Dexter axles for '65 Overlander ?s

[dreadydreame]

We have decided to go with Dexter axles and would like to go ahead and order them. We feel pretty confident that we can put them on ourselves and also have a friend who is an rv mechanic ( who knows nothing about airstreams) who will help if need be.
The thing is I have been reading so much about putting new axles on a vintage trailer and am now confused.
We have a 65 overlander so we will need two axles. From what I read we need to order reverse mounting brackets (is that correct?) and I suppose the down angle will be 22.5 ( is that also right)?
if we order with reverse mounting brackets we will still have to have welding done to attach the shocks? (right?)
also axles are rated at so many thousand pounds. What were the originals rated and shoulld we go up in rating a few hundred pounds?

I am hoping when I call dexter they can help explain where to measure.
I don't think there are any dexter dealers near us. Do they ship to business addresses? I just want to make sure we are clear on all the specifics we need before I go ahead and order.

[Lumatic]

This applies to my 71. Not sure about your 65:

Reverse Orientation mounting bracket-yes
22.5 degrees down trail yes 33 degrees will raise the trailer a few inches if you want to.
No, Dexter will weld on the shock bracket if you ask them (option E-1501)
Your old axles may be stamped with the rating. I took my trailer to the scales divided by 2 and added a few hundred pounds. My original axles were rated at 2600# I went up to 2900#. Some folks go higher, but don't get too stiff.

I recommend you contact Danny Gilbreath at the Carrolton MO plant 660- 542-2232 he is very helpful.

The plant shipped my new axles to my front door.

[dreadydreame]

I just called and talked to someone at dexter and he said I should try to find someone with a 65 overlander who can give me the configuration that they bought (what worked) with all their measurements and put that up against our own measurements and then call him back just to make sure everything will fit ok. so anyone who has a 65 overlander please contact me with what you ordered.

[Lumatic]

PS My mounting bracket was a "high profile" bracket.

PPS Download the "Application Manual" from the Dexter website it will answer a lot of your questions.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by dreadydreame

I just called and talked to someone at dexter and he said I should try to find someone with a 65 overlander who can give me the configuration that they bought (what worked) with all their measurements and put that up against our own measurements and then call him back just to make sure everything will fit ok. so anyone who has a 65 overlander please contact me with what you ordered.

We change the weight ratings to what works better instead of this is it.

We change the starting angle, to better work with your tow vehicle.

All we need is the trailer serial number, nothing else.

Andy

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

...
22.5 degrees down trail yes 33 degrees will raise the trailer a few inches if you want to.
No, Dexter will weld on the shock bracket if you ask them (option E-1501)
...

My input - As of last summer when I ordered my Dexter axles, they will weld the optional shock brackets on if you order the 22.5 degree axle. If you get the 33 degree option (like I did) they won't do the shock bracket.

Good luck, e-mail if ya' need any help!

[Larry in MO]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

I recommend you contact Danny Gilbreath at the Carrolton MO plant 660- 542-2232 he is very helpful.

The plant shipped my new axles to my front door.

The Dexter plant in Carrolton, MO, has been closed for 2 or 3 months. I might have gotten the last one they made. I don't know if Danny Gilbreath is still with them or not but most were local people there.

You might try Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - Our Locations to find an axle plant. Most are in Indiana (there's a surprise!) but the web sight also will tell you who the distributors are.

[dreadydreame]

thanks everyone. Sad to hear that MO plant closed down.
the torflex application manual is very helpful.
So far I am thinking it's the #10 that we need. I don't know what the old axle was rated at lb wise. We removed the tag but it's too rusted to see. Does anyone know? and in the application manual I do not see the 33 degree angle option.

[Mikethefixit]

If ya order OEM Axles there is no guess work,no measuring or hoping that the manufacturer gets it right.No holes to elongate or drill new. They are made from the original serial number from AIRSTEAM. The starting angle and weights and brake sizes were all upgraded on mine.
I paid more but I had peace of mind knowing they were an exact match to what I took out. When I installed them (myself) I had the old out and new installed in 3 hrs.PERFECT FIT.
Oh I forgot,did I mention Im 70 yrs young?. If I can ,anybody can.
Roger

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by dreadydreame

thanks everyone. Sad to hear that MO plant closed down.
the torflex application manual is very helpful.
So far I am thinking it's the #10 that we need. I don't know what the old axle was rated at lb wise. We removed the tag but it's too rusted to see. Does anyone know? and in the application manual I do not see the 33 degree angle option.

Your trailer original axles are rated at 2800 pounds.

You should increase that to 3000 or 3200 pounds, with 12 inch brakes.

I think Dexter can only supply those ratings with 10 inch brakes.

Or, if you went to 3500 pounds from Dexter, you can get 12 inch brakes, but that rating will cause a rough ride for your Airstream

We provide a 35 degree starting angle. Anything greater than that should not be used on your trailer. Dexter can only supply 22 1/2 degrees or 45 degrees.


Andy

[GreatPumpkin]

Information available here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...nts-34646.html. Or skip to post #36 or #57 to avoid some of the back-n-forth for the information you're looking for - mine's a '64, so if you're looking at the measurements, just use them in comparison to your actuals.

Shock brackets: post #43.

'65 Caravel here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...vel-40055.html

More useful info here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...s-39688-2.html

[dreadydreame]

ok Great Pumpkin I have found your info to be very helpful. I would like clarification on weather the measurements are hub to hub 75" or 74-7/8"
and the bracket to braket 58" or 57-5/8"
I am understanding that we need the low profile reverse mount (without the side mount extra bracket)
6x 5.5" lug pattern
10"x 2-1/4" standard electric brakes
and the top shock bracket option (E_1501)
then I saw you wrote part #033-088-01 and part #033-088-02 What are those parts?

thanks for the help

[GreatPumpkin]

Originally Posted by dreadydreame

ok Great Pumpkin I have found your info to be very helpful. I would like clarification on weather the measurements are hub to hub 75" or 74-7/8"
and the bracket to braket 58" or 57-5/8"

The 74-7/8" and 57-5/8" are correct - but please just use that as a reference to compare your actual measurements to!

I am understanding that we need the low profile reverse mount (without the side mount extra bracket)
6x 5.5" lug pattern
10"x 2-1/4" standard electric brakes
and the top shock bracket option (E_1501)
then I saw you wrote part #033-088-01 and part #033-088-02 What are those parts?

thanks for the help

Go with the low profile if you are satisfied with the current ride height of your trailer, otherwise switch to the high profile to gain a little height - useful if your hitch is higher on the TV.
Depending on who you talk to when you order, they may or may not know what the E_150 option is! The two part #s are simply the right and left shock bracket.