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Old 01-26-2015, 04:59 PM   #61
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Gene, there is no perceivable difference, none.

Not a lick of difference in well over 6,000 miles.

It might be that I have done a lot of towing with a lot of different vehicles, and I might not trust your conclusions.

You are entitled to your opinion Gene, but unless you have actually pulled my trailer it might just be an uninformed opinion.


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Old 01-26-2015, 05:47 PM   #62
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Give us a review once you're done Michael. No idea why my shop quoted so much labour, perhaps there was some confusion on their part (with me trying to describe what I wanted, this is entirely possible!).

I may call some other spring/axle shops for additional estimates. Not sure if I'll do the upgrade yet, just investigating the possibilities.
Will do, it is going to be a few weeks before I have the cash. Hopefully by the end of Feb.
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Old 01-26-2015, 06:54 PM   #63
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Lift kits for duel axle trailer are under $200 US direct from Dexter. I was quoted max 3 hours labor for install. My shop charges $90 hour for this type of job. Total about $500 for the project. After talking to Dexter today to discuss what kit was needed I placed my order. Going to be nice to clear the curb getting in and out of my yard. Tired of banging up my driveway. I already have a suitable draw bar for the hitch so no extra expense there.
I'm placing my order tomorrow. I want the extra clearance and am comfortable it will work well, given my personal experience with my 19' Bambi.

Thanks for all of the debate and spirited discussion!
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Old 01-27-2015, 10:56 PM   #64
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You are right about the added tread of LTs over Marathons . I measured the diameter difference of LTs to Maxxis and it is one inch, sides by side as close as you can see. However, after the swap, the height variance of the whole rig: TV, Hensely, and TT all still look level. That little extra 1/2 " of clearance will help, but I do wish it were little more.
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Old 02-21-2015, 02:41 PM   #65
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That too.

A high quality extension for the hitch receiver to raise it will cost around $150. This will lengthen the hitch assembly and make the assembly less stable. It is better to be closer to the axle than further away.

If you are still within warranty, there may be a problem with that too.

Gene
Most "inserts" are able to be flipped 180 for added height. there is no need for an extension unless tailgate clearance is the priority.
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Old 04-18-2015, 08:23 AM   #66
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Will do, it is going to be a few weeks before I have the cash. Hopefully by the end of Feb.
Hi Michael,
Checking in to see if you have installed the lift kit yet. I have our kit in the garage and taking delivery of our 23FB next week. I would like to install the kit in May, but am interested in seeing how it looks as a finished project.

Thanks!
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Old 07-12-2015, 05:57 PM   #67
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Steamy -

I am following this thread with interest, and look forward to boondocking with more security and not dragging at gas stations etc.

I see several options of kits on the Dexter website - and they only seem to differ in height. Which to pick, or does it depend in the axle option...and if so that brings me to my question...how do I find out what option I have?

Chris
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Old 07-12-2015, 07:00 PM   #68
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Sounds like a good thing to do in conjunction with new axles ... glad to read it's possible for tandems.
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Old 07-12-2015, 08:13 PM   #69
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Steamy -

I am following this thread with interest, and look forward to boondocking with more security and not dragging at gas stations etc.

I see several options of kits on the Dexter website - and they only seem to differ in height. Which to pick, or does it depend in the axle option...and if so that brings me to my question...how do I find out what option I have?

Chris

Hopefully there should be a label on your axle. You might have to climb under and explore for it. Mine is on the front upper section of the tube.
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Old 07-13-2015, 09:50 AM   #70
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Thanks, Michael. I will check that out, best to rely on the actual unit than documentation in this case.

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Old 07-14-2015, 07:45 AM   #71
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How about getting the increased down angle on new axles? Colin mentioned it when we discussed new axles and I am interested. Has anyone purchased /installed axles with the increased down angle? Instead of 22 degrees they come at ?38 degrees? I cant remember the exact angle but he said it translated to a 1" height increase.
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Old 07-14-2015, 07:56 AM   #72
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How about getting the increased down angle on new axles? Colin mentioned it when we discussed new axles and I am interested. Has anyone purchased /installed axles with the increased down angle? Instead of 22 degrees they come at ?38 degrees? I cant remember the exact angle but he said it translated to a 1" height increase.
32 degrees provides about a one inch gain.

You can also extend the frame downward using rectangular tubing and the welding the axle bracket to that tubing, making sure that the axle alignment is correct.

Then you can add, within reason, several more inches of clearance.

But, keep in mind, the axle tubing itself cannot change very much.

