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Trailbob · 09-18-2017, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troutboy

TrailBob,

Nice work, how are you liking it?

Hi Troutboy,

I just got back from our first trip with the "lifted" Airstream. It was only a couple hundred miles, but with a bit of dirt/washboard, and an unimproved camping site. I didn't notice any difference towing, but their were few straight stretches of road. It was nice not having to worry as much about low ground clearance getting into the campsite. It was also easier to dump the holding tanks now that the trailer sits higher. I ordered another sets of "Leggo" blocks, since two of the stabilizers wouldn't touch the ground on the uneven site we camped at.

Later this week we are taking a longer trip to Wyoming, so I'll have a better idea of any changes in handling on the freeway. I'll also be watching for any signs of uneven tire wear.

I'll post back if there are any issues, but for now I'm very happy with the upgrade.

Troutboy · 09-18-2017, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailbob

Hi Troutboy,

I just got back from our first trip with the "lifted" Airstream. It was only a couple hundred miles, but with a bit of dirt/washboard, and an unimproved camping site. I didn't notice any difference towing, but their were few straight stretches of road. It was nice not having to worry as much about low ground clearance getting into the campsite. It was also easier to dump the holding tanks now that the trailer sits higher. I ordered another sets of "Leggo" blocks, since two of the stabilizers wouldn't touch the ground on the uneven site we camped at.

Later this week we are taking a longer trip to Wyoming, so I'll have a better idea of any changes in handling on the freeway. I'll also be watching for any signs of uneven tire wear.

I'll post back if there are any issues, but for now I'm very happy with the upgrade.

Very cool! Glad you like it, we are also enjoying ours. No negative impacts yet

Boxite · 09-19-2017, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troutboy

..., we are also enjoying ours. No negative impacts yet

Ha! Pardon the PUN..??

DaveMc · 09-21-2017, 09:43 AM

In the process of getting the lift kit for our 2005 30' Safari (and the trailer is currently getting some leaks found/sealed about 75 miles away, so I can't run out to take a look at things, which is driving me crazy). I had the shop send me a picture of the axle tag, which I've attached here--not sure why they couldn't get the whole tag in one pic, but anyway.

When I look at the 2005 Safari Parts book, there's not a 4200# axle specified for my trailer--it says is should have 4400# axles. I believe this was right around the time that AS was switching from Henschen to Dexter, so maybe that explains the discrepancy in weight rating.

Hoping I haven't run across another "surprise" from the previous owner, but it's made the process of just getting the right lift kit guess work. Once I've got the trailer back I can measure bolt spacing to learn more. In the meantime, I'm looking at this pic of the trailer and thinking that the tires sure don't look anywhere close to centered in the wheel well (fit and finish issues aside).

Appreciate anyone's thoughts on whether this is an original axle, or any input on the lift kit if you've put one on a Henschen axle!

Dave

DaveMc · 09-22-2017, 07:05 AM

To follow up on my post above--I heard back from Dexter and they said there were dimensional differences that will not allow the use of Dexter lift kits with Henschen axles. Looks like I'll get busy fabricating my own lift kit in the next month or two. I'll start a separate thread when I do and document it there.

Dave

Boxite · 09-24-2017, 10:28 PM

Use 3/16" or 1/4" gauge 3" square tubing or 2x4" rect. tubing.

Roadroamin · 10-01-2018, 10:02 AM

lots of great info here, I have a 27FB 2011. Is that equipped with a #11 axle. I have looked but cannot find any info on it.

pteck · 10-01-2018, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadroamin

lots of great info here, I have a 27FB 2011. Is that equipped with a #11 axle. I have looked but cannot find any info on it.

Yes. If it's anything like my 07 27fb, it's a #11 axle. Those are the blocks you need. Installed without any surprise or welding stops on the nuts. Everything is accessible.

ttbikes · 10-05-2018, 07:31 AM

Just wanted to drop in a note about an unexpected benifit of my axle lift. I had a tire blow out on my single axle Tradewind. I had damge to wheelwell and the under wrap but it stoped a 1/2" from the side pannel. Of course, I can't prove it but, I think the lift saved the side pannel and maybe maybe some of my dump plumbing.

