Should I Buy a Horse Trailer with Torsion Axles or Straight Axles with Leaf Springs

Updated 05/29/2015 | Published 05/27/2015

Question:

I am looking at a Circle J 2 horse aluminum trailer. I see it is available with Dexter Torsion Axles and Dexter Leaf Spring Axle. Which axle would be better for this use. Thank you.

asked by: Eileen S

Expert Reply:

I trust regular axles with leaf spring suspension more than torsion axles only because I can see what is going on with the suspension and can fix any issues should they arise. With a torsion axle though there really isn't any maintenance you have to do so it does have its benefits.

Torsion axles can also come in more configurations than straight axles in terms of where and how they mount and ride height. Going with the torsion axles wouldn't be a bad idea but I think you would be happy either way.

Torsion axles are generally thought of as superior to leaf spring axles. They are not as loud as leaf spring suspension and they can provide a smoother ride. Since each wheel is independent from the other wheels there is less of an effect on the entire trailer when driving over bumps or on rough terrain. If something goes wrong with a torsion axle you will have to replace the entire axle. The down side to that is cost, the upside is that there are less components on a torsion axle to have problems with.

expert reply by: Michael H