Let’s see those 200s camping….. (7 Viewers)

[staggrlee]

Not a Land Cruiser in sight, but too good not to share.

Cabin camping at our place in Nova Scotia.

Well, there's at least one here...

And the red-headed step child...

 

[artwerks]

My inaugural trip in my new-to-me 200-sieres. The first trail we tried for camping was a bust -- waaaaaay too many people. Colorado is starting to become a bit over-populated. Luckily, I know I spot nearby that most people don't know about for some reason.

The truck did fantastic. The trailer, not so much. I had to leave the camper on the trail due to a broken leaf spring. I'm having it towed back to Denver today and I'll have some heavier duty springs installed by a local welder. We'll see how that goes...

 

[a200]

My inaugural trip in my new-to-me 200-sieres. The first trail we tried for camping was a bust -- waaaaaay too many people. Colorado is starting to become a bit over-populated. Luckily, I know I spot nearby that most people don't know about for some reason.

The truck did fantastic. The trailer, not so much. I had to leave the camper on the trail due to a broken leaf spring. I'm having it towed back to Denver today and I'll have some heavier duty springs installed by a local welder. We'll see how that goes...

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You might consider a torsion axle. Dexter is one supplier. These were much more durable when tested on the African Caravans in the late 50s.

 

[artwerks]

You might consider a torsion axle. Dexter is one supplier. These were much more durable when tested on the African Caravans in the late 50s.

I installed and currently have a 3k lb axle on the trailer. The original axle was certainly not up to the task. At the time of my install, I did not install the leaf springs that came with the 3k lb axle. I figured I'd used the original leaf springs for however long they lasted. I found the answer to that question last weekend. I'm currently having a shop weld on the new brackets and hardware that came with the springs for the 3k lb axle. I'm almost certain these new leaf springs will be up to the task of off-roading a camper that most definitely doesn't weigh anywhere near 3k lbs.

 

[clrussell]

I installed and currently have a 3k lb axle on the trailer. The original axle was certainly not up to the task. At the time of my install, I did not install the leaf springs that came with the 3k lb axle. I figured I'd used the original leaf springs for however long they lasted. I found the answer to that question last weekend. I'm currently having a shop weld on the new brackets and hardware that came with the springs for the 3k lb axle. I'm almost certain these new leaf springs will be up to the task of off-roading a camper that most definitely doesn't weigh anywhere near 3k lbs.

The axle in that picture is not a torsion axle..

 

[FrazzledHunter]

Regarding the torsion suspension in general and the Dexter in particular. I'm getting conflicting information as to their suitability for "off road" adventures. Now "off road" is a vague term but I'm not talking about the amazing rock crawling that some of 'yall do. What I'm hearing is that the torsion axle, particularly the Dexter, is really good for pavement and maybe a pretty flat farm lane. The reason is that the lack of shock absorbers cause these types of suspensions to bounce a lot. So any opinions out there regarding "off road" worthiness from someone with a torsion or even better, a Dexter torsion suspension?

 

[Heckraiser]

I had a dexter torsion axle on my A-liner and the amount of bouncing both on and off the road was MAJORLY reduced compared to my previous Hiker on leaf springs. The trailer with the torsion axle rode nearly as smooth as the tow rig. No bouncing at all, really. I believe it was a Dexter torflex 2300-4000 but I don't have the trailer anymore to confirm the part number.

The problem with leaf springs on a trailer is the stronger they are, the stiffer they are, pretty much no way around it. You can remove leafs to tame the ride, but then they're susceptible to breaking. You could try shocks too, but I think the effect is limited.

I broke a front leaf spring on my mini-truck once... that was fun!

 

[FrazzledHunter]

I had a dexter torsion axle on my A-liner and the amount of bouncing both on and off the road was MAJORLY reduced compared to my previous Hiker on leaf springs. The trailer with the torsion axle rode nearly as smooth as the tow rig. No bouncing at all, really. I believe it was a Dexter torflex 2300-4000 but I don't have the trailer anymore to confirm the part number.

The problem with leaf springs on a trailer is the stronger they are, the stiffer they are, pretty much no way around it. You can remove leafs to tame the ride, but then they're susceptible to breaking. You could try shocks too, but I think the effect is limited.

I broke a front leaf spring on my mini-truck once... that was fun!

The A-liner is one we looked at. So this is helpful. Here's some of the things I'm finding in addition to some other forum chit-chat:

"The Expedition 3.0 comes standard with the reliable Timbren 3500 HD axle-less independent suspension, ensuring stability and maneuverability in all terrains. For those who desire even more off-road prowess, the optional upgraded suspension features a trailing A-arm with a 2.25″ Dirt Logic shock and coil spring, delivering superior handling and comfort during your off-road adventures."

