New axle capacity increase

[bicen.falcon]

I'm putting new Dexter torsion axles on my 1976 Argosy 28. The original Dura-Torque axles were rated to a capacity of 2800 lbs each. I was told at the trailer equipment store that Dexter's lowest standard axle capacity rating is 3500 lbs. I understand that I'm not supposed to increase axle capacity by more than 15%. The jump from 2800 lbs to 3500 lbs is 25%. The Dexter axles, however, do not require the shock absorbers that are standard on the original AS axles. Without the shock absorbers, is the gap between the original 2800 lb capacity and the new 3500 lb capacity any narrower? What is the effective capacity of the original AS shock absorbers?

Thanks!

[AWCHIEF]

Recommend you give Colin Hyde a call. He is the expert around here on all things axles.

https://sites.google.com/a/colinhyde...ions.com/home/

[dbj216]

I ordered my axles from Colin Hyde. All I needed was the year and VIN of my 66 Trade Wind and he did the rest. The axles were made by Axis. I upped the weight rating some as I have added bigger waste water tanks. The shock mounts were welded in the correct location. I ordered the same 22 degree starting angle, although I now wish I had ordered a little higher angle for more ground clearance.

Inland RV in Calif can spec axles for your 76 also. Dexter requires you to spec your own axles, which can be challenging if you are not familiar with axle engineering. I'm told there is a form Dexter requires where you do the trailer measurements. Mess up, and you'll be doing some cutting and welding on your new axles. It is easier to let the Airstream experts spec the correct axles for your Airstream or vintage kin.

Dura Torq rubber rod type axles can be manufactured in many weight ratings. I've never heard anyone say that the minimum is 3500 pounds. And I've not heard people say they run their axles without shocks on their Airstreams. I'm sure it is done, but the shock absorber may make the ride smoother, less bouncy.

David

[Action]

The shocks are the same for either capacity.

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