dual axle conversion

[Randy Durand]

I have a single axle 26' Overlander that is going to get a new floor, some frame repair and possibly an axle replacement. Has anyone converted a single axle Airstream to a dual axle? Is the towing advantage worth the effort?

Randy

[markdoane]

I haven't done it, but I would say a big 'go for it'!
Other than the obvious cost of more tires, brakes etc, I think the only problem would be the interior modifications needed to clear the longer wheel wells.
Are you going to stick with leaf springs, or go to torsion type axles?
I have a source for aluminum trim around the wheel wells if you need it (Ohio style, not California).

[Silvertwinkie]

I can't say if it's worth is as you will no doubt have to modify the sheetmetal on the shell as well. Also due to the larger wheel well with the extra axle, you might also have to mod the floorplan a bit as some things might currently be in the area where the second axle wheel well is planned to be.

As for dual vs. single...for comparision I can offer you this info:

We owned a 2003 19' Bambi with a single axle. Towed great, no problems.

We now own a 2004 Safari 25' with a dual axle. First, it tows about the same, however when in the coach with the stabilizer jacks down, to has less jounce to it than the Bambi did. Also, if I get a flat on one axle, I can back the coach up onto some wood with the good tire and change the flat tire without a jack...... now if I get two flats on the same side, then that benefit goes right out the window! You can also still drive a dual axle Airstream in a sort of limp mode for a few miles if one of the tires goes bad, the other three pickup the slack, until you can get to a service center as soon as possible.

Honestly, if it were me, I'd most likely keep it a single axle and either sell it or get a dual axle coach unless you have the time, understaning, money and desire to really want to do it.

[Ken J]

I think its doable, but it would be a major project - I would think you would need to move the present axle back and put a new one forward. If you need some measurements, I have a 1958 duel axle.

Ken J.

[Streamsaver]

We have a 68 26' Overlander with dual axles. I could provide some measurements and pics if they will help. There would be many advantages to going dual. The obvious is making a tire change easier. You could carry a heavier load, and the trailer would become more stable. If you are gonna go through all that work I would switch to suspensions axles. I have a 63 tradewind single axle in the midst of a frame off. I know they offered a dual axle set up for that year as a factory option. They might have offered a dual axle set up for your trailer also. On vintageairstream.com they show some 1960 overlanders with single and dual axles. here is the link.

http://www.vintageairstream.com/arch...verlander.html

[Randy Durand]

Thanks for the offers on the measurements. I need to wait until the floor comes off and see what I'm in for with frame repair$. If I go ahead with the conversion, then I'll come back and post again with the results, or problems if I need advice.

RD