1960 Ambassador

[rowdyATX]

My 28' Ambassador is final stripped down and I'm about to lift the shell!

I'm also at the same stage with the 22' Flying Cloud. Same place I was 2 months ago!

I am planning on ordering a total of 3 axles for the 2 Airstreams. I'm looking at the Dexter torsion axle that will come with brakes.

Any thoughts on axles? Torsion vs Spring? Drop vs Straight axle? Installation tips? Dexter vs other?

Also, I'd like to add 3-4' on the neck of my trailer for storage; bikes, toys, etc. Anyone done this, or thought about it? Is this a BAD idea as far as towing??
Thanks in advance.

[NJtoNC]

wow, that''s interesting that you're doing 2 trailers at once. any particular reason why?

While i cant answer your questions with any real experience, i do see most people recommend replacing the torsion axles b/c the rubber wears out...i don't see many folks ordering leaf sprung axles.

i ordered a dexter axle but next time i will ask for help on the fourms to order an axis axle. Much more affordable.

[putback]

If you go from springs to torsion Xs I understand you must add reinforcement to the frame rails extending beyond where the spring shackles attached. The ratonal is the old spring suspention spred the weight/stress over 3/4 ft where as the new torsion X will focus the same amount on 4 inchs. As far as axle brand Dexter has been fine with me. The greatest benifit is their customer service and "pro spec sheet". You call cust. service, they will email you the spec sheets. You fill in the measurments they need to build your X. You supply that to your dealer and get exactly what you ordered. The sheets even have diagrams that make it much easier the 1st time out. The only ? you may miss is mounting plate orientation. Airstream usually needs "reverse". I did convert a '59 single X once. Fairly easy. Needed 2 5' x 2" angle steel for the frame rails reinforcement and 2 14" x 14" x 1/4" for the side plates. It took me longer to get up the nerve than to do the job!