How much for axles?

[azfiredog300]

How much should I expect to pay for new axles, and is it something I can do myself?

[PizzaChop]

How much should I expect to pay for new axles, and is it something I can do myself?

It depends on which axle you use, and yes you can.

[azfiredog300]

Pizzachop you are a wealth of information, Thank you very much.

[Goin camping]

Inland RV out here in Chino Ca. has your axles and he'll ship right to you.

As to can you install them? Sure thing. It's not hard at all.

Heck order now and we'll switch em out at Mt. Picachu.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Goin camping

Inland RV out here in Chino Ca. has your axles and he'll ship right to you.

As to can you install them? Sure thing. It's not hard at all.

Heck order now and we'll switch em out at Mt. Picachu.

Correction.

We are in "Corona" Cal.

Andy

[azfiredog300]

Do you mean Picacho Pass?

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by azfiredog300

Do you mean Picacho Pass?

The FCU New Years eve party at Mt. Picachu. Which as I think about it really won't provide a clean level surface.

Honestly its not hard. Some jackstands a floor jack and some hand tools. I recomend a helper.

If you run axle swaps etc in the search engine there are several threads with pictures to show you whats involved.

Call don't email Inland RV and talk to someone. That way they can make sure all bases are covered and you'll get the right axle. Get a price and decide what you want to do.

[Ganglin]

If it gives you a point of reference the last quote I had (last summer) was 2,600.00 installed for both axles. I already have the shocks and shock bolts.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Ganglin

If it gives you a point of reference the last quote I had (last summer) was 2,600.00 installed for both axles. I already have the shocks and shock bolts.

$2600.00 is a not a very good installed price for new axles (2) with electric brakes.

Should be closer to $2000.00, plus freight.

Andy

[crispyboy]

I did the job myself for about $850 including the new chrome lugnuts. (2 Dexter axles)

[Jim & Susan]

Terry did a purdy dern good write up of his axle change out here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f221...-32395-12.html Begining around post 166.

Jim

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

I did the job myself for about $850 including the new chrome lugnuts. (2 Dexter axles)

Can anyone out there simply describe the difference between installing Henschen and Dexter replacements? If I got it right the Henschens purdy much just bolt in without having to do any modification whereas the to install Dexters you have to drill 4 new holes for each axle in the mounting plate. What about the shocks? Can you use the existing mounting bolts for Henschens and Dexters?

[crispyboy]

I used the Dexter axles.
Two bolt holes line up perfectly and the other two need to be opened up to line up properly. They are off about 1/8".
I also had to open up the mounting plate on the trailer about 3/16" (grind down one side). The dexters were the same weight rating but had a heavier axle tube.
Shock mounts - I am told that Dexters can be ordered with the mounts. I did not know this when I originally ordered. I cut off the old mounts and welded them to the new ones.
I had the tools so it was an afternoon project.
If you don't have the tools then consider purchasing Andy's axles. You may want to confirm this but somewhere I heard that you have to open up two of the mounting holes with the Henchens. Andy can confirm this rumor one way or the other.
I am just lucky enough I have the tools and know how to do this project.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

Can anyone out there simply describe the difference between installing Henschen and Dexter replacements? If I got it right the Henschens purdy much just bolt in without having to do any modification whereas the to install Dexters you have to drill 4 new holes for each axle in the mounting plate. What about the shocks? Can you use the existing mounting bolts for Henschens and Dexters?

Can't help you with the Dexter information.

From 1969 on up, Henschens are direct bolt in, with no changes of any kind that need to be made.

All that is needed, is the trailer serial number.

The following information, is for those that may have further "what is the difference" between the two.

There is a very larger Airstream dealer in Texas, that this month, within 48 hours, has ordered 7 Henschen axles.

These axles are all going on 2006 and 2007 Airstream trailers, that are still in warranty, that have had their Dexter axles "fail."

The failures, as we are told, is that the rubber rods have given out and have considerably lowered the trailer to the ground.

Therefore, the owners of two 31 foot and one 34 trailer, have decided, "enough" and have refused the warranty replacements.

Instead, they are paying out of their pockets, to have that dealer install
Henschen as replacements.

This same dealer, over the course of this year, has replaced some 15 other Dexter axles, all with the same failures, and all at the more than willing customers expense.

The Airstream service department in Jackson Center, as we have been told, are more than tired of having to repair new Dexter axles before production can install them. What exactly had to be repaired information, has been withheld for Corporate reasons.

Airstream has an axle dilemma that they have recognized and have taken steps to probably change venders in short order.

Out of warranty replacements, as with anything else, is always the buyers choice.

Andy

[TN-TUNDRA]

If you check out my other posts here I just put in Dexters. The hardest part was getting the axles out and in and this will apply to both brands. I did my swap on a gravel driveway with 4x6 ply-wood. The mods are super easy and only added about 1.5 - 2 hours to the complete job. I also got the nevRlube bearings and I will NEVER have to re-pack the bearings again good for over 100,000 miles! BUT the stock wheels on mine were only 3.5" for the hole. I just purchased and had mounted 4 new alum wheels and 4 new Goodyear tires and I'm still richer$$$$ than if I had purchased the Henschens. I would do it again.

[Jim & Susan]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

.....There is a very larger Airstream dealer in Texas, that this month, within 48 hours, has ordered 7 Henschen axles.

These axles are all going on 2006 and 2007 Airstream trailers, that are still in warranty, that have had their Dexter axles "fail."

The failures, as we are told, is that the rubber rods have given out and have considerably lowered the trailer to the ground.

Therefore, the owners of two 31 foot and one 34 trailer, have decided, "enough" and have refused the warranty replacements.

Instead, they are paying out of their pockets, to have that dealer install
Henschen as replacements......


Andy

Sounds like somebody has more money that good sense. Why on Earth would anybody want to fork over $3000 (or more) to replace an item that is completely covered under warranty?

Jim

[garry]

Andy;
I don't understand If AS has switched over to Henschen why would they not replace the Dexter with Henschen ??????????

Why would the factory replace bad axles with ones they know will fail again in short order do the warrent the replacments ???

Garry

[Jim & Susan]

I think it's the other way 'round. The factory is now using Dexters. My camper is vintage, so I'm not exactly sure of the facts, but the gossip is that the factory is not happy with Dexter and is thinking of going back to Hen's.

But like I say, that's the gossip. Maybe somebody "with the need to know" could shed a bit more light.

Jim

[TN-TUNDRA]

WOW, bashin' Dexters??

Airstream had a reason to switch to Dexters. Does anyone remember the reason?? Henschens would not stand behind the warranty and left them holding the bag............

[Lumatic]

If as Andy says above replacement Henshens for my 71 should just bolt in there is less chance of the axles being installed out of alignment causing crabbing and/or excessive tire wear?