Torsion axel vs Leaf springs

[castlewag]

I need to buy a new trailer for my 17ft CC Logic that has a 50hp Johnson. I am leaning toward an aluminum trailer which I think will hold up better in the salt water. However, I am stuck on whether to go with a torsion axel or leaf springs. The weight of my boat is approximately 1000 pounds and the motor I'm guessing is around 400 pounds. I don't do any long trip trailering. So, any thoughts on the torsion axel versus the leaf springs? From what I've seen, the steel in the leaf springs that are currently manufactured don't hold up as well as the older ones. Other than that, the only thing I know about the two styles is that the aluminum trailer with torsion axel is about $500 more than a 17 foot galvanized trailer with leaf springs: $2100 versus $1600.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The steel in the axles on either also gets attacked by salt water. Torsion axle mechanisms are difficult to flush so salt starts to corrode where the rubber springs are.

Booth need to be rinsed off after dunking in the brine. Both need periodic maintenance and repair.

When you go to repair them, a new springs are $50 a pair. New torsion assemblies are $200 a pair

In my experience, I use torsion axles if I need the trailer to sit lower, or I need to lower the boat within a trailer (Main beam of torsion axle doesn't move like a regular leaf spring axle). Neither has an advantage against rust

 

[hemi rt]

The torsion suspension will ride a lot softer as each wheel is independent of the other, With torsion suspension you can usually get the boat to ride lower which is nice when pulling on the highway and also launching but over rough roads there is a greater chance to bottom out. With leaf suspension you can adjust the riding height very easily, but the trailer rides a little rougher. Leaf suspension is a lot cheaper to repair if necessary. Both rust as fast as each other. Also with torsion suspension there usually isn't and axle going all the way across under the boat which is why you can get the boat to ride lower on the trailer; the torsion suspension is bolted to each side of the trailer frame (unless you have a torsion axle which will go under the boat) which in some cases can put undue strain on the frame if it is not engineered properly

 

[jimmbo]

Ten years ago the spring axle on my trailer needed to be replaced, it was being done under warrantee. I asked what it would cost to switch to a torsion axle(axle, hubs, brake ass). I was told $150.00(can). Trailer tows much nicer and sits at the same height as with the spring axle(drop center). Get the torsion, I doubt you will regret doing so

 

[Outkast]

The galvanized will last you alot longer. Main reasons why is because the steel against aluminium creates what's called galvanic corrosion. Basically the indifferent metals create a small charge, and electrolysis starts to eat at each other. Now most manufacturers do put a plastic film between the aluminum and steel, but it only last a couple years. I've had quite a few through my shop with this issue boat and snowmobile trailers. With issues as minor as loose bolts to frame replacement even had one where the torsion mount bracket folded over.

 

[Outkast]

And on a second thought light grounds tend to have the same issue on aluminum trailers too