Hmmm … a torsion axle?
If you’re shopping for a small- to medium-weight trailer, you might have come across a torsion axle as mentioned in a sales brochure.
So you’re wondering: What’s the big deal with torsion axles? Are they better than a sprung axle? Why do some RVs have torsion axles and some don’t?
I asked about tandem torsion axles on a specific model of Rockwood. I found a pic of the tech specs. It might help you answer easily… Sorry, I can’t give you the specific pic but here is the dealers pics and its one of them. https://www.bishs.com/product/new-2024-forest-river-rv-rockwood-ultra-lite-2616bh-2371672-29
It notes that the GAWR for each axle is 3900 lbs, don’t know the manufacturer… I blew up the pic to ensure the weight was accurate.
You have the most concise, objective information out there on the web around your area of expertise. You couch and disclaim perfectly.
I’m looking at a Rockwood/Flagstaff trailer that is new and has dual Torsion axles. https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/flagstaff-super-lite-travel-trailers/26BHW/8494#360tour
It’s UVW weight is right at 7134 lbs dry, and loaded 8738 lbs, 938 dry tongue weight. My first thought is that I prefer this approach as I do quite a bit of National Forest dirt roads camping and like the ride quality of torsion axels, but then I read your article and wonder. How would I find out the weight rating of these axles before I purchase. Reading you and another article, it seems that I should ensure that they are “over-engineered” while also being aware that trailer manufacturers tend toward the cheapest version they can get of something. Now I’m nervious.
I have plenty of vehicle to tow this as in a Ram 2500, Hemi 3,000 lbs Payload and 15K max tow. I have towed both torsion and spring (with aftermarket suspension components like CRE3000/Road Armor) and since I’m seriously considering this odd duck Rockwood being under 30 feet with three slides. I would appreciate your opinion. Frankly, it is the first dual axle torsion I have seen… This is the first year of this approach. Any advice? I’ve been towing for decades so know my stuff as an end user but not this…
Karl, all axles have a sticker on them stating the weight rating (after a few years, they’re almost impossible to read). But it’s typically easier to just look at the Cargo Carrying Capacity, which should be listed on a sticker on the trailer’s sidewall. I followed your link, and this trailer has ~1,600 lbs. cargo capacity. That’s a little under my recommendation of at least 2,000 lbs., but that can be a challenge to find with “super lite” trailers like this.
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