Solid Axles and Springs v Rubber Torsion Axles: Making the Right Choice for Your Trailer

The choices you make regarding trailer components can have a significant impact on the performance, longevity, and on-road safety of your trailer when towing all types of loads.

At Basic Trailers, we are often asked about the difference between solid axles with springs, and rubber torsion axles, commonly referred to as independent torsion suspension (also known as ITS).

While both types of trailer set ups have their relative merits, it’s important to understand why solid axles with springs are the best choice for most Adelaide trailer owners.

Durability and Longevity

A key benefit of fitting solid axles and springs is that it is a tried and trusted system that has been shown to consistently deliver in Australian conditions. The reasons for this include:

• Toughness: Solid axles are designed and manufactured to handle heavier loads without compromising the structural integrity of the trailer.
• Maintenance: Parts are readily available and straightforward to replace, so repairs and maintenance are straightforward, enabling your trailer to stay on the road longer.

Cost-Effectiveness

On the surface, ITS systems might have some appeal in term of cost, but when it comes to long-term value for money, solid axles and springs have proven to be more cost effective over time:

• Repair costs: Given the complexity of an ITS system, the cost of repairs is likely to be significantly higher compared to the more straightforward solid axle and spring design.
• Resale Value: Trailers with solid axles and springs tend to hold their value better due to their acknowledged durability and greater ease of maintenance.

Versatility

Given that most trailers are required to carry a wide range of different loads, be it goods, vehicles, or livestock, they need to be versatile and set up to do any sort of job you need. A solid axle and spring system is designed to meet a range of needs:

• Load Flexibility: Can handle a wider range of loads without having to make specialised adjustments.
• Stability: Solid axle and spring systems deliver in terms of stability, especially crucial for trailers carrying livestock or delicate items, as unexpected jolts or unsteady towing can be cause damage.

Tried and Tested

The fact that solid axles and springs continue to be so widely used in the manufacture of Australian trailers is because they continue to deliver for all types of users, This is down to their capacity to carry a variety of loads, low maintenance costs, and their high performance in all types of terrains and towing conditions.

When Might ITS be the Right Choice?

While solid axles and springs have a number of advantages, there are instances where rubber torsion axles or ITS might be preferable:

• Lightweight ride stability: In specific applications where lightweight ride stability is paramount, such as towing a caravan, ITS can offer a smoother ride.
• Reducing tare weight: ITS can deliver some advantages in terms of weight, which can be important in some applications.

Why solid axles and Springs are the Suspension choice for most trailer owners

Both solid axles with springs and ITS rubber torsion axles have their place in particular scenarios and for certain types of jobs.

Overall, however, our experience both as leading Adelaide trailer manufacturers and as a result of discussions with our thousands of satisfied customers, our view is that the solid axle and spring system stands out as the best choice in the greatest number of applications. In the end, this comes down to durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility.

If you want to find out more about the relative benefits of solid axles with springs and ITS systems, get in touch with Basic Trailers today. Phone our sales team on 1300 770 770, email us, or call into our trailer workshop at Pooraka. We will be happy to help you choose the right axle set up for your trailer.