Dexter order on 1965 Caravel

[Toldfield]

Uh, okay. I guess I can just pretend that I understand that.

[Sheridan]

Originally Posted by Toldfield

Uh, okay. I guess I can just pretend that I understand that.

In the simplest of terms, we are both happy to have new axles under our Caravels, the difference being:

Yours probably cost over $1000 installed.

Mine cost $425 installed (including welding the old shock mounts to the new Dexter axle).

You saved time, I saved money.

You gained peace of mind.

I gained confidence and hands on knowledge that I can pass on to other resourceful do-it-yourselfers and I overcame the seeds of fear and doubt that are planted on this forum by a certain vendor every time the word “axle’ is mentioned.
I also have peace of mind.

Dan

[Toldfield]

Thanks, I was having a little trouble with it and you are right about the end results.

[GreatPumpkin]

Originally Posted by Sheridan

In the simplest of terms, we are both happy to have new axles under our Caravels, the difference being:

Yours probably cost over $1000 installed.

Mine cost $425 installed (including welding the old shock mounts to the new Dexter axle).

You saved time, I saved money.

You gained peace of mind.

I gained confidence and hands on knowledge that I can pass on to other resourceful do-it-yourselfers and I overcame the seeds of fear and doubt that are planted on this forum by a certain vendor every time the word “axle’ is mentioned.
I also have peace of mind.

Dan

Ding, Ding, Ding. Give the man a prize!

[C Ray]

Well put Dan!

[C Johnson]

I will tell you all how I came to my decision on what to do about my shot axle. I was in the middle of a shell off floor replacement with a deadline and trip plan attached. I couldn't justify the possibility of Dexter getting my axle order wrong. I needed to be able to get the axle, bolt it on and be done with it. Yes I could have gotten it cheaper. At the time Dexter was routinely getting the Airstream axle orders wrong, even with exact measurements. I went with a Henschen from Andy at Inland RV. I am, to this date, very happy with my decision.

When I can, on the way home from work, pick up the axle, get home, drop the old one, bolt the new one on. I am a happy camper because the next weekend I have to Re-wire the 120 v, install plumbing, rebuild a gaucho, etc, etc. You get the idea. Read- Time crunch.

I wasn't scared or duped into buying a Henschen from Andy. It was simply the best decision for me at the time.

In the end we are all happy with the results of our labor. Either we spend more to save time or spend less with emphasis on one part of our trailer. We both win, in our minds. Now we can all camp together at the same time ! Great isn't it ! It really boils down to what is best for you at that moment in time. What gets you to your goal.

Thats just my .02 on this subject.

[bobtrem]

Originally Posted by Chuck

the bracket is for mounting the axle to the underside of a frame channel. Since the airstream has a mounting plate already welded to the side of the frame channel, and it hangs down beneath the frame and has a square cutout there to accept such an axel, the bracket isn't needed.

imagine if you were gonna make a homemade trailer out of some frame members....you'd need to weld "something" on the underside to bolt the torflex axle to. So you could weld that bracket on, then you'd bolt the axle to it.

as for "shocks"...experts dont' seem to agree on the necessity.

Dan,
I noticed that the shock mount has a stud that appears on my trailer to be welded to the shock bracket. Your "installed" picture shows what looks to be a new stud or bolt. Were you unable to use the original? How did you remove the old stud to replace it? I know that welds are usually pretty hard to drill through. I am considering making up a new set of brackets so that I will be "ready to go" when the new axle arrives. Any advice re: bolt size, hole size or whatever would be appreciated. Also, what's the best way to determine the exact location of the bracket on a new axle so that you don't bottom out the shock before the swing arm hits the jounce stop on the frame?
bobtrem

[Sheridan]

Originally Posted by bobtrem

Dan,
Your "installed" picture shows what looks to be a new stud or bolt.
bobtrem

The shock mount studs were all intact on my Caravel, the hardware you see in the picture is just the new nut and washer I had to buy for the new shocks.

I don't understand why you would have to make new shock mounts, just cut the mounts off the old axle and weld them to the new axle.

The shock mounts on my 65 Caravel are vertical, do yours look like those I have pictured?

Dan

[bobtrem]

Originally Posted by Sheridan

The shock mount studs were all intact on my Caravel, the hardware you see in the picture is just the new nut and washer I had to buy for the new shocks.

I don't understand why you would have to make new shock mounts, just cut the mounts off the old axle and weld them to the new axle.

The shock mounts on my 65 Caravel are vertical, do yours look like those I have pictured?

Dan

It was a suggestion from a friend who has a caravel also. Since I would like to reuse the stud, I will probably cut off the old ones and reuse them. My shocks are vertical, just like yours.
Bob