How To Adjust a Torsion Axle (Dexter Torsion Axle Adjustment)
There may be a problem. Torsion axles may not be made to be adjusted. Those unadjustable axles may have been models that were made back in the early 2000s. Dexter does not mention this option on its web page but other brands may make one by now.
There is a long process to get to the adjuster nut that is located in the center of the torsion arm shaft. Once you get to that nut, you should be able to make some adjustments but it is not sure how much adjustment you can do.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. It provides the best information possible on this topic so you can decide if you want to try and adjust your torsion axles.
Can You Adjust The Torsion Axles?
This may be more of a depends question, than a straight yes or no question. Not many people are talking about this project and we have not seen any information from Dexter that says you can do it to their axles or not.
We checked their website for this option and none of their products contained any content that said they were adjustable. That does not mean that they aren’t, but highly unlikely.
You may be able to change the angle of the torsion axle like the Boler.CA axles can be changed. Their models seem to come with 5 positions you can use. We did not see this feature on the Dexter axles but that only means it was not mentioned if they can have their angle changed.
In the FAQ section for Dexter, they say that the angle cannot be changed. Once the axle has been built for a certain angle, it can’t be changed.
How To Adjust Torsion Axles on a Trailer
For those brands that can be adjusted, here is one set of instructions that may help:
1. Jack up your trailer and put it on jack stands. This relieves some of the pressure to make the adjustment easier.
2. Loosen the 1/2-inch nuts on both sides of the torsion axle. Make sure you have chocked your tires
3. After raising both sides of the trailer, remove the wheels and tires from both sides
4. Rotate the axle shaft till the torsion arm is either vertical or horizontal with maximum arm clearance. This will provide access to the adjuster nut.
5. Using a 15 mm socket, rotate the nut clockwise to increase torsion and counterclockwise to release it
6. When you are done, reverse all other steps to get your trailer ready for towing. Be careful not to damage your torsion axle at any time during this process.
Watch where you place your jacks and jack stands. You will want to support the inner end of the torsion arm to prevent damage to it.
Trailer Torsion Axle Height Adjustment
This image should let you see what can be done when you want to change the angle on your torsion axle:
As you can see, some torsion bars can be angle adjusted or as other people say height adjusted. All the instructions are on the image so you do not need to hunt for more.
One word of caution, you may not be able to perform this task with all torsion axle brands. Before you buy you should ask all your questions of the clerk or managers of the store where you are buying your axle.
Here is what Dexter has to say about start angles: “No, the different start angles are achieved with different components that can't be changed once the axle is built.”
This may mean that you can adjust the angle later on but they do not provide that information in any of their FAQs.
How do You Adjust a Dexter Torsion Axle?
From the manual for the Airflex Suspension made by Dexter: “Support the trailer frame on a level surface. If the wheels are already mounted, make sure they are clear of the ground. If the air actuation system has been installed, make sure the air pressure in the airbags is bled off before lifting the trailer.
Measure from kingpin to spindle center on each side. To simplify this process, plumb lines may be dropped from the kingpin and from the center line of each spindle end. Measurements “A” and “B” can then be taped on the floor to eliminate any miss measurement due to sagging of the tape for long measurements. Compare A and B measurements (see Figure 1).
The suspension front pivot connection is torqued to 270 Ft. Lbs. when the suspension is shipped. The axle should be aligned on the trailer in this condition.” (source pg 70-71)
Dexter Torsion Axle Adjustment
In the same manual, we did not find any adjustment instructions for the Torflex suspension. Nor did we find any instructions on the internet for this brand.
What is the same for the Airflex and other torsion bar brands is that you need to jack up the trailer and make sure it is on level ground. There is an EZ Entry torsion axle that all you need to do is pull the pin after removing the cap.
Once the pin is out, you just rotate the handle till you get the height you want. Then put the pin back in and the cap back on. We did not see this system on any Dexter torsion axle design.
Some Final Words
If you can make an adjustment to your torsion axle, then it may be a lot of work to do or it may only take seconds. Which option you get will depend on the manufacturer of the torsion axle and their design.
There is no real word anywhere about the Dexter torsion axles and their adjustment, except in their manuals. You can access more manuals at the link provided above.
Check with the auto parts store before you buy to see how you can adjust those axles for the specific brand you want on your trailer.
