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Author Topic:   Torsion Axle

Ferdinando posted 01-31-2012 08:19 PM ET (US)
Guys:
I have a 2008 Karavan Trailer under my Montauk 190. Last week I took out my brother in law for a spin and noticed that the leaf springs are pretty rusted and I have not changed out the wheel bearings yet.
I priced all of the above, springs, bearings, etc and it comes out to 200 bucks in parts. I was wondering if it is worth installing a torsion axle????
I was quoted around $450 without install. Any of you guys have this type of axle and do you like it?
Thanks,
Fred
zotcha posted 02-01-2012 09:28 AM ET (US)
Fred, in my experience, I get roughly four seasons out of my springs, stored indoors and really not dunked all that often but always in salt. A real PITA.
Both Whalers sit on torsion axles, along with my 6' x 10' enclosed trailer. In my opinion, if you can afford the correct sized torsion now, you will not regret it.
If you are presently using a galvanized trailer, and cannot afford an aluminum I-beam trailer with torsion axle, then $200 and some labor may be the way to go for now.
Hope this helps. zot.
Ferdinando posted 02-01-2012 10:08 AM ET (US)
Thanks Zot, I have to make my decision by this weekend and see what the actual Torsion Axle will run me, if it's to steep I just might go with new springs. I'm not a big fan of my Karavan trailer but thats what you get when you buy the package!
Jefecinco posted 02-01-2012 10:15 AM ET (US)
Fred,
My old Dauntless was on a torsion axle trailer. I owned it for 11 years and never had an axle problem.
When my Kravan trailer springs go in a couple of years they'll almost certainly be replaced with a new torsion axle.
It's money well spent, IMO.
How's the 190 doing?
Butch
Ferdinando posted 02-01-2012 10:53 AM ET (US)
Butch:
The old girl is doing quite well, I think I mentioned that I installed the Seastar Hyd steering and than put in the RayMarine S-1000 Auto Pilot. Works great, get a lot of looks when I'm crusing with my wife sitting up front and no one behind the wheel. (Going slow of course).
How's your ship doing.
Fred
p.s. Based on what you said I think I'll swing for the Torsion Axle.
Phil T posted 02-01-2012 05:06 PM ET (US)
Fred-
I find your report of your 3 1/2 year old springs needing replacement not very reassuring for those considering the OEM whaler trailer.
I had springs on my Montauk while my Outrage 17 has a torsion axle. The latter is far better. The boat rides soooo much better. Even after 6 yrs and hundred of launches in saltwater, it is in good shape.
If you can handle the cost, go with torsion axle.
Jefecinco posted 02-01-2012 07:19 PM ET (US)
Fred,
My old girl is doing well but chomping at the bit because of lack of exercise. Due to many factors she's had way too little use this Winter.
If I was in La Isla Verde with her she'd be getting a workout.
Butch

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Author	Topic: Torsion Axle
Ferdinando	posted 01-31-2012 08:19 PM ET (US) Guys: I have a 2008 Karavan Trailer under my Montauk 190. Last week I took out my brother in law for a spin and noticed that the leaf springs are pretty rusted and I have not changed out the wheel bearings yet. I priced all of the above, springs, bearings, etc and it comes out to 200 bucks in parts. I was wondering if it is worth installing a torsion axle???? I was quoted around $450 without install. Any of you guys have this type of axle and do you like it? Thanks, Fred
zotcha	posted 02-01-2012 09:28 AM ET (US) Fred, in my experience, I get roughly four seasons out of my springs, stored indoors and really not dunked all that often but always in salt. A real PITA. Both Whalers sit on torsion axles, along with my 6' x 10' enclosed trailer. In my opinion, if you can afford the correct sized torsion now, you will not regret it. If you are presently using a galvanized trailer, and cannot afford an aluminum I-beam trailer with torsion axle, then $200 and some labor may be the way to go for now. Hope this helps. zot.
Ferdinando	posted 02-01-2012 10:08 AM ET (US) Thanks Zot, I have to make my decision by this weekend and see what the actual Torsion Axle will run me, if it's to steep I just might go with new springs. I'm not a big fan of my Karavan trailer but thats what you get when you buy the package!
Jefecinco	posted 02-01-2012 10:15 AM ET (US) Fred, My old Dauntless was on a torsion axle trailer. I owned it for 11 years and never had an axle problem. When my Kravan trailer springs go in a couple of years they'll almost certainly be replaced with a new torsion axle. It's money well spent, IMO. How's the 190 doing? Butch
Ferdinando	posted 02-01-2012 10:53 AM ET (US) Butch: The old girl is doing quite well, I think I mentioned that I installed the Seastar Hyd steering and than put in the RayMarine S-1000 Auto Pilot. Works great, get a lot of looks when I'm crusing with my wife sitting up front and no one behind the wheel. (Going slow of course). How's your ship doing. Fred p.s. Based on what you said I think I'll swing for the Torsion Axle.
Phil T	posted 02-01-2012 05:06 PM ET (US) Fred- I find your report of your 3 1/2 year old springs needing replacement not very reassuring for those considering the OEM whaler trailer. I had springs on my Montauk while my Outrage 17 has a torsion axle. The latter is far better. The boat rides soooo much better. Even after 6 yrs and hundred of launches in saltwater, it is in good shape. If you can handle the cost, go with torsion axle.
Jefecinco	posted 02-01-2012 07:19 PM ET (US) Fred, My old girl is doing well but chomping at the bit because of lack of exercise. Due to many factors she's had way too little use this Winter. If I was in La Isla Verde with her she'd be getting a workout. Butch