Posted 2016-11-21 8:03 PM (#168904) Subject: Air Ride for horse trailer
New User
Posts: 2
I'm thinking of changing out my Toque Flex axles for an complete air ride system. What are your thoughts, experiences and issues with air ride on a horse trailer? I have a 4 horse 2013 Bison W/14'LQ & 8K axles. Thanks
Posted 2016-11-22 2:38 AM (#168905 - in reply to #168904) Subject: RE: Air Ride for horse trailer
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I have been wondering about the same. Trailer has a GVWR of 21,000 plus pounds. Two 8K axles on 215-75R-17.5 tires... Got a place that can do the work, scared of asking about How many bags of $$$$$$$ in would take the complete the change....!!!
Posted 2016-11-22 4:04 AM (#168906 - in reply to #168904) Subject: RE: Air Ride for horse trailer
New User
Posts: 2
Going to 17.5 tires is next.
Best price for the for the parts for the Dexter Air Flex has been $6300 just for the system and new axles 8K, The Timbren air system was quoted $6400 just for the brackets, plus axles and air system. That is all I have found so far.
Posted 2016-11-22 7:13 AM (#168907 - in reply to #168904) Subject: RE: Air Ride for horse trailer
Location: Texas
I've had the Dexter TorqFlex axles swapped out for the AirFlex in the past. I got disc brakes on the new axles for very little extra. The swap out went without any problems. I had the compressor switch and inflate/deflate switch mounted in the saddle compartment since that is usually the first and last place I am. The air ride has performed without issues and saves the horses legs. I have not had any problems. It makes the trailer easier to pull and is softer on the truck.
I had mine adjusted to give the highest ride when inflated to get the extra ground clearance. I bought an extra air bag in case one failed, but it is still in the box. If you are going to the 17.5" tires, which I would definitely recommend, you can get the larger studs with the new hubs at no additional cost.
Posted 2016-11-30 2:57 PM (#168930 - in reply to #168904) Subject: RE: Air Ride for horse trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690
Location: missouri
We have been talking about this issue for the past two years! Thinking of getting a Shocker hitch... instead of air ride for the trailer...???? Anyone tried the hitch first?
Posted 2016-12-01 8:31 AM (#168931 - in reply to #168930) Subject: RE: Air Ride for horse trailer
Location: Texas
The hitch is a worthwhile investment but it is not going to provide anywhere near the ride improvement for the horse that the air ride suspension does. Not an alternative at all, but good as an addition to. the air ride.
Posted 2016-12-01 5:18 PM (#168933 - in reply to #168904) Subject: RE: Air Ride for horse trailer
Veteran
Posts: 183
Location: riverside ca
JMHO I would much rather sell your trailer and buy a new trailer with the option installed, I mean unless you do all the work yourself you will probably be putting at least 10K in a trailer that you will never get back, while i love the air ride on my trailer, I just dont see the economics of it working out. unless you need new axles then maybe, but again i would be concerened about the cost as well as not being properly engineered. The Timberin is the best set up i have seen, again make sure you go with hydraulic disc brakes and 17.5 wheel and you are all set.
your trailer is new enough it should sell for good money and you will probably be happier in the long run.