Best Off-road Trailer Suspension System
What exactly is an off-road/overland trailer?
An off-road trailer system is designed to be towed behind a 4x4 or off-road vehicle to remote places not possible with a standard utility trailer. Most off-road trailers are associated with 'overlanding’ – the self-reliant exploration of remote and off-grid areas where the journey is just as important as the destination.
Here are four types of off-road trailers:
1.Caravan/Camper
Camper trailers are generally more comfortable and provide better protection from the elements.
2.Pop-up
A ‘pop-up’ is a small compact trailer designed for compact storage. Living space is packed down for travel and expanded (popped up) for camping.
3. Tear Drop
A ‘teardrop’ trailer, also known as a teardrop camper trailer, is streamlined, compact, and lightweight. It gets its name from its ‘teardrop’ profile.
4.Utility/Military
This type of trailer is often used as storage and a roof-top tent is typically placed on the top.
What kind of overland trailers are best for off-road?
The best overland trailers are small, lightweight, and capable of following an off-road tow vehicle no matter where it goes. Here are 6 innovative, off-road models on the market today:
1. Boreas Campers EOS-12
Boreas off-road camper trailers are built in Denver, Colorado. Previously called the XT-12, the EOS-12 Hybrid has 20 inches of ground clearance and auto-leveling Cruisemaster XT air suspension.
2. BRS Offroad Pursuit
The BRS Offroad Pursuit may appear unassuming on the outside, but don't underestimate what it packs inside.
3. Hive EX-X
Hive Campers, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, makes EX and MX off-road camper trailers.
4. Off Grid Trailers Pando 2.0
The Pando 2.0 teardrop camper trailer is made in Edmonton, Alberta. Along with a long list of creature comforts, the most significant feature included with all their models is the Axle-Less trailer suspension.
5. TetonX Hybrid
Based in Saint George, Utah, TetonX offers three bed configurations (including an add-on bunk bed option) for its off-road, hybrid camper trailer.
6. Vorsheer XOC
Springville, Utah-based Vorsheer was founded in a garage in early 2018, building custom dog and truck boxes.
What is an Axle-Less trailer suspension?
The story of the Axle-Less trailer suspension began 13 years ago.
A company in Oregon contacted Timbren back in 2010 asking if they could provide a suspension for a trailer being designed for the U.S. military. After several months of phone calls and emails, Timbren offered them a suspension idea for their prototype:
A trailer suspension with no axle. The first of its kind.
Timbren’s contact in Oregon loved the idea but failed to win the government contract. So, at the end of the day, Timbren had developed a really cool idea for an off-road trailer suspension. After a few iterations on their new suspension concept, they decided to name it Axle-Less.
This unique suspension system caught the eye of the judges at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas, winning first prize for best new product in the off-road category. Since then, interest in the Axle-Less trailer suspension system has grown substantially with the off-road community.
The secret sauce of the Axle-Less trailer suspension can be boiled down to 5 main components:
1. Steel Hanger
This solid metal component makes for easy installation.
2. Jounce Spring
The main spring - made of natural rubber - absorbs road shock
3. Rebound Spring
A smaller rubber spring helps to provide a smooth ride, full or empty.
4. Urethane Bushings
Premium urethane bushings distribute necessary lubrication.
5. Metal Control Arm
When it comes to originality, reliability and utility, the Axle-Less Trailer Suspension is clearly a winner. Click here for more info on the Axle-Less trailer suspension
How do I install an Axle-Less suspension?
Here are 5 basic steps to install this easy, bolt-on suspension.
*Before installation, make sure that the frame is perfectly square. This is important. If the frame isn’t square, there will be camber and toe alignment issues with the tires.
Step 1
Bolt the outboard arm to the control arm with proper torque - 90-95 ft-lbs. The Axle-Less assembly includes fasteners for this purpose.
Step 2
Measure carefully the same distance from the center-point at the front of the trailer to where both spindles should cross the frame and mark the frame with a grease pencil.
Step 3
Use a clamp to hold the right hanger where you want it positioned on the frame… making doubly sure that the spindle lines up with the pencil mark on the frame.
Step 4
The hanger has 3 holes that are pre-drilled. We can use these 3 holes as a template to mark the frame before you drill.
Step 5
Purchase some appropriate-sized fasteners (½” UNC Grade 8) and use them to bolt the hanger to the frame, tightening them to a proper torque value of 90-95 ft-lbs.
Repeat the same 5 steps on the left side…
How does the Axle-Less trailer suspension stack up against the competition?
Since its award-winning debut, the Axle-Less trailer suspension has captured the attention of the off-road community. And why not? This clever design is pure genius! Interest has grown so much lately that Timbren plans to expand their operation in order to better meet the growing demand.
It’s a simple concept: No through axle.
Is that a problem? Not at all… It’s the solution!
The Axle-Less is basically five components that work together to produce what many agree to be a better off-road trailer suspension. It’s better because it allows for:
- Maximum ground clearance
- A smooth, quiet ride
- Greater control even on the roughest terrain.
For more information on how to install the Axle-Less, click on the link below
