Axle replacement - Dexter #10 w Disc brakes vs original

[FrenchBern]

I just found out the cost of ordering 2 Dexter #10 axles with disc brakes and the actuator would be the same as ordering 2 standard replacement axles from Airstream.
My question is which set up do you feel would give me the best performance as far as breaking? Money speaking I would have to buy 4 new wheels and tires by ordering disk brakes when i have only 5 years on my present tires and 38 years on the rims. Where can I get a good price on 4 wheels and tires?
Thanks for your replies.

[Lumatic]

That depends on what you are pulling, and what kind of brakes are on your TV.
Also Dexter torflex disc brakes are only available for the heavier axles on bigger Airstreams. I don't remember the exact weight but I was told they were not avialable for 2900# axles I need for my Tradewind. Also for lighter sprung Dexter axles the only option is 10" electric brakes. I know because I am ordering now. Dexter was very helpful in figuring out my specs.

[3Ms75Argosy]

Yes, Dexter does make TEN inch disks for their 3500 and under #10 axles.... they're just 5 bolt vs the 6 bolt on the #11 axles.
Marc

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by FrenchBern

I just found out the cost of ordering 2 Dexter #10 axles with disc brakes and the actuator would be the same as ordering 2 standard replacement axles from Airstream.
My question is which set up do you feel would give me the best performance as far as breaking? Money speaking I would have to buy 4 new wheels and tires by ordering disk brakes when i have only 5 years on my present tires and 38 years on the rims. Where can I get a good price on 4 wheels and tires?
Thanks for your replies.

We have the disc brake setups, that allow you to use the tires and wheels that you already have.

Andy

[3Ms75Argosy]

I think what Frenchburn forgot to mention is that the #10 axles that Dexter is making ONLY come with the #10 sized spindle, not the one that fits the 12" disks (is what I'm understanding from when I spoke to Dexter engineering 2 weeks ago). The #10 axle WILL fit disks... be that either Dexter, Kodiak, or Tiedown in the 10" size (with 5 lugs)... not the bigger 12" size (with 6 lugs). No one makes a 10" DISK with the 6 lug pattern. I THINK Dexter still makes a #10 with a 10" drum brake with the 6 lug pattern per their website.

Again, we need to know the size of the trailer..... AS uses the 10" drums on their 22 and 23 ft'r trailers... with a gvw of 6000 or so pounds. Each #10 axle is rated for 3500 max, so approx gvw of 7000 pounds?

I've been debating this decision as well. Better response with the smaller disks + new wheels or the bigger drums with OEM specs.

Marc

[lewster]

Originally Posted by FrenchBern

I just found out the cost of ordering 2 Dexter #10 axles with disc brakes and the actuator would be the same as ordering 2 standard replacement axles from Airstream.
My question is which set up do you feel would give me the best performance as far as breaking? Money speaking I would have to buy 4 new wheels and tires by ordering disk brakes when i have only 5 years on my present tires and 38 years on the rims. Where can I get a good price on 4 wheels and tires?
Thanks for your replies.

It's time to replace those tires anyway! Anything over 4 years on trailer or RV tires is a gift, and you are asking for problems if you try to get more mileage from them.......IMHO, of course!

It's not a mileage question, but rather one of age deterioration of the sidewalls.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by FrenchBern

...My question is which set up do you feel would give me the best performance as far as breaking?...

in terms of braking performance, there is no question disc far outperform drums...

on all parameters...stopping distance, fade, heat into the spindle, maintenance and so on...

here are 3 threads on this which mostly focus on newer units...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...kes-36335.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...kes-17343.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...kes-29208.html

but there are many others threads on the upgrade process, issues and performance on smaller old trailers too...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/sear...archid=1053352

including bambi class trailers...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...ade-30441.html

still IF not towing much distance or on the downslopes or frequently, drums might be a better and reliable value.

cheers
2air'

[Lumatic]

I have spent a lot of time in the past week talking to folks at Dexter. I'm not sure about #10 axles with 5 lug disc brakes but do know I was told by Dexter they do not make a #10 axle with discs. If I remember correctly I was told by Dexter the disc brakes that are available are rated much too high for my Tradewind. So I guess you will have to go back to Dexter to get the real poop for yourself.

Yes Dexter makes a #10 axle with 10" 6 lug drums.

The bottom line for me was for my 4200# Tradewind drum brakes do an effective job and disc brakes are a bit of overkill (no pun intended) I am also getting my #10 Dexter drum brakes for less than $800 delivered.

I also have 13" disc brakes on my TV to help me stop quick.

I'm phoning in my order tomorrow so you still have time to change my mind.

