I didn't even know they made trailers with torsion bars so I had to Google it to try to find some info on them and I found this. Might help a little bit. I've never owned a trailer with torsion bars only leaf springs so that's what I prefer because I know they work well. Seems like leaf springs are going to be stronger, cheaper and way easier to repair if something were to go wrong

http://www.completetrailers.com/the-torsion-vs-spring-axles-debate-demystified/
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torsions ride better but are far more expensive to maintain.

 

Far more expensive??? How so??! Torsion is 0 maintenance, I have 2-10k Torsion axles on my float trailer for 6 years, done 0 maintenance, and converted my Landscape trailer over to 2-3500lb Torsion cause I was sick of doing shakles and bushing every year, and again, 0 maintenance, and the ride difference is literally night and day, you'd be crazy to buy a leaf spring trailer brand new... think of Torsion as 4 tire independent suspension, it's awesome!
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Trailers with torsion axles have no hardware underneath so there are no parts to replace or maintain. Less parts leads to less that needs to be serviced or can fail.

I also understand each wheel moves independently and lower trailer height and gate angles (easy mower loading) can be achieved with drop torsion axles. Besides being a bit more expensive at purchase, it seems over the trailer lifetime, money and down time is saved.

Again, does anyone know of more pros/cons of torsions vs. leaf?

 

Far more expensive??? How so??! Torsion is 0 maintenance, I have 2-10k Torsion axles on my float trailer for 6 years, done 0 maintenance, and converted my Landscape trailer over to 2-3500lb Torsion cause I was sick of doing shakles and bushing every year, and again, 0 maintenance, and the ride difference is literally night and day, you'd be crazy to buy a leaf spring trailer brand new... think of Torsion as 4 tire independent suspension, it's awesome!
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heard lots of horror stories of the bushings failing in torsion axles. i've never had a single problem with any leaf spring trailers. the key there is not overloading. also a benefit to leafs is in the event of a flat on a tandem axle trailer you can just chain up the axle and get somewhere safe to repair/replace the flat.

 

heard lots of horror stories of the bushings failing in torsion axles. i've never had a single problem with any leaf spring trailers. the key there is not overloading. also a benefit to leafs is in the event of a flat on a tandem axle trailer you can just chain up the axle and get somewhere safe to repair/replace the flat.

Where are these "bushings" located on the torsion spring axle that you're talking about?

 

heard lots of horror stories of the bushings failing in torsion axles. i've never had a single problem with any leaf spring trailers. the key there is not overloading. also a benefit to leafs is in the event of a flat on a tandem axle trailer you can just chain up the axle and get somewhere safe to repair/replace the flat.

Never performed a thorough inspection then have you?
Why wouldn't you carry a spare?
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I had well over 30k on my 20k float trailer with Torsion axles all summer, on tight bumpy residential streets... have had this trailer for 6 years, they stand the test of time in my books, sorry
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Torsion, no question.

 

just sold my 2007 8.5x18 enclosed trailer with 5200lb torsion axles. In 8 years didn't spend one penny on axle maintenance. Torsion for sure.

 

Torsion hands down if you can afford it.

 

Torsion is the way to go. Toes much nicer and less moving parts. Less moving parts equals less maintenance. If you are looking for anything bigger than. 7x16 open trailer I would always get the torsion axles if it is an option.
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Our first travel trailer had torsion , jack points are limited and can damage axle if you get it wrong. It makes a tire change a PIA .