Axles???

[air-jake]

Hello to all; My name is Jake and I'm new here.I have 1972 overlander. I have seen some threads about replacing axles and am wondering how to know when it's necessary?
We have had our AS for 14 yrs and never a problem. ....... with the axles that is! Any input would greatly appreciated!

[desertair27]

Hey Jake
Welcome to the forums.
More than likely your axles are shot, the rubber rods that provide suspension and cushion your trailers ride have hardened and or are sagging so that you have little or no suspension travel. This transmits all road shock to your trailer. I know there are many threads on this subject. I'd try googling how to tell if my airstream axles are bad or something similar.
Good luck
Mike

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by air-jake

Hello to all; My name is Jake and I'm new here.I have 1972 overlander. I have seen some threads about replacing axles and am wondering how to know when it's necessary?
We have had our AS for 14 yrs and never a problem. ....... with the axles that is! Any input would greatly appreciated!

You can check the axles out yourself, by reading the following.

Torsaion axles last about 25 years or so.

The Dura-Torque Axle

Andy

[DKB_SATX]

Here's an article from one of our commercial members about checking axle condition.

Basically there are 2 things to check, whether the axle sits with some down angle (down from the axle tube toward the hub) and whether the wheels drop when you lift the trailer. There's a graphic illustration in the article about the down angle, and the article says the wheels should drop 3" from loaded before they fully lift off the ground.

[air-jake]

Thanks guy's, I've learned more about my AS on this site in two weeks than I have since I bought it 14 yrs ago!
I'm planning to convert my AS into a mobile kitchen so I will have tons of questions.
#1 Am I insane???

[ALANSD]

ANSWER #1- YES WE ALL ARE.

Sounds like you might be adding some weight to the trailer, you might need axles to accomodtae that weight.

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by air-jake

Thanks guy's, I've learned more about my AS on this site in two weeks than I have since I bought it 14 yrs ago!
I'm planning to convert my AS into a mobile kitchen so I will have tons of questions.
#1 Am I insane???

We've done many axle replacement/upgrades, & based on what your plans are, you'll definitely need a much higher load rating than what is on your trailer now. Keep in mind that these frames were not designed to support all the typical equipment you would find in a mobile kitchen. You will certainly require some reinforcements in the frame structure & more than likely a new floor. You really need to work out the weight of what you are adding & where you hope to position it. Then a plan can be created for frame & axle upgrades to suit.
Colin

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by air-jake

Thanks guy's, I've learned more about my AS on this site in two weeks than I have since I bought it 14 yrs ago!
I'm planning to convert my AS into a mobile kitchen so I will have tons of questions.
#1 Am I insane???

There is a way to get started, that you can do on paper.

Don't spend any money on anything for that Airstream, until you do the following.

1. Make a detailed drawing of how your going to place each piece of equipment.
2. Estimate the weight of each piece of equipment.
3. Make sure that you keep at least 55 percent of the weight, forward of the axles.
4. Calaulate the total weight so that you can purchase the proper axle rating.
Use the equipment weight, the trailer weight and the pay load weight.
5. The big project is to open up the bottom of the rear end shell, so that you can beef up the shell to floor to chassis attachment.
(b)FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN REAR END SEPARATION.(/b)
5. Depending on your overall weight, you might need to add the axle mounting "beef up" plates.
6. If you attempt to wild guess of how to do the huge change, you will be wasting a lot of time, and money.

We have made many conversions over the years like you plan, but I shut my service department down about 1 1/2 years ago.

Making a huge converswion, is OK, BUT, start off on the right foot, so you don't waste any of your time or money.

Andy.

[air-jake]

I agree, as soon as I know where and what I will share the info and try to get some input.

[Riverrat6270]

A buddy and I installed a set that I purchased from the folks at Inland RV. The service and support I have received from Andy and his crew far surpassed any reason to shop anywhere else. Took about 4 hours to get organized and get the first axle installed and about 2 hours for the second. Definitely would be concerned about the weight you are adding.