Lifting a Trailer

[Pokahpolice]

I have a trailer I've been working on for a bit to use as my offroad rig. I'm never going to 'wheel' with it. Just want it for camping and light offroad adventures. I'd like to throw a lift on it with some larger tires. Anyone ever use the Timbren axle-less lifts?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Timbren/ASR35HDS02.html

 

[Brianj5600]

If the spring is under the axle, the quick, easy way would be a springover. How much total weight is your trailer and gear? The suspension in the link is rated at 3500 lbs. I would contact Timbren and see what they say about the ability of the suspension to absorb bumps on a trailer that only weighs 700 to 1200 lbs. There is a 2000 lb option, but some 2000 lb leaf axles have had spindle failures. The 3500 lb axles have larger spindles and bearings and seem bulletproof.

I'm still working on my trailer so I have no experience at this. From my research the very short leafs have less ability to absorb bumps. I am using leafs from a Colorado pickup. I have seen a few using YJ springs. They should ride much better, but with the increased suspension movement requires shocks to control the springs.

 

[Pokahpolice]

If the spring is under the axle, the quick, easy way would be a springover. How much total weight is your trailer and gear? The suspension in the link is rated at 3500 lbs. I would contact Timbren and see what they say about the ability of the suspension to absorb bumps on a trailer that only weighs 700 to 1200 lbs. There is a 2000 lb option, but some 2000 lb leaf axles have had spindle failures. The 3500 lb axles have larger spindles and bearings and seem bulletproof.

I'm still working on my trailer so I have no experience at this. From my research the very short leafs have less ability to absorb bumps. I am using leafs from a Colorado pickup. I have seen a few using YJ springs. They should ride much better, but with the increased suspension movement requires shocks to control the springs.

The trailer itself can’t weigh more than 400lbs. It’s an old aluminum enclosed trailer like the small u-hauls you see today. I carry quite a bit of gear tho. Sometime I’m hauling firewood into camp and I’ll throw the full sized generator in there if we’re planning on running some power tools. No brakes on the trailer so I’ll be keeping it under 2000lbs. It has very short leaf springs and I was looking at the Timbrens because they seem like a nice easy solution that eliminates the axle. Not that that is super important but it’s the low point on the trailer and will give you a ton of clearance.

 

[Pokahpolice]

The trailer itself can’t weigh more than 400lbs. It’s an old aluminum enclosed trailer like the small u-hauls you see today. I carry quite a bit of gear tho. Sometime I’m hauling firewood into camp and I’ll throw the full sized generator in there if we’re planning on running some power tools. No brakes on the trailer so I’ll be keeping it under 2000lbs. It has very short leaf springs and I was looking at the Timbrens because they seem like a nice easy solution that eliminates the axle. Not that that is super important but it’s the low point on the trailer and will give you a ton of clearance.

also...I threw the first example of the Timbrens up that I found. I didn’t pay attention to the weight capacity of them. I’d most likely want the 2k rating. @Brianj5600 you hearing issues with the 2k?

 

[Pokahpolice]

Here’s the setup.

 

[Brianj5600]

From memory there can be issues with oversize tires on the 2000# Timbrens. It seems like there is a 3500# suspension with 2000# rubber springs? I briefly looked at Timbren, but did not see a real advantage to them with tall trailer tires. I have the same size tires on the trailer and my Jeep so the trailer axle has better clearance than the Jeep differentials. I would call Timbren vs me or any other person that doesn't build off road trailers.

 

[LukesfirstJeep]

I have no knowledge of Timbren brand, but I own a Raven built 5x8 aluminum utility trailer that uses independent torsion axles, similar to Timbren. My trailer is rated for 3500#. I bought it around 1996, and the axles are holding up great. My axles are tied together with a piece of square tube that touches the bottom of my frame. It doesn't stick down like a traditional leaf spring axle.

I like the independent suspension action offered by the torsion spring compared to leaf spring trailers I've owned.

 

[Fixer6]

I took the 3500# axle on my trailer and simply mounted it under the same short springs it came mounted on top of. I figured it was designed with short springs to achieve the rating. It has 15” rims, so I slapped bigger tires on it to have more clearance under the axle itself, and the tires have good clearance in the fenderwells. Took about 30 minutes to swap the position of the axle. Been that way for about six years now. No issues.

 

[Rick Flair]

The Timbren is top quality stuff and you see this setup on most of the more serious off-road trailers that are in a boom right now.


I have a M416 military trailer I use. I stuck with a solid axle, a dexter 3500 lbs custom ordered for width, bolt pattern and where I wanted my spring pads for a spring over axle setup, cost me $160 bucks through a local vendor. Also has backing plates if I ever decide to put brakes on it.

So, you can’t go wrong. The ball will honestly be your limiting factor for “off-road” if you drag that big bastard down some Jeep trails. Lol.



Mine was a bolt in affair, cheap and allowed me the clearance I needed.

 

[Pokahpolice]

The Timbren is top quality stuff and you see this setup on most of the more serious off-road trailers that are in a boom right now.


I have a M416 military trailer I use. I stuck with a solid axle, a dexter 3500 lbs custom ordered for width, bolt pattern and where I wanted my spring pads for a spring over axle setup, cost me $160 bucks through a local vendor. Also has backing plates if I ever decide to put brakes on it.

So, you can’t go wrong. The ball will honestly be your limiting factor for “off-road” if you drag that big bastard down some Jeep trails. Lol.



Mine was a bolt in affair, cheap and allowed me the clearance I needed.

Thanks for the info. How’s the spring back (if that makes sense) on the Timbrens?This trailer won’t see any major trails. It would surprise you how light it is but the way I have the RTT is too wide for the trails around here. It mostly goes up North with me to my camp. The roads are dirt logging roads. The Golden Road is wider than our highway so I can cruise at 50 mph depending on the conditions. I’m mostly looking to lift it for the mud. Gets pretty bad (fun) this time of year.

