Type of suspension

Rerail

Folks, 
I would like to know the type of suspension on the T@B 320. I can see that it appears to be a torsion bar type as per my previous trailer. When I purchased the trailer, the sales person did not know. He said it was torsion bar but did know the brand. I am assuming something like a Dexter system
Thanks,
Keith Stamper
Port Colborne,
Ont Canada

MuttonChops

Yes,  Dexter Torflex. ( at least since 2016 )

For T@B 320 S two axle pitches are available; standard and 'boondock models' which adds some additional ground clearance.

Luckyj

But just to make it clear, they are not torsion bars.

see it as a sqiare tube with 4 rubbers piece in each corners, and a smaller metal shaft press tight in the middle.  The resistance from the 4 piece of rubber is what is acting as the suspension when there is movement.

will try to find a video.

Luckyj

A vid explains it way better than I can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAXxlQamdyM

gande

Does the 400 use the same type of suspension? 

rkj__

Luckyj said:

A vid explains it way better than I can.

Thanks for posting the informative video.  I did not know how exactly the system worked. 

I've never found the T@b 320's suspension particularly compliant, but I don't really have much of a basis for comparison. 

N7SHG_Ham

@gande yes, same type of axle, but might be a higher weight capacity.

atlasb

Do not jack or let anyone jack on the axle tube either!  could damage it.

ScottG

atlasb said:

Do not jack or let anyone jack on the axle tube either!  could damage it.

And now that I know how the axle works I have a better understanding of why!

WilliamA

Suspension compliance (ride) is not so much a function of its type, whether leaf, coil, air or torsion, but it's effective travel.  The Dexter axle IMHO is a good, simple and robust unit. It is NOT, however, particularly compliant. I'd venture a guess that it's got around 3 useful inches of travel. Suspension is, by nature, a sorry compromise. Any more travel and it's either too tall or dragging hard parts. Any less travel and it's a buckboard.
A pint never holds more
Than a pint...

WilliamA 

db_cooper

We've found the T@b to bounce less since adding the hitch tightener.  We run 35 psi in the tires and maybe a few thousand miles have softened it up a bit. It sure seems better than the first year we towed it.

MuttonChops

db_cooper said:

. . .  run 35 psi in the tires and maybe a few thousand miles have softened it up a bit.

For myself 35 psi is too near the tires max load being equal to 50% of T@B GVW.

I'm running 48 psi and feel it's overkill for the T@B and may reduce it a bit

. . . but no way would I go to 35 psi . . .

our actual tire sizes not on table - - you get the idea

db_cooper

For the general grabber LT's on the outback I'm  happy at 35 psi. I've run 70 mph for 3 hours in 80 degree temps, and the tires were barely above ambient.  I figure bouncing tires at 50 psi creates a different stress on the tires and trailer, I did it the first couple trips and thought towing was miserable.

The key is monitoring and paying attention. I won't leave the driveway a pound below 35.  I also check tires and hubs at every stop.  

Rerail

Thanks to all who responded. I was pretty sure that the suspension was the Dexter type or Torflex. I had this exact same syuspension on the Airstream and it works really well. Yes, never jack the trailer up on the suspension. That will damage the torque arm.
I appreciate the feedback.

Keith Stamper
Port Colborne,
Ont, Canada

Babs

The videos appear to be a reliable source of information.  How can people view them since they are marked "private"?  Thanks.

pthomas745

@Babs Here is the video from a different link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAXxlQamdyM