Posted 2010-01-03 6:52 AM (#114781) Subject: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Regular
Posts: 92 Location: Harrisburg, PA
We currently have a 2h slant w/ tack by CircleJ and a Ford F-250 SRW to pull. The trailer has leaf springs and bumper pull.
I see that this might be the roughest ride out there for the horses, and that this can affect their ability to perform. Would you agree this is worth some attention?
If so, which of these items will help the most:
- from bumper pull to standard gooseneck
- a shock-absorbing hitch (gooseneck or bumper pull)
- rubber torsion-beam axles
- a bigger, heavier trailer
Posted 2010-01-03 11:56 AM (#114794 - in reply to #114781) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by dgeesaman on 2010-01-03 6:52 AM
We currently have a 2h slant w/ tack by CircleJ and a Ford F-250 SRW to pull. The trailer has leaf springs and bumper pull. I see that this might be the roughest ride out there for the horses, and that this can affect their ability to perform. Would you agree this is worth some attention? If so, which of these items will help the most: - from bumper pull to standard gooseneck - a shock-absorbing hitch (gooseneck or bumper pull) - rubber torsion-beam axles - a bigger, heavier trailer Thanks, Dave
All depends on how far you haul to ride.... The springs on trailer have been around for years and has worked. However my opinion If I liked the truck and trailer I would upgrade the axles to rubber torsion axles. (cheaper than a trailer is). If the funds are there and you are ready to upgrade, then upgrade to a trailer with the better axles and go with a gooseneck and this will kick some weight toward the front of the truck and offer alittle better ride too....(no bucking feel when loaded heavy in the front)
Posted 2010-01-03 3:05 PM (#114802 - in reply to #114794) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Regular
Posts: 92 Location: Harrisburg, PA
Thanks for the feedback. We just got the truck and aside from maybe adding airbags can stay as-is. Obviously it's more than enough truck for this trailer.So far we've never towed more than 3h driving, but in the next year or two I expect we'll do up to 12hour drives.Re: gooseneck, it's definitely how we would go for the next/larger trailer, but we can borrow my FIL's gooseneck if we do a long haul.I didn't know you could retrofit a torsion axle. Should I contact Circle J, or are there other folks who can do it? While this trailer isn't worth doing much work to it, it already has a slightly bent axle and if the price is right I would consider it.
Posted 2010-01-03 5:02 PM (#114808 - in reply to #114781) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
See if you can buy axles locally. And the local source can install or recommend an installer.
If you can't find them near you. You can buy the axles online for around $600 per axle and any trailer shop should be able to install them. So it's probably a $1800 to $2000 invoice to swap them.
Posted 2010-01-04 11:11 AM (#114846 - in reply to #114781) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Veteran
Posts: 229
dg, I've hauled several continous days at a time with an old gooseneck stocktrailer when that was all that I had. I already had thick matts in the trailer and then, on the advice of my vet, I bed deep, like nine, ten inches with shavings, to give extra cushion. If you decide not to upgrade your current trailer, the shavings alone will help, providing your horses are not allergic to shavings.
Posted 2010-01-06 2:05 PM (#114960 - in reply to #114781) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Manitoba Canada
Living "in the boonies", I invested in a full air-ride trailer and LOVE it. I've ridden in the trailer myself, and can feel the truck go over bumps, but when the trailer axels go over - NADA, NOTHING - when funds allow, I would also go for a full air ride hitch so it's smooth, smooth, smooth floating. In our area, we have some "less than fabulous" roads, so I do believe my horses benefit from the cushion.
The extra expense is a consideration - when pricing a trailer it was anywhere from $12,000 (high) to $7,000 extra for the air ride. The trailer has a compressor and it's own battery and it regulates itself. I can let the air out for unloading if needed. It's about 4-5" lower when the air is out.
For those just going short, single-trip distances (4-5 hours or less?) I don't think it has as much effect on the horses as it does going longer hours and for consecutive days.
If you are wondering how the ride is for your horses, consider taking a ride in the back with your horses and you'll feel, firsthand, what they endure.
Posted 2010-01-07 9:42 PM (#115013 - in reply to #114781) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Regular
Posts: 92 Location: Harrisburg, PA
Yeah, air ride in the trailer would be nice but would cost as much as the trailer itself. I'm optimistic that I could get a pair of 3500# torsion beam axles for under $1000.
I called Circle J and they say they use Dexter axles. I see that Dexter has a rubber torsion axle so I'm going to see if I can determine if there is a drop-in replacement that way. It's a bit cold and snowy to crawl around under the trailer right now but I'll keep on this.
Posted 2010-01-08 9:23 AM (#115021 - in reply to #114781) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Elite Veteran
Posts: 795 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Doug, You won't find Dexter Torflex to be true "drop in" because of how spring axles are mounted. There will need to be a mounting point right above the Torflex axle. But most likely, there is flat frame there now, so any competant welder with axle experience could fabricate this very easily. Part of the reason this will be pretty easy, is Dexter will be making the axles custom to your measurements anyway. So you can have the mounts situated right where you need/want them to be for easy mounting. The Torflex will give a better unladen ride. I don't expect you to see much difference when fully loaded as they'll be very similar.
Posted 2010-01-08 10:17 AM (#115025 - in reply to #114781) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Member
Posts: 28 Location: Southern Indiana
Dexter makes a rubber equilizer that goes in between the axles. They call it EZ Flex Suspension. Never seen them used before. But might be worth looking into. Check their website. Appears they have them on sale.
Posted 2010-01-18 4:49 PM (#115428 - in reply to #115025) Subject: RE: Smoothing the ride for the critters
Regular
Posts: 92 Location: Harrisburg, PA
Originally written by apex6000 on 2010-01-08 10:17 AM
Dexter makes a rubber equilizer that goes in between the axles. They call it EZ Flex Suspension. Never seen them used before. But might be worth looking into. Check their website. Appears they have them on sale.
Thanks, I did confirm that the equalizer matches a Dexter part number (I'm not in a hurry to climb under and inspect the axle tubes yet) and the rubber equalizer is a $89 kit. Not bad at all, I think I'll give them a try.
While it doesn't look like much, a little room for the leaf to widen can greatly soften the ride.
Smoothing the ride for the critters
