Replacing Tandem Torsion Axles On a Bison Living Quarters Horse Trailer

Question:

Why I am thinking of doing this is the way the current suspension was installed, when empty, trailer jerks my truck back and forth terribly. Also, since I go into the national forests a lot, I am on bad dirt roads. Even paved roads are a problem with every bump. So I need to the correct parts: 1 should I weigh the trailer empty and full to determine correct load range? 2 That cross bar to connect two sides Not included, how heavy and size should that be? 3 Will the trailer or lower road clearance when installed, I need to keep all the height I currently have. I raised the original height 3.5 in. already to keep the gooseneck from contacting bed walls of pickup when traveling down mountain roads. Can I supply any measurements to help you answer the above? GVWR. 14,259lb Each Axel 6,000lb Wheel center 1.25 to 1.5 in below frame What other parts do I have to purchase to complete the conversion? Just proper axels? If I pull up to a scale to determine the weights, is all you need is the weight on the trailer rear axels? This is a lot to ask but I thank you for your time in advance.

asked by: Carl G

Expert Reply:

Rather than installing the Timbren Silent Ride Suspension for Tandem Axle Trailers # TSR14K35T01 that will require you to also purchase all new axles to complete the install I recommend getting 2 sets of the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System # TASR7KS01.

With the Timbren # TASR7KS01 you will have 4 wheels that act independently of each other. The axle centerline on these is 3-1/2" from the bottom of the frame rail when unloaded and will deflect 1-7/8" to 1-5/8" from the bottom of the frame rail. This will be very close to the 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" that you measured on your spindles. This can be installed with a 2"x3" 1/4" wall thickness structural steel tube or by using an inboard extension plate as it appears that your frame and crossmembers are structurally sound enough(see steps 6a and 6b of the instructions linked below.

To complete the installation I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-7-SA and Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-865-7-2-EZ-K. The trailer brakes are self adjusting to provide optimum braking force and pad life. While the Hubs come pre loaded with the correct races, bearings and grease seals for a simple installation.

If you would rather use the Timbren Silent Ride Suspension for Tandem Axle Trailers # TSR14K35T01, you will need to confirm your hub face to hub face measurement of your current axles. The Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes # 8327834-EB has a 95" hub face to hub face measurement and comes with all the brakes, hubs and parts needed to attach to the Timbren Silent Ride. Installation will require a 2" x 4" hollow steel crossmember with 3/16" wall thickness.