Buying a trailer-Leaf or Torsion Bar? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mr Pops · 04-12-2011, 08:54 AM

Hey folks, I'm in the market for a tilt deck car hauler trailer, probably 18'-22'.
Whats better for trailer suspension, leaf springs or torsion bar? I plan on using the trailer to haul cars and pickup trucks and also to haul water for my acreage with a water tank that weighs just under 3000lbs loaded.
I've been told that leaf springs are cheaper and easier to replace, but also easily bent if you turn the trailer too sharp while backing with a load.
I want a tilt deck for better approach angles for loading small cars and also to aid in dumping water. Is there a type of tilt deck I should watch out for?
Thanks for any info!

Mr Pops · 04-12-2011, 11:19 PM

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trixter99 · 04-13-2011, 12:18 AM

I bought a 16x7 cargo trailer to haul my dirt bikes in and Im wish that I would have sprung for the torsian axles. The spring axles are cheap to replace but the torsion axles make the trailer lower and alot quiter.

Mr Pops · 04-13-2011, 07:38 PM

Thanks for the info. Anybody had problems with bending leaf shackles, or is the trailer sales guy just trying to scare me into buying his torsion bar sprung trailer??

BlueJeep · 04-14-2011, 10:12 PM

I have a 12K lb 20' flat bed with a tilt deck. I specifically ordered this one with torsion axles knowing I would be pulling it with a 1/2 ton Suburban....and I LOVE it. It pulls so much smoother empty than any leaf sprung trailer I've ever pulled. I think leafs vs. torsion is a personal preference. The torsion axles don't have much wheel travel, but I'm fine with that.

I think the salesman is pulling your leg, but decide what your needs are and then choose which one better suits those needs.

Mr Pops · 04-14-2011, 11:04 PM

This is good info. Thanks

04-12-2011, 08:54 AM	#1
Mr Pops Ridin' Dirty Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada Posts: 2,193	Buying a trailer-Should I get Leaf spring or Torsion Bar? Hey folks, I'm in the market for a tilt deck car hauler trailer, probably 18'-22'. Whats better for trailer suspension, leaf springs or torsion bar? I plan on using the trailer to haul cars and pickup trucks and also to haul water for my acreage with a water tank that weighs just under 3000lbs loaded. I've been told that leaf springs are cheaper and easier to replace, but also easily bent if you turn the trailer too sharp while backing with a load. I want a tilt deck for better approach angles for loading small cars and also to aid in dumping water. Is there a type of tilt deck I should watch out for? Thanks for any info! Attached Images __________________ 1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel Last edited by Mr Pops; 04-12-2011 at 11:24 PM.

04-12-2011, 11:19 PM	#2
Mr Pops Ridin' Dirty Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada Posts: 2,193	Re: Buying a trailer-Leaf or Torsion Bar? .. Attached Images __________________ 1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel

04-13-2011, 12:18 AM	#3
trixter99 I have no time for this Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Fort St John B.C. CANADA Posts: 434	Re: Buying a trailer-Leaf or Torsion Bar? I bought a 16x7 cargo trailer to haul my dirt bikes in and Im wish that I would have sprung for the torsian axles. The spring axles are cheap to replace but the torsion axles make the trailer lower and alot quiter. __________________ 1986 Chevy short box ( PROJECT ) 1994 Chevy Blazer lifted 6" 2009 Gmc 2500 HD 1999 Hugger orange Camaro SS 2007 BMW X5 Sport

04-13-2011, 07:38 PM	#4
Mr Pops Ridin' Dirty Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada Posts: 2,193	Re: Buying a trailer-Leaf or Torsion Bar? Thanks for the info. Anybody had problems with bending leaf shackles, or is the trailer sales guy just trying to scare me into buying his torsion bar sprung trailer?? __________________ 1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel

04-14-2011, 10:12 PM	#5
BlueJeep Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Waukee, Iowa Posts: 1,608	Re: Buying a trailer-Leaf or Torsion Bar? I have a 12K lb 20' flat bed with a tilt deck. I specifically ordered this one with torsion axles knowing I would be pulling it with a 1/2 ton Suburban....and I LOVE it. It pulls so much smoother empty than any leaf sprung trailer I've ever pulled. I think leafs vs. torsion is a personal preference. The torsion axles don't have much wheel travel, but I'm fine with that. I think the salesman is pulling your leg, but decide what your needs are and then choose which one better suits those needs. __________________ build threads: 86 Suburban 88 Jeep 6.0 swap 49 Chevy truck 54 Chevy wagon 86 Suburban lowered 4/6 54 Chevy wagon 49 Chevy/s10 mix 88 Jeep Wrangler rockcrawler Last edited by BlueJeep; 04-14-2011 at 10:13 PM.

04-14-2011, 11:04 PM	#6
Mr Pops Ridin' Dirty Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada Posts: 2,193	Re: Buying a trailer-Leaf or Torsion Bar? This is good info. Thanks __________________ 1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel



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