Timbren "Axle-less" + Boler

[seapotato]

So I have a little 13' Boler Trailer I've been working on.

I also have and M101 , and while it is cool, I kinda don't like the idea of towing a trailer AND sleeping in a tent.

Wife is pretty happy about the boler ( therefor, I am too right?) But in a lot of ways it should be good, biggest is the dog factor, they're big, and won't like an RTT. With the boler, I can shut them inside at times, and not worry that they'll crawl under the skirt.

So anyways, I picked up this boler really cheap (basket case)I'm almost done rebuilding the interior, and I'm nearing the point of throwing in a new axle.

Because it's a boler, it'll never be a real offroad trailer like an M101, and tire size is limited, but I do want it to handle logging roads (and maybe the occasional trail...)


From what I hear these Timbren dealios are the cat's ass for something like a boler, but they are a bit $$$.

I gather that because the axle is loaded at all times, they ride extremely smooth even when empty.

So I'm curious what the general thoughts are, or if anyone has any experience with them?

Rubber Suspensions in Action - Timbren Industries.

 

[Enigma]

SOA, exo cage, and bigger tires!

And of course, this thread useless with out pics

 

[seapotato]

SOA, exo cage, and bigger tires!

And of course, this thread useless with out pics

yeah yeah, pics schmics



bigger tires are a given...and probably a rack/cage thing

but the question is what to use for an axle...


Plan is to build a little sub frame with tabs to attach to present frame, put new axle under it, then roll it under the boler and zap it together.


Just deciding whether to use these timbren things or a conventional axle with springs and shocks.

I don't want the overall height to end up too crazy...already 6'6" to the top and that's with it being a looow rider.

I expect it'll be mostly road and logging road use, so I don't need too crazy a lift. Part of my scheme for the sub frame is to make it so it'll drag over s*** easily...

 

[ntsqd]

No experience with those, but as a point of reference a trusted source told me that the original Austin Mini's used a similar suspension design. No metal springs in those cars, just rubber used in compression

 

[seapotato]

Yeah I think I'm going to give them a shot. they're a little more money than other options, but the guy I've been talking to likes them a lot. Apparently a very smooth ride, which is pretty key.

Plus they should work with the boler crowd if it turns out I don't like the trailer and decide to sell it.

 

[WaveBreaker]

Some of us trailer builders are switching to this system. well made and supported

 

[skersfan]

They have positives and negatives. Lighter trailers do not have a cross member connecting them, but with large tires get a tremendous amount of torque placed on the frame. I have looked at them, but will continue to use Dexter Torflex, a proven axle with many years of use behind it.

You will need a heavier frame than what you think with them, my guess a 2x3 main rail will be required.

I have used Alko and Dexter for over 25 years, the military is converting all military trailers to Dexter and Alko, that is the reason people are able to buy the excess military trailers now.

That will include 5,000 and 10,000 pound axles.

 

[deepmud]

read up on boler - cute little things. rubber torsion axle is a bolt in and ought to be smooth? Smoother than most small/light leaf springs anyway. Cheaper than the timbrens as well.

 

[Gertrude73]

SOA, exo cage, and bigger tires!

 

[seapotato]

read up on boler - cute little things. rubber torsion axle is a bolt in and ought to be smooth? Smoother than most small/light leaf springs anyway. Cheaper than the timbrens as well.

Yeah, I might go with a new torsion just for simplicity,, ease of alignment etc.

They are pretty cool little trailers, can tow it with just about any car which is a plus. Wifes CRV handles it with no trouble. Cruiser will too, tho the trailer needs the lift first.
I modified the interior so it has a queen sized bed, I figger if I'm going through the trouble of towing a trailer, it's gonna have a kickass bed inside it.


My wife is using it this month up island parked in a friends back yard for a bunk during the work week, I'll move onto axle when the trailers back.

Still going to beef up the frame and build some sort of board rack for the top that may also function as a bit of an exo.

SOA, exo cage, and bigger tires!

I seem to get that a lot...doesn't have leaf springs tho.