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Ramp · 02-10-2009, 06:00 PM

I got my old axles off today with the help of a cutting torch. I didn't know how bad they were until I got a close look at them. The rubber had lost all of it's spring and they were setting on the stops. I choose to use axles from Inland RV. They are rated a little higher in load value and have a little more angle added to them. This will raise my airstream an additional inch or more. By the way it is a 1982 Excella. A little over 25 years old it needed axles badly. My 1970 Safari also needs a axle and when I replace it I will call Inland Andy and see what he can do for me in the way of a custom fit also. It makes all the difference!

63Silver · 02-10-2009, 06:07 PM

I have removed one of the old axles and will be taking it to the dealer on Saturday. They will be using the old axles for measurements. The new axles will have 12inch brakes, 35 degree angle and 3500lb rating unless I request something else. I have no idea about the spindles. I assume they will take care of that.

63silver

47WeeWind · 02-10-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63Silver

I have removed one of the old axles and will be taking it to the dealer on Saturday. They will be using the old axles for measurements. The new axles will have 12inch brakes, 35 degree angle and 3500lb rating unless I request something else. I have no idea about the spindles. I assume they will take care of that. 63silver

Hi 63Silver:

Visit the Dexter web site at Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - HOME and read all about the various options so you will be informed when you meet with the Dexter axle dealer this Saturday. When I ordered my custom manufactured Dexter Torflex #11 single axle last year, I got the one inch higher pro standard mounting plates (swapped side-to-side with reverse orientation) that raised the trailer 1 inch higher than it would have been with the standard low mounting plates. This allowed me to keep the 22-1/2 degree arm down angle but gain 1" height for the trailer and frame to make changing tires slightly easier (by raising the wheel well from the axle thus providing more room) and better matched the trailer ride height to my 4X4 truck ride height. I also ordered 30" jacketed leads for the electric brake cables. Hubs were 5200 pound rated 6 lugs on 5-1/2" bolt circle diameter with DXQ 12" diameter electric brakes and E-Z lube bearings. Landed cost including sales tax was just under $500.00. It's one mighty fine axle!

63Silver · 02-11-2009, 07:14 PM

47weewind,
Thanks for the information! That is the stuff I need to know before I end up with something that won't work. I absolutely want the trailer to set several inches higher that it is right now. I had read on an earlier post that Dexter did not offer a 12'' brake but that is not what the dealer told me. I would much rather have the 12's since that was the original design.

Thanks,
63silver

47WeeWind · 02-11-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63Silver

47weewind, Thanks for the information! That is the stuff I need to know before I end up with something that won't work. I absolutely want the trailer to set several inches higher that it is right now. I had read on an earlier post that Dexter did not offer a 12'' brake but that is not what the dealer told me. I would much rather have the 12's since that was the original design. Thanks, 63silver

Hi 63Silver:

Don't believe everything you read on the Forums; no one contributor has perfect knowledge or recall. Do a search for "Dexter" or "Dexter axle" in the Forums and read the applicable threads to get informed. There is some good data on ordering Dexters in past posts. But then do your own research and spend some time discussing with your Dexter dealer (and if the dealer is not too sharp, then with Dexter engineering) what features you want in your Dexter axles before ordering them.

Once the axles are built to your specs, you own them, so be careful in deciding what to order and then double-check the order sheet to verify it contains the specs you want. You cannot be too careful when ordering custom-built goods of any kind. You are going to live with those new axles for a few decades, so spending a week or two beforehand discussing and learning more about axles is time well invested. Good luck and have fun.

Andrew T · 02-12-2009, 01:48 AM

What we have found is that the Dexter axles loose about 1/2 of their suspension travel after a few thousand miles of towing. I think this is because the center bar inside the axle is not heat treated like the Hension axles are. This allows the centre bar to spiral which is what limits the travel.

Dexters are cheaper but if I was spending hundreds of hours redoing an older Airstream I would certainly invest the extra for the Hensions to preserve the life of the trailer. If you ride in a trailer with hensions you can tell the difference t is hard to tell from the tow vehicle.

Andrew T

Frank's Trailer Works · 02-12-2009, 05:03 AM

Good to know that after a three week sabbatical nothing has changed in the great axle debate.

Almost anyone can drill a 5/8 inch hole. Some can even do it with a 3/8 inch drill. It does not necessarily take a 1/2 inch drill, it does however requires a 5/8 inch bit.

Good luck with them axles.

byamcaravanner · 02-12-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew T

What we have found is that the Dexter axles loose about 1/2 of their suspension travel after a few thousand miles of towing. I think this is because the center bar inside the axle is not heat treated like the Hension axles are. This allows the centre bar to spiral which is what limits the travel.

Andrew,

Where did you get your info?

I asked this question of Dexter... and Rick Kapsa (Product Manager Dexter Axle Company) replied that the center bar is heat treated.

byamcaravanner · 02-12-2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Almost anyone can drill a 5/8 inch hole. Some can even do it with a 3/8 inch drill.

Yes frank, it's easy with some oil and a drill bit like this...

utee94 · 02-12-2009, 08:34 AM

3Ms75Argosy · 02-12-2009, 08:53 AM

I was about to say I just bought a 5/8" bit from the local True Vallue.... cuts like butter....
Marc

drag'nwagon · 02-12-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63Silver

47weewind,
Thanks for the information! That is the stuff I need to know before I end up with something that won't work. I absolutely want the trailer to set several inches higher that it is right now. I had read on an earlier post that Dexter did not offer a 12'' brake but that is not what the dealer told me. I would much rather have the 12's since that was the original design.

Thanks,
63silver

63Silver,

Bring that trailer up to Michigan and I will set the height wherever you want it! I have done axles on 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's Airstreams, and converted the solid drop axles to torsions. Send me a PM and I help through some of this w/o the public argument.

Dave

63Silver · 02-12-2009, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the offer but I'm not sure about a 28fter on one axle since the other is in the back of my truck. I appreciate the help and advise. If there is anything else you think I should know please tell me. I guess I need to think about shocks as well.

63silver

**jcanavera** · 02-14-2009, 07:55 PM

Now we get can into the back and forth about engineering, materials etc., and none of us will get the definitive answer. We've got tons of axle discussions and they have never given the definitive answer. The fact is there is a difference and if you have followed these threads you will see that it comes down to your budget, your belief in using a replacement from the original manufacturer or a competitive manufacturer. Factor in the competition factor and you will find a variance.

Jack