Could The Timbren Axle-Less Suspension Be Used For Tow-Behind-Motorcycle Coffin Trailer?

Updated 12/12/2024 | Published 12/05/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - No Drop - 4 Bolt Flange - 2,000 lbs

(164)

$855.85

Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized

(738)

$65.16

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Standard Duty - No Drop - 4 Bolt Flange - 1,200 lbs

(124)

$753.27

Question:

Hi, I want to build several tow-behind motorcycle touring podinch trailers, using adult size fiberglass coffins for the pod containers. Weird? I know, but they are popular with the Harley Crowd. I want the wheels to be INSIDE of the exterior sidewalls of the coffins, with no fenders or other components protruding beyond the sides. Fiberglass wheel wells would be added to the interior, and a steel frame beneath the coffins would be built for low C.o.G. and a balanced, LIGHT load of perhaps 400 pounds or LESS, including the trailer itself. Your ASR2KHDS01 suspension seems to be ideals for this use, except that it advertises a 2,000 pound load capacity. This is far too stiff for a coffin trailer no pun intended!m I might as well use a solid axle at that point. I am wondering if the rubber suspension used in these units can be reduced somehow, to offer a soft but reliable suspension ride for a coffin trailer that may carry as much as 250 lb. of Dead Weightinch behind a touring motorcycle. I would appreciate any advice on softening the ride for this or a similar suspension system. Thank you! Here is a GOOGLE IMAGES link to similar coffin trailers, however, I do NOT want the wheels to increase the overall width of the trailer, which is why I seek to tuck the wheels inside of the coffin in wheel wells instead.

asked by: Joe J

adult size fiberglass coffin
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Joe, thanks for reaching out. Your coffin trailer idea sounds killer! I was able to find a few pictures of similar trailers on google and a lot of those things look pretty cool so hopefully I can be of some help here.

I can definitely see the axle-less suspension being a good option for this application. There would be no way to actually "soften" the ride on the Timbren # ASR2KHDS01 but if you think the 2,000 lb capacity would be too stiff, there is a 1,200 lb capacity option that may be better suited. The Timbren # ASR1200S04 1,200 lb rated so this would effectively reduce the stiffness compared to the 2,000 lb # ASR2KHDS01 you mentioned. The 1,200 lb are the lightest capacity that Timbren makes, and the lightest capacity out of all the axles we carry.

The 1,200 lb # ASR1200S04 are actually used fairly frequently for small homemade trailers since they are basically universal fit. They also do great on offroad or uneven terrain. Not too long ago I worked with a customer who used them for a small firewood trailer pulled by an ATV. So we know they are practical for small trailers with light loads.

You will bolt on each side using 1/2" grade 5 bolts. Also keep in mind Timbren recommends installing a 2"x2" steel crossmember where you want to install the axle-less system.

For a hub to go with it I recommend the Easy Grease Idler Hub # AKIHUB-545-35-G-EZ-K which is a galvanized 5 on 4-1/2" hub.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other question for me.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Joe J.

12/12/2024

Hi, Thank you for the reply. Yes, I did order and have received the 1,200 lb. set. These things are VERY WELL made, but massive, when compared to the trailer and pod they will be carrying. I sure would like to see a much lighter version of this suspension made for very lightweight trailers, perhaps with the 8" wheels. I will not seek a refund, although I believe these are overkill for this project. I will just add them to my stack-o-stuff, and they will eventually become a part of some other project. I will experiment a bit and try to fabricate something along the same lines, but smaller and lighter. Of course the spindles and wheels cannot be reduced in size. However, a similar scissor swing arm with a much smaller design and a more forgiving rubber pad seems to be in order here. I will contact Timbren to see if they have any interest in designing something in the 200 - 300 lb total load range. I truly believe they would sell thousands of them! Touring motorcyclists do not like to use LEAF SPRINGS. Joe

Jesse M.

12/12/2024

@JoeJ Hey Joe sorry to hear the Timbrens aren't going to work for your project, but I am glad to hear you may still be able to make use of them. The spindle on the Timbren can be un bolted from the rubber jounce spring portion, so maybe you could use the spindles and come up with a lighter suspension to attach to it. This way you would still be able to use standard hubs/wheels/tires. We don't have any lighter rated axles so fabricating something sounds like the only option. Feel free to come back anytime you need anything though. I will be here.

Joe J.

12/12/2024

I did purchase the 1,200 lb. set with the 4-LUG hubs, only to realize after the fact, that my options for aluminum "mag" wheels is extremely limited. I should have selected the 5-LUG hubs. Oh well! THe project is moving forward anyway. Joe

Jesse M.

12/12/2024

@JoeJ Ah yes the 5 on 4-1/2" Easy Grease Idler Hub # AKIHUB-545-35-G-EZ-K I mentioned above will allow for a lot more wheel options. They will work with any 13"-15" wheel with the same bolt pattern.