[FrenchBern]

wow, good response and information, thanks guys
First my as has 2800# axles now. 70 overlander
2nd, Andy, how much would be 2 axles with disc brakes and controller
3rd, #10 axles with 5 bolts disc are definitely available and shown on their web and were quoted to me yesterday.
4th, Marc, do u mean that AS supply their factory #10 axles with 10" brakes on some of their new assemblies now? I would think if they do that it should be ok for me also.
5th, Thanks 2air for the info. I am going swimming now but i'll check them out in a couple hours.
6th, Let me know what you end up doing Lumatic. I need to order very soon.

[3Ms75Argosy]

FB - just look at Andy's site... all prices are there (well, you have to call to get shipping costs).

Yes, AS uses #10 axles with the 5 lugs on the 22 and 23ft AS's with 10" drums (have been since the 23ft CCD and International came out)....
Marc

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by FrenchBern

wow, good response and information, thanks guys
First my as has 2800# axles now. 70 overlander
2nd, Andy, how much would be 2 axles with disc brakes and controller
3rd, #10 axles with 5 bolts disc are definitely available and shown on their web and were quoted to me yesterday.
4th, Marc, do u mean that AS supply their factory #10 axles with 10" brakes on some of their new assemblies now? I would think if they do that it should be ok for me also.
5th, Thanks 2air for the info. I am going swimming now but i'll check them out in a couple hours.
6th, Let me know what you end up doing Lumatic. I need to order very soon.

You can change the axle rating from 2800#, 3000#, 3200# or 3500#, all at the same price.

Our disc brake kit, includes all the nuts, bolts, clamps and steel tubing that is needed, plus an instruction manual.

The rotors are 6 lug on a 5 1/2" bolt circle.

Total cost is $2200.00 which includes 2 axles.

Andy

[FrenchBern]

Andy, total cost quoted includes the controller? Also any idea of shipping cost to 29642 area? Thanks

[richinny]

it's cheaper to ship to a commercial location if you can.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by FrenchBern

Andy, total cost quoted includes the controller? Also any idea of shipping cost to 29642 area? Thanks

Generally speaking, if a motor freight line calls you and delivers to a residential address instead of a commercial address, you can add an additional amount of almost $105.00 to the freight costs.

Please provide a commercial address for your quote.

Fuel surcharges are at 32 percent.

And, it's getting worse, almost by the week.

The axles would ship from Ohio, and the disc brake kit would come from California.

We do not include a brake controller with the kit.

Andy

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by lewster

It's time to replace those tires anyway! Anything over 4 years on trailer or RV tires is a gift, and you are asking for problems if you try to get more mileage from them.......IMHO, of course!

It's not a mileage question, but rather one of age deterioration of the sidewalls.

Agree. Why is that? We need a thread on it Lew if not already there.
We aren't Tony Stewart bitching about tire compound at Nascar but I'm about to start getting the hind end about this.
I lost the tread after two years, just flopped off for no reason. Maybe I did too tight of a turn and bent the sidewall coming out of a campsite. Since my 81 is going to a permanent site for awhile, I might limp it up there with just one new tire instead of replacing all four but I'm mad about ST tires right now and have other uses for them. I know, do the search.

[FrenchBern]

Sorry Andy for my wrong question. I meant to say the actuator that convert from electric to hydraulic.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by FrenchBern

Sorry Andy for my wrong question. I meant to say the actuator that convert from electric to hydraulic.

Along with two axles, you receive everything that's in the photo.

Other suppliers do not include all the other parts that you will need.

We do.

Andy

http://www.inlandrv.com/parts/86200-...-brake-kit.jpg

[FrenchBern]

Update; the axles been ordered. #10, 3300 lbs, with disc brakes plus the Electric/Hydraulic Actuator.
Now I am looking for 15" wheels with tires. My first internet contact (Tire Rack) does not have trailor wheels but can supply some marathon tires.
Anyone has any suggestions as where to shop for a complete package?
Most places I checked needs the vehicle type first.
Also, who would be a good supplier for the hydraulic lines as a kit?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by FrenchBern

Update; the axles been ordered. #10, 3300 lbs, with disc brakes plus the Electric/Hydraulic Actuator.
Now I am looking for 15" wheels with tires. My first internet contact (Tire Rack) does not have trailor wheels but can supply some marathon tires.
Anyone has any suggestions as where to shop for a complete package?
Most places I checked needs the vehicle type first.
Also, who would be a good supplier for the hydraulic lines as a kit?

Some wheels will not fit the Dexter disc brakes.

Andy

[3Ms75Argosy]

Try you axle dealer...they had a good deal on the lines here.
Marc