greasing the bearings. His warranty is void if you use Dexter's EZ-Lube, since he's seen too many greased brake shoes, or rely on their auto-adjust feature (he disables the auto-adjust). You don't know if the seals really got installed 100% correctly to avoid grease contamination from Dexters EZ-Lube, including those he installed (he's honest), and have had a couple of auto adjusters either not adjust (three wheels braking) or adjust too much (one wheel brakes causing premature wear and/or flat spots).

A good bearing pack should last 20,000 miles, but we have ours inspected/repacked/adjusted once a year, since we usually are on the road for 8-14,000 miles a year.

Enjoy,

Perry
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Old 06-17-2023, 01:26 PM   #5
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Trillium 4500 suspension

Hi Vic, I had replied in part to you a few weeks ago re the axle. Unfortunately, I am again not at home where I have my info.
From the descriptions I have heard, it is a torsion suspension (the wheels are attached to the torsion bar). But the torsion twist is (so im told) is supplied by a rubber eccentric inside the axle. The only repair I know of is to replace the axle. I did this about a year ago on my 1980 4500. Very roughly speaking (from my recollection) it was about $1000 for the custom made axle and $1000 for installation. This time I WILL reply to you when I have my info. I am near Lansing Michigan, I think it was a Dexter axle made in Tennessee, there may be Canadian suppliers.
The replacement made a world of difference and raised the trailer about 3''. Also when the truck shop who did the installation did a preliminary check from his pit he found about 1/2 of the 8 bolts that connect the shell to the frame were loose or rusted to the point where 1/2 the bolt was gone. I would check those first, they are easy to find and replace from inside the trailer and outside the frame.
You are welcome to contact me direct a thewellmans83@yahoo.com
Tom
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Old 06-17-2023, 05:32 PM   #6
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Lift the box off of the frame. Then the axle is much easier to replace. And you will be able to sand/paint /inspect the frame. Assemble with new hot dipped galvanized bolts.
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Old 06-23-2023, 07:54 AM   #7
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Trillium 4500 Suspension

Hi Vic, I did find my docs to order and install my new axle. Note there are some variations in trailer measurements so yours should be checked. Yes, it was about $2000 but makes a world of difference in towing. Check some of the older 4500 posts there was one from late last year saying he had two axles. Finally, for weight I think 2200# is the correct figure. I dont know if my pics will post. Send me your address if you want thewellmans83@yahoo.com



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