New Axles for '62 Airstream

[Lookinghard]

I have a 1962 Ambassador 28'. I want to purchase new axles so I can hit the road in more confidence. I recently sent an e-mail to AXIS asking for information on their products. I received the following e-mail back and I was needing some help answering all the questions. This is the e-mail I received back from AXIS.

Hello Kevin.
We can custom build trailer axles, spring or torsion, to meet your needs. There are several things I will need to know about your axles to quote or to build.
a. capacity of each axle
b. size of axle tube (probably 2-5/8" or 3")
c. low-profile or high-profile brackets. (low-pro sits directly on top of axle tube, high-pro is 1" to 1-3/8" higher).
d. center to center measurement on the bracket holes (should be around 9").
e. if you have shocks, I will need to know if you have a vertical shock bracket or a horizontal bracket and where they are located on the torsion arm. It is best if you can make some kind of drawing and fax it or e-mail it to me.
f. angle of torsion arm.
g. hub-face to hub-face dimension & outside to outside of bracket dimension.


If you can fill in the blanks, I can get a price to you. Disc brakes are no problem.

I look forward to hearing from you.



Thanks,



Chad Backert

Sales Manager

I do not have my trailer with me right now, so I can not measure the axles. The problem that concerns me is that my current axles are actually welded to the frame, not bolted. My trailer was built in earily 62 when torsion axles were first being used and I guess they felt welding was a better option?

I plan on grinding off the old welds and removing the old axles. I also plan on drilling new holes into the frame and bolting on the new axles. Has anyone under taken the same kind of axle replacement problems, if so did you bolt on the new axles, or did you weld them on? In addition, if anyone can help answer the quesitons sent by Chad above from AXIS I would sure appriciate it.

Kevin

[Boondocker]

You might try contacting Airstream for that information, one would think they would have the specs lying around somewhere. Axis replaced my axles about two weeks ago and I am quite happy with their product and I suspect you will be quite happy with yours as well. Good luck.

[uwe]

You will have to get to the trailer for measurements before you order the axles. They will want to know hub face dimension, bracket to bracket dimension, suspension starting angle, bracket orientation, etc. in addition to the questions in their e-mail below.

[Paul Mayeux]

This thread has popped up at the perfect time for me. I'm getting ready to order a new axle for my 54 Cruiser. It has a leaf spring set up now and I am going to go with a torsion axle. I was going to look at the Axis product, but after reading Andy's post I can see where the value engineering comes into play. I've purchased three axles so far from Inland and have not had any issues. All three were a perfect fit making installation a snap. I wonder if Inland will make the switch over to Dexter since Airstream is supposed to do so.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Paul.

The post was removed, but that's OK.

We will shortly have the same info on our web site.

You can put a torsion axle on your 54 if you wish, but you would have to add an axle mounting plate first.

No, we will not switch to Dexter, because basically they do not want to make axles for the older trailers, especially one or two at a time. They also do not want to customized the axle rating, starting angles and the like.

In Airstream's case, they are an OEM, and purchase huge quantities of axles, but all for the wide bodies, which won't fit older trailers.

A custom torsion axle would have to be created for your 54, because of the frame dimensions.

Andy

[Colin H]

We have purchased custom made axles from both Dexter and Axis Products and have not had any problems. Whether the trailer is old or new, it doesn't matter to them. They will build an axle to suit your exact requirements and offer you options such as: load rating increase, initial Torsion angle changes, powder coating, disc vs drum brakes along with assorted others. And they have never required me to purchase in volume i.e more than one however you will save on shipping on larger orders. The original load rating is stamped on the tag welded to your axle, and you will need to supply them with assorted dimensions as Chad from Axis Products requested in an earlier post. It's not that tough to do. The Factory has obviously realized some benefits (probably financial) to axles sources other than Henschen and believes in their quality as well.
Colin

[axleman]

Colin,

Well said.

Any custom shop will need specifications to make an axle. Additionally. an AP kit (attaching parts kit) can be ordered to aid in axle attachment. Simply inquire at the time of order.

Regards,
Henry
ex-axleman