Peter 2 replied:

I came across this system on a friends camper years ago, worked well but was wearing out from day 1 when we started taking it outback in sand, dirt and mud.
Eventually after a few outback trips it 'swung over' on the Oodna track, we had to cut logs and wire them in to stop the wheels rubbing. That camper weighed 600kgs loaded wringing wet and the suspension was rated for twice that from memory. Apart from doing the log thing there was no way of repairing it, had to be replaced, we fitted leaves when we got home, cheap, easy bush repair/replacement.
Would be fine on a trailer that was used in suburbia/civilisation but questionable outback on rough tracks/roads as basically the suspension is two bits of square tube with rubber between which gives the limited movement and is being worn out all the time.
The modern system may be better sealed to stop water and grit ingress but I'd be sceptical.

Bob&Deb replied:

G`day Muddy`doe; Have had experience with a very similar concept of trailer suspension.We use AL-KO independet axles under the off road trailers we build.We built a new chassis for a bloke with a Dove pop top to which we fitted an AL-KO,we were told the GVM would be 1700kg.Unfortunatly the true figure was 3000kg,any way they made it three quarters of the way around Aust. before the rubber on one side let go. On this trip he had had the bushes in his Land Rover`s springs replaced replaced twice before the AL-KO let go.This is the only drama we have had with this type of suspension,[ make sure of your weight range before ordering your axle].
In operation on rough terrain , trailers fitted with these independent axles look very similar to the motion of a duck waddling.The trailer doesn`t bounce and rattle like what happens on a straight axle with springs.With the right coupling and the same diameter wheels as the car,trailers with this suspension are much kinder on the towing vechile.If you have any questions give us a bell on 0428300357.
Keep wandering
Regards Bob

Truckster (Vic) replied:

I can only think paper mache' would be worse than rubber bushes, on an offroad trailer that gets beaten around about 100000 trillion billion zillion willion times more than a boat trailer...

Springs dont go rusty overnight on campertrailers, its over yrs, and depending how well treated, you could remove them once a yr and repaint them if required...

ymmv

Bob Y. - Qld replied:

Happy New year, Muddy,

There used to be a caravan, made with this type of suspension, and the story goes that it didn't complete the round Oz trip. Spent some weeks in Alice, waiting for new axle.
We have similar axles(not my choice) fitted to a gooseneck, for 4-6 horses, and while we haven't had any probs yet, there is limited wheel travel, in off road conditions.
Feel Peter's example gives you an unbiased view on this choice.
Have seen the independent set-up on Campomatics, and reckon this is the way to go. Okay, say you break a coil spring, they cost bugger all, and are lighten enough to cart a spare.

Let us know what you build?

hooroo...

toymn8r replied:

Muddy
I have been warned off this type of suspension by quite a few reputable mechanics.
I live in Alice and the corrugations destroy these setups very quickly.

Cheers