Torsion axel with springs measurements

[Camperqueen]

The axel of my 1976 Beachcomber lo-rider needs to be replaced
Please Does anyone have all the measurements?
It’s left in a remote area and I negated to measure.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Torsion axel..bolted on… would like to lift it with springs
Thanks so much
1450 GVW 2400

[Kenny Strong]

Wendy
Torsion axles and spring axles are not the same. Most trailers will function with one or the other. Which do you have ? How is it mounted ?
I don't know if there are trailers that will work with one or the other.
Do you know the manufacturer of your axle ? Why do you feel it needs replacing? If it is a Dexter, It is a couple of months wait time. I just put on a new Dexter Torsion axle.
Size info could be taped on the existing axle.
Are you in Yukon Territories ?
I took my 'Lil Bigfoot " to the Arctic circle in Yukon Territories. My axle was removed and straightened at the town, Watson lake.


Later Kenny

[Kenny Strong]

Wendy I just reread it is a torsion.

[parmm]

You can lift the torsion axle with a metal plate.

[AlanKilian]

A replacement axle will be many hundreds of dollars, are usually manufactured to specific dimensions, and generally are not returnable so I wouldn't count on a random set of dimensions you get from the World Wide Web. (However friendly and helpful people are on this forum.)

You'll need to decide what kind of axle you want:
- Torsion
- Leafspring/Shock

Then you'll need to contact a welding company and have them decide how to go about raising your camper to a height that's desirable for you.

Then you'll need to contact the axle manufacturer and find out what they need for dimensions.

I got my replacement torsion axle from Canadian Axle, the makers of the FlexiRide adjustable torsion axle.

They were able to make one to my specific dimensions (for a 13' Scamp, so that doesn't help you) with electric brakes and shipped it to Massachusetts for US$600 (axle, brakes and shipping for US$600) which seems like a great price given the long wait times from Scamp and other manufacturers.

So, I think, after you make a choice of axle type and raising method, you should get some actual dimensions off of your trailer and then get an axle so you can get to CAMPING!!!

[Raspy]

If you have a torsion axle that is bolted on, as stated, you won't need a welding shop. If the old axle is worn out, the trailer will be riding a lot lower than stock.

Etrailer has a kit to lift trailers with bolted on torsion axles. It simply bolts in, so once you get the new axle, if it is not high enough, you might be able to simply get the kit and install it. I installed one and it was pretty easy.

Axle widths are generally measured from axle flange to axle flange with the wheels removed, but you'll also need the bracket locations, the correct weight rating, the wheel bolt pattern and possibly the arm angles. It would be great if you could find out the model number or specs on what Beachcomber actually used. And also if they made one that was not a Lo-Rider.

[Jon in AZ]

If you are ordering a new torsion axle, you shouldn't need a lift kit. Torsion axles can be ordered with different arm angles to accommodate a reasonable increase in ride height. Measurement is specific to the actual unit and varies among axle manufacturers. It is best left to the installer. If you DIY, when you order the axle there are specific measurements you will have to supply on the order form. Measure very carefully, because they are not returnable. Here's a short video explaining how rubber torsion axles work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzDW1OUbmHc

For best ride, the axle should be weight-rated based on the gross loaded weight of the trailer. If there is no sticker on the trailer listings its GVWR, you might want to load it up now and weigh it on a CAT scale (truck stop, transfer station, gravel yard, feed lot, recycling center) to get a rough starting point. Allow some margin, but beware the temptation to go super heavy duty.

Most smaller molded trailers have a rubber torsion axle. In my opinion it's the best choice for highway towing and light back road use. A few have leaf spring axles, which are cheaper, but not as smooth. Changing the axle type requires some experience with metal fabrication to determine whether the frame is suitably reinforced in the right places. Both axle types can be improved with the addition of shock absorbers, but it's probably not worth the trouble on a small trailer with a torsion axle suspension.