Looking for an axle

[Michael B.]

Hi, My name is Mike Bunker and my wife is Denise. We live in Visalia CA. ( cental valley, CA) We have a 1963 24' tradewind, which was gutted when we bought it 3 years ago. We remodeled it leaving it an open floor plan so we could use it as our office. I just aquired a 1972 31' sovereign with a broken rear axle. In searching for an axle, I came across this site an thought it would help me with my restoration project. Any hints would be appreciated.

Thankx much
Michael B.

[Boondocker]

Welcome aboard. I suggest using the search feature. Type in axle and you will have days and days of reading ahead of you. Lots of good advice to be had.

[azflycaster]

One place I would check with is Inland RV http://www.inlandrv.com/ . Andy is very active on this forum and knows axles. They are located in Corona, CA. BTW he is currently doing a makeover of a trailer for a couple from Visalia also.

[axleman]

First let me say, welcome to the forums!

There are several good choices for a replacement axle(s) in addition to Inland RV:

www.dexteraxle.com

www.al-kousa.com

www.reliabletool.com

www.axisproducts.com

I agree with researching the forums database. There is even a specific section for axles/brakes/wheels/tires - click on the "forums" tab.

Happy hunting!
Regards,
Henry

[Action]

Mike,

I would also suggest weighing the unit. Since it has been modified, the weight may be different. And you will need to anticipate the greatest amount of "stuff" that will be in the unit and then add 10%. This will determine the weight rating for your use.

Too little rating and you may experience premature failure. (I hate when that happens)

Too much and the insides may be shaken such that things come loose. The total extreme would be that rivits loosen up.

The '71 will have a torsion axle with electric drum brakes. The original manufacture was Henschen. Inland RV carries that line exclusively. And as noted above there are other torsion axle manufacturers too. Also you may want to consider new brakes as included with the axle. (versus a bare axle) You will have drum size choices in addition to the disc versus drum. The cost will usually be higher for more efficient stopping power. So consider wisely the future needs and build from there.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[axleman]

Originally Posted by Action

The original manufacture was Henschen.
>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

This is true, but I believe the current Airstream axle provider is Dexter Axle!

Regards,
Henry

[Action]

The original axle manufacturer was Henschen for that year. Henschens are still available at one source only. And I believe more current model years of Airstreams are Dexter.

A Dexter should fit and so will others. So mods may be necessary. Even with a Henschen (depending on model and year) a modification may be necessary.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[robandzoe]

I just ordered, not too long ago, an Axis axle through Colin at GSM Vehicles. They put Axis under Vintage Thunder, Airstream Life's project trailer. Our Axis is for our 65 Caravel. Listen to www.theVAP,com, I think either Episode 3 or 4 for some information on axles. Good luck.

Rob

[Ken J]

Action

Thats not entirely true - if you know exactly what you are looking for you can buy direct - Inland provides that service of getting the exact specs - Henshion will not provide you an axle for a 66 Overlander - but then will provide you with an axle that is x long, x drop etc etc....

Ken J.

[axleman]

Ken,

I think that used to be the case however, I thought they switched to supply OEM's only! That sure seems to be the flavor of the Henschen website. Please read the new header at the top of Henschen's homepage stating "Servicing The OEM Client"

Did you order a Henschen axle from Henschen lately?

Regards,
Henry

[Action]

I thought a new Henschen axle replacement for an Airstream was only available from one source. And Henschen does not do retail.

At least that was my understanding.

>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[Ken J]

Welp - maybe things have changed - my understanding is the reason Inland picked it up is because they were getting bombarded with Vintage Airstream folks wanting axles and they had to figure out what they had. Its also my understanding that you can call them for later model Airstream axles as the deal with Inland was only through a certain year.

Course perhaps all that has changed and no I've not ordered any axles from them lately - my info was good as of a year or so......ya know what they say - the only constant is change...........

Ken J

[Action]

"That year" would be 1980.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[axleman]

OK - let me make sure that I have got this right - if Andy at Inland is the "exclusive distributor" for Henschen axles from 1980 and prior. With Henschen's website appearing only sell to OEM's-

Am I correct to say that if you own an Airstream 1981 or newer, and desire a Henschen axle, you can call Airstream, parts and service, and they will help you?

Perhaps someone can chime in and educate me - thanks!

Happy Holidays,
Henry

[Action]

Henry,

It doesn't appear that Henschen sells retail. I am sure they would refer one to a retailer based on their website. And I thought you would know, since you retired from that business.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[axleman]

Action,

When I retired - Henschen would still sell the newer axles (1981 and up) direct to the public (prior to the OEM change that they have made).

What I don't know is what an Airstream customer, 1981 and newer, does to get an axle - is Airstream Parts and Service handling this or does Henschen make exceptions to the OEM rule (I kind of doubt it).

Any insight would be appreciated - I love to learn!

Thanks,
Henry

[85MH325]

Henry, a suggestion: please give Airstream parts a call, ask them your question, and share the answer with us! Both you and the membership will get the answer from the horse's mouth instead of having to speculate!

Roger

[axleman]

Roger,

I was hoping with the thousands of members on the forum, that one that has encountered this situation might chime in to educate us.

However - if not - I just may call! Good suggestion partner!

I pride myself on shooting straight - if I don't know, I ask.

Regards,
Henry

[85MH325]

I think it would be a good idea. It would certainly be more authoritative than one of us saying "well, I think..." and it would get an answer to the question much more quickly than waiting around for someone who's done it to answer.

Roger

[axleman]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

I think it would be a good idea.
Roger

Roger,

Good point! I think that right after Christmas I've got a call to make.

Thanks for sharing!

Happy Holidays,
Henry