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nmoye1 · 01-27-2010, 07:10 PM

I appologize if I have asked a question that has already been answered.I am new to this forum and owning an Airstream.I have a 1974 31' International that is need of new axles.What am I looking at for a replacement cost?

lahrfarm · 01-27-2010, 07:28 PM

Why do you need new axles?

nmoye1 · 01-27-2010, 08:16 PM

I need to replace the axles because upon inspection I found that they had a negative camber. It has been sitting for a couple of years.

barts · 01-27-2010, 08:50 PM

If you want the same brand of axle as came w. your trailer, go here:

Inland RV Center Inc.

The prices there don't include shipping, which can be substantial.

You can also read up on Dexter axles in these fora; the prices seem to vary somewhat but are significantly less, but overall a less simple
process.

Paste this into google for lots of info:

site:Airstream Forums - Airstream Owners Community Dexter axles

- Bart

Aage · 01-27-2010, 08:56 PM

Didn't that brand (Henschlen (sp?)) withdraw from the axle business in the US?

I remember seeing their place just up the street from the Jackson Center plant when we went there in November, but I'm sure there was a thread on here talking about them closing it up.

Inland RV Center, In · 01-27-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

Didn't that brand (Henschlen (sp?)) withdraw from the axle business in the US?

I remember seeing their place just up the street from the Jackson Center plant when we went there in November, but I'm sure there was a thread on here talking about them closing it up.

That notice was officially withdrawn by GKN, the owner of Henschen.

Andy

Lumatic · 01-28-2010, 02:04 AM

Talk to Andy and Inland about Henshens. The other make of axles used a lot are Dexters. I am not sure if Henshen has closed. Dexters used to be a lot cheaper but I've heard they have raised their prices. Henshens will fit right in. For Dexters you will have to order to spec and drill a few holes.

Frank's Trailer Works · 01-28-2010, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lahrfarm

Why do you need new axles?

Because at 36 years old the rubber is shot. No doubt about it sight unseen...

There is also Axis Axles....

cliffcharb · 01-28-2010, 06:42 AM

We just installed new Henshen axles into our 81. Cost around $1,000 w/o brakes from Inland shipped to Florida

Frank's Trailer Works · 01-28-2010, 07:15 AM

per pair? or single axle? W/o Brakes? those are important....

Aage · 01-28-2010, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

That notice was officially withdrawn by GKN, the owner of Henschen.

Andy

Really! Well, I'll be. I bet the folks in Jackson Center are pleased about that!

Do you have a link to the retraction, ANdy?

Jim Foster · 01-28-2010, 09:36 AM

Go with the Henchens. They bolt right up. No welding, no drilling, no problems. Don't turn a couple of hour job into a weekend adventure unless you have lots of equipment and are very handy using it.

nmoye1 · 01-28-2010, 09:41 AM

Thanks guys for all of your input.I guess I will need to decide what to do at this point.Whether to go with the Henchens or the Dexter.I do have a welder and tools and not afraid to use them.The biggest thing is that they fit and work properly.Thanks again.

Mikethefixit · 01-28-2010, 09:50 AM

You were wanting a replacement cost. I went to the factory and picked mine up,Andy made all the arrangements because Inland is the only authorized dealer in the US for Henshens.
FOB on my truck $1500 that was Complete,thats 2 axles with 12" brakes. Installed myself in about 3 hrs. Oh one other small item "Im 70 yrs old,so whats that tell ya about the ease of installing Henshens.
Roger

Lumatic · 01-28-2010, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Foster

Go with the Henchens. They bolt right up. No welding, no drilling, no problems. Don't turn a couple of hour job into a weekend adventure unless you have lots of equipment and are very handy using it.

I'm not disputing the logic of getting Henshens, but you don't need lots of equipment to put in Dexters. You will need some jackstands, a couple of jacks, and a good drill with some large bits. Yes it took me a weekend.

Inland RV Center, In · 01-28-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

per pair? or single axle? W/o Brakes? those are important....

Per pair, bare axles.

4500 pound rating each.

Andy

Inland RV Center, In · 01-28-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

Really! Well, I'll be. I bet the folks in Jackson Center are pleased about that!

Do you have a link to the retraction, ANdy?

The retraction was by letter, dated December 11, 2009.

Therefore, business as usual.

Andy

nmoye1 · 01-28-2010, 11:47 AM

Well guys I am just sitting here with massive sticker shock. I just called Out Of Doors Mart in Greensboro, NC to get a price on axles. They are about 30 min. away from me and they are a very large Airstream dealer.I figured if the prices were fair then maybe the shipping would be cheaper than getting them from somewhere out west. They quoted me $1300.00 a piece for complete axles w/brakes and another $150.00 for freight. If this is the case then I am just going to sell the thing and not even mess with it. Not to mention the trailer needs an awning and they quoted me another $1400.00 for a 21' zip dee. I knew the awning was going to be expensive but not quite that much.

DanB · 01-28-2010, 12:03 PM

Another option...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...ion-53757.html

Axis, single axle, less than $400 with brakes picked up at factory

Ahzmyrah · 01-28-2010, 12:24 PM

If you are going to replace the axles order them "loaded" which means they will come with new backing plates and brake shoes attached. It costs more but the existing brakes on your trailer are still probably the old style round magnet type which can fail if some haven't already. They are not as common as oval magnets are now and are hard to find in stock when you need them the most. We replaced our axles earlier this year with new brakes with oval magnets. Besides the trailer riding much nicer it also stops much better.