I know that the axle comparisons between the Flexiride and Dexter axles have been done before; I've read several discussions online about this. But my poor old 16' needs a new axle soon and I'm still indecisive. My priority is long term value and reliability. I like the Flexiride for the adjustible bar angle. Having 42 degrees would be nice in the boonies. But the tension torsion construction makes me wonder about catastrophic failure. Has anyone ever had the rubber in these completely decouple from the torsion rod, so that the wheel suddenly goes vertical?
Does the glue holding these together have issues with desert heat? Thanks for any thoughts on preferences here.
I have dealt with quite a few dead torsion axles and have not had one go vertical. Scamp used mostly ALKO axles (three rubber rods) as their OEM axles and they have used Dexter axles as replacement axles. Last year Dexter bought out ALKO. Scamp switched to Lippert torsion axles around 2014. Dexter and Redneck Trailer Supply (Dist.) make it fairly easy to order a Dexter axles so a lot of people Dexters as replacement axles. I have tried to find out information on ordering a Lippert axle but have had no luck. Look like they only want to sell to OEM.
The S-16 and S-19 use a 22.5 deg. down 3.5K axle. (#10 Dexter). I have been told the rubber rods are frozen in liquid nitrogen and then inserted in the tube, they are not glued in as far as I know.
Eddie
Check out this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzVVqXxbGSA
Dexter's Torflex does seem to be the go-to for good reasons. And I was indeed intent on a #10.
But I meant to ask about the Flexiride axles, which use torsion on a different principle. Instead of compressing rubber bars as the Torflex do, they use tension. The axle rod is cemented (somehow) to a complete rubber encasement, with impacts torquing the rotations in this matrix. This sounds great, and I've never read of failures, but wondered if there are mechanisms to stop short a collapse should the rubber fail due to accident or age.
Personally, I care less for what sort of suspension the torsion arms work against so long as I can get them riding high. 22 degrees is probably fine, but... I live in a remote area with alot of scrub. The Flexiride allows end-user adjustment of angle, up to 42 degrees. Despite that compression suspension seems more reliable on principle, the increased height is pretty appealing...
What sort of outfit do you recommend in terms of axle installation? I'm pretty wary about being ripped off or having some bad company install my axle wrong... I figure trailer sellers have more experience with this sort of thing. Living in the mountain west, the options are few.
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1981 Scamp 16'
I would call Flexride to see if they have an installer near you. Looks like there is a Flexride installer in Lubbock TX. It also looks like Flexride will cost you about 25% more than the Dexter. A cargo or horse trailer maintenance shop is where I would be looking for a local installer not a RV shop.
The early model Parkliners came with Flexride axles but they switched over to Dexter axles. Scamp's with the larger frig. by the door and W/H on the curb side usually sit a little low on the door side. Some people have looked at the Flexride to lift that side of the trailer. I don't know of anyone who actually installed a Flexride.
Eddie