The Best Independent Trailer Suspension: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension
Independent suspensions have been around for about 100 years. In 1922, an independent front suspension was pioneered on Lancia Lambda, and became more common for mass-market cars from 1932. Since then, independent front suspensions (IFS) have undergone several iterations including Double Wishbone, Multi-Link, and the MacPherson Strut.
In this short article we will examine the Axle-Less suspension and see how this trailer suspension upgrade could be considered the best independent trailer suspension so far on the market today.
What is an independent suspension?
An independent suspension is any automobile suspension system that allows each individual wheel to move independently of the others. This is in contrast to a dependent suspension where a solid beam axle links both wheels either on the front end or the rear.
Independent suspensions have been used extensively on the front suspensions of cars until in recent years - since the early 1960s - they were installed on the rear as well.
The most commonly used and perceived to be superior to all the others is the “double wishbone suspension” aka “double A-arms.” This suspension design is often associated with words like ‘kingpin’ and ‘ball-joints’. All these iterations were intended to improve the free movement of each wheel independent of the others.
So, at the end of the day, an independent suspension allows each wheel to move vertically independently of the other wheel(s).
How could a trailer suspension be considered "independent"?
When you hear any mention of “independent” suspension on a trailer, you should know that this is not in reference to the same type of sophisticated suspension found on an automobile. Independent trailer suspensions have more to do with function than design.
That said, the Axle-Less trailer suspension is one such design that allows the wheel(s) on the left side of the trailer to move independently of the wheel(s) on the right side, and vice versa. As you will soon discover, this unique innovation provides for a soft, quiet ride on smooth and rough terrain, empty or loaded.
Here’s the thing...
The Axle-Less suspension is one single unit that bolts onto the trailer frame. Believe it or not, it’s actually the frame of the trailer that substitutes for the missing axle! Once the Axle-Less suspension has been bolted to the frame and you’ve adjusted for camber and toe, you’re basically good to go. Note: The frame must be perfectly square and properly reinforced. *
The secret sauce that makes this thing work like an independent suspension is found in the proprietary design of 2 Aeon® rubber springs in combination with a trailing arm i.e. the outboard arm mounted to the frame.
*Click here for a quick tutorial on how to install an Axle-Less trailer suspension.
Can I introduce you to the Axle-Less trailer suspension?
What do you actually get when you purchase an Axle-Less trailer suspension? Below are the basic components of a pre-assembled Axle-Less trailer suspension:
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Steel hanger
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Control arm
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Outboard arm
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Spindle
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Bushings
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Jounce spring
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Rebound spring
The seven items listed above are the essential components in every pre-assembled Axle-Less suspension. But you’re probably wondering how an average person like yourself could install such a wonderful product all by yourself. Take a look at the simple instructions outlined in the following DIY YouTube video:
How did Axle-Less set the trailer suspension world on its head?
The Axle-Less trailer suspension is a direct result of a company that’s not afraid to think outside the box. In fact, Axle-Less received an award at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for best new product in the off-road category. It certainly caught the attention of trailer manufacturers and distributors worldwide. Why? It’s because there’s no axle!
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‘No axle’ means more ground clearance out on the trail.
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‘No axle’ makes it possible to have an independent-like suspension.
It didn’t take long for the Axle-Less suspension to catch on - particularly with off-road enthusiasts. And ever since 2011, Timbren has expanded the number of Axle-Less models that are available for the average consumer.
Timbren’s innovative designs like the Axle-Less suspension remind the average consumer, “Go big, or go home!” That’s because many Timbren customers have discovered the Axle-Less difference:
“From off-roading in our 4Runners to towing a trailer out on the trail, we have looked no further than Timbren for both our rigs and our trailers. Active Off-road Bumpstops on our rigs and Axle-Less trailer suspension for our trailers have given us better ride quality, off-road capability, more ground clearance... and we could keep going. We’ve been thrilled with our Timbren products from the start!”
- Team4Runner
For more information, or to get your hands on an Axle-Less trailer suspension, visit Timbren.com or contact Customer Service: Sales@timbren.com
