Posted 2015-07-01 10:35 AM (#163912) Subject: Rubber Torsion Axle Life Expectancy?
Member
Posts: 6
Location: MI
Curious about the life expectancy of rubber torsion axles. I have a new-to-me 91' Sundowner that's rather bouncy, and I'm curious if this might be the culprit. Is there a way to check if the rubber is still good or not?
Posted 2015-07-01 11:19 AM (#163914 - in reply to #163913) Subject: RE: Rubber Torsion Axle Life Expectancy?
Member
Posts: 6
Location: MI
I only notice bounce when hauling empty. When it's loaded, even with just one horse and basic tack (as opposed to four horses a week's worth of stuff), I don't hear or feel bounce in the truck. It's quite bouncy empty, but it's all aluminum (and really, what trailer ISN'T bouncy empty?). I'd take a ride in the back, but I guess that'd only work if I did it WITH a horse loaded.
Posted 2015-07-01 8:12 PM (#163920 - in reply to #163912) Subject: RE: Rubber Torsion Axle Life Expectancy?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
This is related to Dexter Axles...YMMV...Bump clearance is necessary so the tire doesn't contact the wheel well. Beyond that, the ride and ability of the axle also will degrade with age. The 10 degree sag limit indication, stated by a Dexter Axle engineer, is a way to judge the health of the rubber. You could actually have an axle that still has 3" bump clearance with the rubber completely degraded and no shock absorption left. In the end both clearance and shock absorption is required.If the axle is indeed degraded, there won't be three inches of bump clearance -- Also, not all axles started with the same angle (up or down).
Rubber Torsion Axle Life Expectancy?
