Axle upgrade question

[Tin Diesel]

I've searched the axle forum for information on upgrades, but haven't found a lot of info - maybe my question is too specific. Here goes:

next month we're taking our 1999 30' Excella to Roger Williams (near Dallas) for new axles, disc brakes and centramatics. The arm angle on the existing axles is flat, maybe slightly negative, so I'm sure the axle is shot.

The GVWR is 8300 lbs. GAWR says 4000 lbs each axle. I believe the trailer weighs about 7300 lbs empty.
I don't pretend to understand exactly what GVWR and GAWR means. However, Roger Williams said they are going to install new Henschens with a 4000 lb rating and 35 degree angle.

What does the 4000 lb rating tell me? Two axles = 8000 lbs carrying capacity? Isn't that a pretty slim margin on a trailer that starts at 7300 lbs empty and has a GVWR of 8300?

I'm concerned about the axle ratings. I suspect my axles went bad after only 8 years because the previous owner let it sit for 3 years (heart attack recovery). I read on this forum that's bad. But I'm still concerned...

Can I get heavier axles? Should I? How much heavier? I saw a thread that said you can increase 10% over the factory original. But Andy says don't go too high or you'll beat up your Airstream.

Any suggestions? We don't run light. We bring everything we need to stay comfortable!

Thanks.

[2airishuman]

hey tin d'

i'm no axle 'pert either but here goes...

while the axle rating (for 2) is close to the gvwr of the trailer...

don't forget some of the load is on the tongue.

for example IF your tongue is 700-1000lbs, then the axles are only carrying 6-7000 lbs.

make sense?

so i agree you could uprate slightly but more than 400 lbs would be wasted capacity and stiffness.

the guys at rw do great work! you will love the disc brakes too.

cheers
2air'

[azflycaster]

I am not an expert either, but I think you can also deduct the weight of the axles, wheels, tires and brakes from the total. These items are all part of the GVWR but are not held up by the axles.

I am surprised to see 8 year old axles go flat even if they sat for 3 years. Was the trailer over loaded when it sat? Maybe they used it for storage or something.

[TomR]

Originally Posted by Tin Diesel

next month we're taking our 1999 30' Excella to Roger Williams (near Dallas) for new axles, disc brakes and centramatics.

Hi Tin Diesel...for info purposes...what is the estimated cost of the work you are going to have done?

Sounds like a good idea...new axles AND new disc brakes...keep us posted on the results...Tom R

[Tin Diesel]

Labor: $88/hr

Axles: $500 each, 6 hrs labor
Brakes: $1,920 components, 10 hours
Centramatics: $70.98 each, no labor.

We're also having new 'tall' wrap protectors put on because I went too fast through some just-laid chip'n'seal road resurface. We're also getting new wheels because one of the original steel rims had developed a leak from a split.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes, it is worrisome that the axles went flat so quickly. I don't know to what extent the PO left it loaded while it sat.

[HowieE]

You could increase the axles to 4,200 lbs or greater for your own reasons of carring a lot of stuff but that will not change the manufactures tag on the trailer. I mention that because there is talk that insurance companies are beginning to consider the total weight of a trailer involved in an accident as a means of getting out from under the claim.

The axles on my trailer were bad when I bought it at 3 years old. The trailer had sat in Fl. and I think the heat and lack of movement was the factor. The rubbers in the axles may need periodic movement to keep them soft.

The originals, 3, were 2,800 lb axles, and I repalced them with 3,200 lb axles not so much for total load, but we do carry some stuff, but rather as a safty if I had to run with a flat.

[Tin Diesel]

Turns out my original axles were 3800 lb, so the 4000 lb rating on the new ones is in fact an 'upgrade'. Good - makes me feel like I'm getting something for my money!!!

Now I'm trying to find the right wheel size. Its turning out to be tougher than I would have thought.

[HowieE]

Since the 15 in trailer tires are now made in China several of us have gone to 16 in wheels. Do a search and you will see the comments.

[Tin Diesel]

yeah, David Tidmore at Roger Williams suggested a switch to 16", since I have to get one new rim anyway, and my Goodyear Marathons are 2.5 years old.

But I'm trying to find a 16", 6 bolt, 6" or 7", 5.5" center with ZERO offset.
The zero offset is eluding me so far, although some inquiries remain unanswered.

Also will be switching to Michelin LTX.

This repair is starting to get REALLY expensive!

[HowieE]

Mine came from The trailer tire and wheel supermarket. They have what you are looking for. Style Series #4 lower right corner of the home page

http://www.trailertiresandwheels.com/

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Tin Diesel

Turns out my original axles were 3800 lb, so the 4000 lb rating on the new ones is in fact an 'upgrade'. Good - makes me feel like I'm getting something for my money!!!

Now I'm trying to find the right wheel size. Its turning out to be tougher than I would have thought.

The upgrade to 4000 pound, should more than cover your needs.

David ordered the Henschen 4000 pound axles, with a 35 degree starting angle from us.

Andy

[Tin Diesel]

David ordered the Henschen 4000 pound axles, with a 35 degree starting angle from us.

LOL!!!
Well good! You gave me the original advice on what was wrong with my axle. I would have loved to take the unit to your shop, but Dallas is A LOT closer! So I'm glad you got a piece of the action.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Tin Diesel

LOL!!!
Well good! You gave me the original advice on what was wrong with my axle. I would have loved to take the unit to your shop, but Dallas is A LOT closer! So I'm glad you got a piece of the action.

Well, Kingwood is a little north of Houston, and just a tad east of California.

The important thing is that your trailer suspension system and disc brakes, will be taken care of, by one of the best, Roger Williams.

David and Pat, from Roger Williams, and I have a great working relationship.

Even though it may have been indirectly, we are glad that we could help you and your Airstream.

Andy