Andy

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Old 07-15-2015, 07:52 PM   #73
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Thanks for all the info. Aside from all theory's and opinions this has been a very helpfull thread. Actual real life use looks to be positive and usefull information. As with any modifications that are made that would potentially change the handling of a vehicle one would weigh the pro's and cons and make the informed choice to do this. Not one post on here as convinced me that this would not be a good choice to do since I for one am getting tired of straighting out those skid plates on the back of my 30' Excella every time I leave my house.
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Old 07-15-2015, 07:53 PM   #74
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Thanks for all the info. Aside from all theory's and opinions this has been a very helpfull thread. Actual real life use looks to be positive and usefull information. As with any modifications that are made that would potentially change the handling of a vehicle one would weigh the pro's and cons and make the informed choice to do this. Not one post on here as convinced me that this would not be a good choice to do since I for one am getting tired of straighting out those skid plate on the back of my 30' Excella every time I leave my house.
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Old 07-16-2015, 11:39 AM   #75
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Thanks, Michael. I will check that out, best to rely on the actual unit than documentation in this case.

Chris
OK....so I'm a bit confused. I looked under my tralier last night and found out that I have Henschen #7350475-0355KS i.e. 3500# axles made by Henschen and not Dexter.

From what understand from forum searches is that Henschen is the OEM for Airstream and I can't get replacements except from Airstream. OK. So the installations listed above would be for the Henschen axles...

Does this mean than the Henschen axles have the same interface and I can use the Dexter kit?

I would really like to get the extra clearance, but not at the cost of a new set of axles for a trailer that is only 10 years old. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
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Old 07-23-2015, 10:04 AM   #76
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Henschen was an axle manufacturer that has closed. I believe it was owned by Airstream and located quite near AirStream in Jackson Center, Ohio.

In any event Dexter is what Air Stream uses now and if ordered correctly the Dexter axle will fit your application.

>>>>>>>>Action
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Old 07-23-2015, 10:59 AM   #77
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Henschen was an axle manufacturer that has closed. I believe it was owned by Airstream and located quite near AirStream in Jackson Center, Ohio.

In any event Dexter is what Air Stream uses now and if ordered correctly the Dexter axle will fit your application.

>>>>>>>>Action
Action.

Airstream never owned any part of Henschen.

The last owner of Henschen was an English company.

They wanted to sell Henschen but decided that they could make more money by closing Henschen down and selling it's equipment.

Sad way of doing business, but whose to say.

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Old 07-24-2015, 09:10 AM   #78
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Colin Hyde has axles made that are closer to the original Henschen design. His service is superior to the "other" suppliers hands down. His prices will probably beat Dexter's. https://sites.google.com/a/colinhyde...ions.com/home/
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Old 07-24-2015, 10:18 AM   #79
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Colin Hyde has axles made that are closer to the original Henschen design. His service is superior to the "other" suppliers hands down. His prices will probably beat Dexter's. https://sites.google.com/a/colinhyde...ions.com/home/
Many owners want to update the specs on new axles, basically because tow vehicles today have a much higher profile than the cars that were used back then.

Also many owners want to increase the weight rating for new axles.

10 inch brakes should never ever be substituted for 12 inch brakes.

Lastly, recent laboratory tests of the 2 major brands of axles show a great difference in the rubber rods, the quality of the axle shaft, the amount of welding, and the alignment.

But, as always, it's a buyers choice.

Rarely, if ever, is there a single product that satisfies everyone.

Even diamonds don't make that list.

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Old 07-24-2015, 11:12 AM   #80
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Using #10 Axle

Quote:
Originally Posted by tyggeln View Post
OK....so I'm a bit confused. I looked under my tralier last night and found out that I have Henschen #7350475-0355KS i.e. 3500# axles made by Henschen and not Dexter.

From what understand from forum searches is that Henschen is the OEM for Airstream and I can't get replacements except from Airstream. OK. So the installations listed above would be for the Henschen axles...

Does this mean than the Henschen axles have the same interface and I can use the Dexter kit?

I would really like to get the extra clearance, but not at the cost of a new set of axles for a trailer that is only 10 years old. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
OK just a note I contacted Dexter axles and my trailer would use the #10 axle and thus the 2 5/8 inch lift kit. Higher lift kits are not interchangeable according to Dexter as they have different hole patterns.

I still like the idea of 2 5/8 extra inches...it will provide increased clearance for both the rear end and front which will allow me to use a shorter hitch shank and avoid bottoming out there as well.
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