EDIT REF:
Expedition 3.0 All Metal Off Road Camper - https://offgridtrailers.com/expedition-off-road-camper/

So one manufacturer is willing to put out there that a more traditional suspension is "better" for off road. But they are talking about a Timbren, not a Dexter. Timbren's design is different.

 

[ROMR NTX]

Outside silverton

 

[a200]

Torsion axles work just fine with shock obsorbers. Skipping the shock is just a cost cutting measure.

 

[Sandroad]

Torsion axles work just fine with shock obsorbers. Skipping the shock is just a cost cutting measure.

Hmmm…..The Dexter Torflex axles on my camper have the wheel/tire/hub assembly swing in an arc when articulating. I wonder how a shock could be mounted to the part that moves without binding. Dexter does not appear to offer shocks and Etrailer does not carry aftermarket either.

 

[Sandroad]

Regarding the torsion suspension in general and the Dexter in particular. I'm getting conflicting information as to their suitability for "off road" adventures. Now "off road" is a vague term but I'm not talking about the amazing rock crawling that some of 'yall do. What I'm hearing is that the torsion axle, particularly the Dexter, is really good for pavement and maybe a pretty flat farm lane. The reason is that the lack of shock absorbers cause these types of suspensions to bounce a lot. So any opinions out there regarding "off road" worthiness from someone with a torsion or even better, a Dexter torsion suspension?

My camper has a Dexter torsion suspension and I like the control. The system seems to be self dampening and the fact it’s independent suspension helps a LOT compared to solid axle leaf spring. I don’t off road with it, but it’s been on some very rough gravel roads in Canada and things are never stirred up much when I arrive at a campsite. I would claim it is not particularly bouncy.

 

[Kabanstva]

A quick coffee


View attachment 3315589

Any details on that table setup for your Slee ladder? That's really neat looking!

 

[TeCKis300]

My camper has a Dexter torsion suspension and I like the control. The system seems to be self dampening and the fact it’s independent suspension helps a LOT compared to solid axle leaf spring. I don’t off road with it, but it’s been on some very rough gravel roads in Canada and things are never stirred up much when I arrive at a campsite. I would claim it is not particularly bouncy.

The Dexter type torsion axles are awesome and I honestly put them above many one off custom offroad suspensions that trailer companies come out with. Rubber has natural damping qualities. The designs are also time tested and less likely to fatigue failures that are so often seen in custom suspension.

Tires and tire pressure also make a huge difference from what I've seen. Taking advantage of the tires compliance is probably the best way to a stable tow off-road and avoiding bucking and rolling a lighter trailer.

 

[ROMR NTX]

Who had a white 2013-2015 towing a camper from Durango to Silverton today?

 

[NTV]

Any details on that table setup for your Slee ladder? That's really neat looking!

I’m yeah that’s a sweet table for the slee ladder would be interested as well in this set up.

 

[kevinfoutch]

Quick getaway outside Salida, CO.

 

[shelby95]

Hmmm…..The Dexter Torflex axles on my camper have the wheel/tire/hub assembly swing in an arc when articulating. I wonder how a shock could be mounted to the part that moves without binding. Dexter does not appear to offer shocks and Etrailer does not carry aftermarket either.

It’s likely not necessary. A trailing arm and spring plate might be necessary and any shock would need to work in concert with spring rate of the torsion bar. Think the rear end of any pre-964 911.

 

[speakout525]

Two weeks through Idaho, Oregon and the Northern California coast. The Cruiser performed flawlessly even when I put it into a really awful and potentially dangerous situation on a incredibly steep decline down a loose rock shelf road (conplete with switchbacks) with a fully loaded Conqueror 490 behind it. This was stupid and could have been costly in more ways than one but a calm head, painfully slow pace and crawl control at its slowest setting helped us get down and avoid something awful. We spent two days on pavement after this incident. I only took one terrible picture because there was really only one spot I felt comfortable the truck and or trailer wouldn't slide off if I stopped. It of course does not do the situation justice. I kissed the Cruiser when we finally got down.

 

[a200]

Hmmm…..The Dexter Torflex axles on my camper have the wheel/tire/hub assembly swing in an arc when articulating. I wonder how a shock could be mounted to the part that moves without binding. Dexter does not appear to offer shocks and Etrailer does not carry aftermarket either.

It’s likely not necessary. A trailing arm and spring plate might be necessary and any shock would need to work in concert with spring rate of the torsion bar. Think the rear end of any pre-964 911.