Posted 2007-01-23 11:21 AM (#54331) Subject: installing airbags on trailers?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Conroe, TX
Does anyone have expeience in installing air bags on trailers with torsion axels? How much is involved and how do you find out what size air bags would fit?
Posted 2007-01-23 1:21 PM (#54347 - in reply to #54331) Subject: RE: installing airbags on trailers?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
I don't think you can, might look at dexter axle website but airflex and torsion axles are totally different. You can put airflex or similar axles on but they are pricey.
Posted 2007-01-23 3:13 PM (#54359 - in reply to #54331) Subject: RE: installing airbags on trailers?
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by lutherdon on 2007-01-23 11:21 AM
Does anyone have expeience in installing air bags on trailers with torsion axels? How much is involved and how do you find out what size air bags would fit?
Hi and welcome to the Forum.
As with many things, "it depends".
IF the trailer in question was available with air bags as an option at the time it was built it is POSSIBLE that you could get all the parts and just bolt them up, i.e. all the holes might already be there. It would mean buying a pair of axles (at least) and involve quite a bit of work.
Personally I doubt that the ride improvement would be "worth it", although I don't know how you (or your horses) would measure it anyway.
Torque-flex is already very good, although I'm very happy with the air ride on my head to head trailer. The BEST VALUE improvement for me (& the horses) was adding air bags to the back of the truck - about $250.
Posted 2007-01-23 3:28 PM (#54361 - in reply to #54331) Subject: RE: installing airbags on trailers?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
I will agree that the air-ride is a much better ride, I have it on my trailer along with an air-ride hitch, the trailer just floats along the road. Unless your trailer needs new axles for some reason I don't think refitting it with air-ride axles would be cost effective. I do think they would bolt up fairly easily if you decided to do that.
Posted 2007-01-23 6:59 PM (#54377 - in reply to #54331) Subject: RE: installing airbags on trailers?
Regular
Posts: 91 Location: Ozark, MO
We have a trailer with an air ride system with torsion axles. Kelderman MFG, makes an air ride that can be added to torsion axles as an aftermarket item. We have a Kelderman air ride on both our truck and trailer. It is a good combination.
You can contact Karl at Kelderman's at 641-295-0092. They are located in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Posted 2007-01-24 1:23 PM (#54421 - in reply to #54377) Subject: RE: installing airbags on trailers?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Conroe, TX
I spoke with Kelderman and they can do it but it is not cheep or easy. They want about $3500 for parts and instructions. The problem is I would have to do the install which involves cutting and re welding on the frame and axles, and also removing the axles and trying to get them back on square. That's more than I'm willing to take on. I thought as easy and inexpensive as they are to put on a truck that might carry over to a trailer. I'm not giving up yet. I believe there's an easer way.
Posted 2007-01-24 4:57 PM (#54429 - in reply to #54421) Subject: RE: installing airbags on trailers?
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by lutherdon on 2007-01-24 1:23 PM
I spoke with Kelderman and they can do it but it is not cheep or easy. They want about $3500 for parts and instructions. The problem is I would have to do the install which involves cutting and re welding on the frame and axles, and also removing the axles and trying to get them back on square. That's more than I'm willing to take on. I thought as easy and inexpensive as they are to put on a truck that might carry over to a trailer. I'm not giving up yet. I believe there's an easer way.
Kelderman did the air ride on my 4-Star, as I understand it 4-Star are now using someone else for the "factory" air ride system.
The "easier ways" are probably,
a) If you have torques-flex now and if air-flex is bolt hole for bolt hole compatible with torque-flex - possible but not very likely.
b) If you have leaf springs and straight axles now - you MIGHT be able to adapt a truck set (two sets) and just jam 'em in there, as supplemental springs, just like on a truck. I am still very pleased with how well this works on trucks. I think it is partly because it keeps your truck off the harsh portion of the steel springs - more of the time, for the harsh and nasty bumps, etc.
Posted 2007-02-01 7:51 AM (#54824 - in reply to #54672) Subject: RE: installing airbags on trailers?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Conroe, TX
Yes, I believe you are right.
After much thought and inspection, that is the easy answer on my trailer. It may even be cheaper than a modification. There is nothing I can do that would be worth the benefit.
Posted 2007-02-04 10:52 AM (#55040 - in reply to #54331) Subject: RE: installing airbags on trailers?
Location: Marlow, OK
You might be able to put Timbrens on your trailer, I have them on a spring axle trailer and don't know why they couldn't be adapted for torsions.Lot less expensive and lifetime warranty.Contact me if you need more info.
installing airbags on trailers?
You can flush this idea.