4003 · 01-08-2019, 09:17 AM

I just called Dexter at 206-636-5311, with my axle S/N they said I need lift kit 71-724-02. This is a tandem axle kit and I have a single axle, 2018, 22ft, Sport, Bambi. Would someone like to split the cost with me for half of the kit?

GMFL · 01-08-2019, 10:56 AM

You will have no problem selling half your lift kit. Post it to the classified section and it will be gone in no time!

LuckyCloud · 03-26-2020, 05:53 PM

Folks, there are a ton of posts out here and I promise I've spent quite a lot of time using the forum's search feature to try to locate the method you're all using to find a part number to order a lift kit from Dexter. I've given up and figured I'd just post the question:

I have a 18' FC 26RBT and am interested in a 3" lift kit from Dexter, how might I get a part number for it? Dexter's website isn't any help either.

Thanks.

StuartsDad · 03-26-2020, 08:28 PM

Should be #11 Dexter Torflex Lift Kit, 2-7/8", part number K71-742-02.
I have a 2018, 28'. I ordered mine through etrailer. I am assuming the 26' has the same axles, but someone else can confirm that. It is a great addition.

switz · 03-26-2020, 10:58 PM

Airstream has the parts manuals on line for most recent trailers. You can look up the axle part number. You will see the same axle is used on many models. Axles are specified as the first item in the "Chassis" section in the parts manual.

The 25' models gave a GVW of 7,300 pounds and the 26', 27' and 28' models have a 7,600 GVW. They share the same 3,800 pound rated load Dexter axle.

2020 INTERNATIONAL CHASSIS

410980-16 Axle, 3500 Lbs, Nev-R-Adjust, 23CB, 23FB, 23FB Axle,
410980-02 Axle, 3800 Lbs, Nev-R-Adjust, 25’, 25FB, 27FB, 28’
410980-11. Axle, 4500 LBs, Nev-R-Adjust, 30’

LuckyCloud · 03-27-2020, 06:23 AM

Thanks for the info - I've found the Airstream parts book, looked up my TT and found this: 410980-02 Axle, 3800#, 25’, 25FB, 26U, 27FB, 28’ . Based upon Dexter's website, I'm guessing I have a Torflex #10 axle? Which would translate to a Dexter part number K71-707-02 for tandem axle. I appreciate your help!

StuartsDad · 03-27-2020, 03:12 PM

I would double check. Based on axle information provided above, your 26 uses the same axles as my 28 and I matched to the #11 kit. Everything lined up perfectly. Your axles likely still have the dexter sticker on them with the numbers. Etrailer has excellent customer support and can likely tell you exactly what you need. These kits are heavy to ship. You don't want to have to exchange.

LuckyCloud · 03-28-2020, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartsDad

I would double check. Based on axle information provided above, your 26 uses the same axles as my 28 and I matched to the #11 kit. Everything lined up perfectly. Your axles likely still have the dexter sticker on them with the numbers. Etrailer has excellent customer support and can likely tell you exactly what you need. These kits are heavy to ship. You don't want to have to exchange.

I'll look for something on the axle when the sun comes up. Thanks again.

kboeger · 09-24-2021, 07:24 AM

Had Harvey and Songer INK. Marysville CA Install a Dexter 3” lift in my 33’ Classic yesterday. Highly recommended.

switz · 09-25-2021, 08:40 AM

Next spring (2022), we plan to replace the current OEM axles on our 2014 31' Classic. with retrofitted Kodiak disc brakes we added when the trailer was new.

We will have the 3" lift plates welded to the axle during manufacture plus install the dual puck Dexter 12" disc brakes. We will also install the Dexter brake pump that could work with the 2012 Ram gem brake controller. I would just need to reconnect the blue wire for that system to become operational again. Disconnecting the blue wire removed the OEM brake controller's ability to talk to the computer and we could add a third party (Tuson) brake controller to operate the brake pump.

ASFC25_2019 · 10-15-2022, 09:20 AM

Thanks for the information. Did you notice any handle issue while driving on the highway? Decrease gas milage? I installed a lift kit on my expedition and dropped my MPG. Was goign to install a lift kit on my Flying Cloud 2019 25RD Anything else to concider prior to installing on the trailer? I have a noticable decrease in MPG once the I lifted Expedition up 2-3 inches.