Let’s talk a little about axles and suspensions. Leaf Spring Axles (double eye and slipper), Timbren, and Torsion Axles. Before we jump into the different Sheep Camp / Sheepherders Wagon Frames.
Application and Load determine the axle and spring system. To see the best results from any axle / suspension system. It’s important to load the trailer with the aim of getting the most wear out of that system. Your satisfaction with your suspension system. Will depend on the proper loading your Camp.
There are several reasons that we prefer the Double-eye leaf spring system. Leaf spring axles come with most complete trailers. They consist of several flat, curved leaves stacked on top of each other. The two main types of leaf suspension are double-eye springs and slipper springs.
Slipper springs generally have a greater weight capacity, and fewer moving parts. So, there are fewer components to maintain. But, double-eye springs ride smoother than the slipper spring systems.
This is the most used suspension system due to its affordability. The parts are replaceable and need more maintenance than torsion axles. Yet, many prefer them over torsion for this very reason – they can be fixed.
If you have more than one axle on your trailer. Leaf spring systems are the most dependable for even tire wear and a steady ride. If you’re storing your trailer on uneven ground. Leaf spring will hold up better over the long term due to the independent nature of each leaf spring.
We are often asked why we don’t use torsion axles or Timbren axles-less suspensions,
If the axles are ever faulty. The entire suspension system must be replaced by cutting off the old one and installing new. Both systems are available in bolt on configurations.
It’s my opinion that the Timbren axle-less system is a glorified torsion axle. It works on the same basic principles. They use a hard rubber or urethane to provide tension / restriction of movement.
Let’s Start with the Range Camp in recent years the sheep camp has also become known as a Range Camp. Range Camps are generally more of a recreational version of traditional Sheep Camps.
The foundation for these camps is almost always on a tandem axle frame. If you do come a crossed a single axle setup, make sure it is going to have the weight capacity that you will need.
The tandem axle is by far the most reliable and popular setup. With correct axle placement. The tandem axle configuration pulls very well at highway speeds. It is very stable and the most forgiving of the different setups.
When correctly positioned there is little need for sway control hitches. Tandem trailers are as easy as any other to level up and are by far the easiest of the setups to back up. The downside of the tandem axle trailer is that it off-tracks from the path of the tow vehicle.
The easiest way to in vision this setup is to think about a little red wagon. It has a turning axle at the front and a single axle at the rear of the trailer.
In recent years the fifth wheel plate or dolly. Has become popular with the different manufactures. Due to the simplicity of its construction, cost and ease of maintenance. Because of this the Tie-rod setups have disappeared until now.
These are the systems of choice for most agriculture camps. Especially among those farmers and ranchers who pull camps in tandem, i.e., camp and commissary
Have a questions about Sheep camps or Sheepherder Wagons we would love to answer them. We are your Camp experts.