 

[DrDmoney]

I believe this is the same or similar axle that @lowranger used on his Pack Mule trailer build.

 

[Steel City 06]

I've looked into the Timbren before.

Pay attention to the lift height on each model. Not only are there half a dozen weight ratings, each one can be bought with various height lift or drop spindles. Most are available in straight spindle, 4" drop, or 4" lift.

If you're considering the 2000 lb model, consider the 1 Tonne (2200 lbs) model instead. The 1 Tonne model is the 3500 lbs model with a longer trailing arm, giving it the most suspension travel (and probably the softest ride) of any of their kits.

Be sure to look up the actual heights of the models, as well as the deflection under load. Some models lose as much as 3.5" of lift under full load.

The models denoted as "HD" are models that are based on heavier duty weight ratings with softer springs. Don't buy a kit that significantly exceeds the weight rating of the trailer. Instead look for an HD model if you want extra beef. For example, the 2000HD is the 3500 lbs model with a softer spring. I believe the 3500HD, 5200, and 7000 lb models are all the same units with different springs.

These kits are designed to be used with non-braked or with braked spindles. Consider adding electric drum brakes at the same time. They can also be fitted with disc brakes.

A lot of off-road trailer manufacturers routinely use these with 33 or 35 inch tires. If you want to fit a large tire like this, get a kit that uses a heavier duty spindle. For example, the 1 Tonne and 2000HD models use a 3500 lbs spindle, which should be fine for 35s with the reduced weight rating.
A 3500 lbs trailer hub has the exact same wheel pattern as a TJ. So you can use the same wheels and tires on your TJ and your trailer.

Certain models are also offered with longer spindles that place the WMS further out. If you want to mount a wide tire like the ones you have on the Jeep, consider these ones.

You may need to beef up the frame of the trailer to take the extra stress of the axle-less. If in doubt, install the crossbar called out in the instructions. The crossbar sits much higher than a normal axle, so you won't lose much clearance. You may also want to sister the main rails with some heavy wall angle for a good length of the trailer.

Be sure to check out the attached PDF which has all of these variables listed.

 

[lowranger]

I believe this is the same or similar axle that @lowranger used on his Pack Mule trailer build.

I don't have this axless set up. I have an axle that goes clear across from frame to frame, but does use the torsion axle and not leaf springs.

 

[Pokahpolice]

I've looked into the Timbren before.

Pay attention to the lift height on each model. Not only are there half a dozen weight ratings, each one can be bought with various height lift or drop spindles. Most are available in straight spindle, 4" drop, or 4" lift.

If you're considering the 2000 lb model, consider the 1 Tonne (2200 lbs) model instead. The 1 Tonne model is the 3500 lbs model with a longer trailing arm, giving it the most suspension travel (and probably the softest ride) of any of their kits.

Be sure to look up the actual heights of the models, as well as the deflection under load. Some models lose as much as 3.5" of lift under full load.

The models denoted as "HD" are models that are based on heavier duty weight ratings with softer springs. Don't buy a kit that significantly exceeds the weight rating of the trailer. Instead look for an HD model if you want extra beef. For example, the 2000HD is the 3500 lbs model with a softer spring. I believe the 3500HD, 5200, and 7000 lb models are all the same units with different springs.

These kits are designed to be used with non brakes or with brakes spindles. Consider adding electric drum brakes at the same time. They can also be fitted with disc brakes.

A lot of off-road trailer manufacturers routinely use these with 33 or 35 inch tires. If you want to fit a large tire like this, get a kit that uses a heavier duty spindle. For example, the 1 Tonne and 2000HD models use a 3500 lbs spindle, which should be fine for 35s with the reduced weight rating.
A 3500 lbs trailer hub has the exact same wheel pattern as a TJ. So you can use the same wheels and tires on your TJ and your trailer.

Certain models are also offered with longer spindles that place the WMS further out. If you want to mount a wide tire like the ones you have on the Jeep, consider these ones.

You may need to beef up the frame of the trailer to take the extra stress of the axle-less. If in doubt, install the crossbar called out in the instructions. The crossbar sits much higher than a normal axle, so you wont lose much clearance. You may also want to sister the main rails with some heavy wall angle for a good length of the trailer.

Be sure to check out the attached PDF which has all of these variables listed.

Great info! I appreciate the response.

 

[Rick Flair]

Thanks for the info. How’s the spring back (if that makes sense) on the Timbrens?This trailer won’t see any major trails. It would surprise you how light it is but the way I have the RTT is too wide for the trails around here. It mostly goes up North with me to my camp. The roads are dirt logging roads. The Golden Road is wider than our highway so I can cruise at 50 mph depending on the conditions. I’m mostly looking to lift it for the mud. Gets pretty bad (fun) this time of year.

I don’t know really much about them but looks like steel city answered you.


Honestly from what you describe for use, I’d stick with a standard dextor axle and spring it over. Either flip your current axle or buy a new one. It will give you clearance and not cost you a grand for the other style. My next door neighbor has a teardrop with that setup (axleless) and loves it. But I think it’s overkill for your purposes.

 

[Pokahpolice]

But I think it’s overkill for your purposes.

I agree but I'm the king of overkill. Like the time I dumped $5k to jack up a rusty old Jeep I only paid $3k for and was only supposed be a plow truck.

 

[Rick Flair]

I agree but I'm the king of overkill. Like the time I dumped $5k to jack up a rusty old Jeep I only paid $3k for and was only supposed be a plow truck.

man if you have the means and want to go timbren, by all means do so, it is the superior setup! It will ride and track better plus gives you lift options as well. I run 31’s on my little M416.