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Tips for Ensuring You Have the Right Suspension System When You Are Building a Tiny Home on a Trailer

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If you are building a tiny home on a trailer, there are numerous trailer features that are ideal. For example, some builders prefer trailers with no fenders, whilst others like lightweight aluminium over steel. Regardless of what you decide on those issues, you also have to think about the suspension of your trailer. Here are some tips to help you through every step of the process:

1. Choose a trailer with sturdy independent suspension.

When choosing a trailer, look for one with a sturdy independent suspension system including a torsion bar. Torsion bars are part of the front suspension system of a trailer, and they typically extend from the vehicle's frame to the suspension's lower control arm. Look for an adjustable torsion bar so that you can raise or lower the suspension as desired when your tiny home is on the road or parked.

2. Upgrade weak suspension systems.

If you already have a trailer, you may be able to improve the suspension system. In many cases, the stock suspension systems in trailers are designed for smooth riding rather than heavy hauling. However, with a tiny home, you are likely only going to move it some of the time and keep it parked most of the time. As a result, you may want to modify the system to make it hold more weight, even if that means sacrificing some of the smoothness of your ride.

If you want to boost the weight carrying capacity of your trailer, you can replace the springs or torsion bars, but unfortunately, leveling the vehicle when you put in a new suspension system can be difficult, and if everything is not level, the u joints and other components of the trailer's suspension may suffer from unnecessary wear and tear. To prevent that, consider working with a suspension specialist.

3. Consider an equalising system.

In addition to standard suspension components, you may want to talk with a specialist about an equalising system. These systems feature two axles that work together to distribute the weight of the trailer so it doesn't move all onto one axle. To share the weight, one axle is designed to move down if the other moves up.

4. Mind the weight rating.

Whether you use new or stock trailer parts, look at how much weight the suspension can handle. Then, weigh the parts you plan to use to make your tiny home, and make sure that the suspension can handle it. Also, keep in mind furnishings, personal items and anything else you plan to add to your tiny home.

For more tips on ensuring you have the right trailer suspension to support your tiny home, contact a trailer suspension expert.


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