Testing bearings.

[pawnguy]

Just bought a 1975 31 foot AS. I've seen where people talk about putting in new axles... Is the a must if the bearings and axles look good or just something that needs to be done??

[pawnguy]

Not sure how to search to see if this has been asked already.. Sorry if it has been..

[barts]

Here's the scoop:

Dura Torque Axle

I replaced our '71 Tradewind's axles, and the trailer rides several inches higher as a result, and when I move around inside, it rocks and sways on its suspension.

Check the angle that the suspension arms make w/ the horizontal as described in the link...

- Bart

[NevadaGeo]

That's a very good read Bart. Pawnguy, you'll almost always be needing new rubber torsion in a 35 year old trailer, which means new axle assemblies. And, if your Soverign has disc brakes, don't let anyone talk you out of them for some older style drum brake. You'll be glad you keep the disc brakes down the road.

What's the oldest "good" rubber torsion bars axles anyone knows of?
Perry

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by NevadaGeo

That's a very good read Bart. Pawnguy, you'll almost always be needing new rubber torsion in a 35 year old trailer, which means new axle assemblies. And, if your Soverign has disc brakes, don't let anyone talk you out of them for some older style drum brake. You'll be glad you keep the disc brakes down the road.

What's the oldest "good" rubber torsion bars axles anyone knows of?
Perry

Perry.

Actually not "good" but still serviceable (barely), we found to be almost 50 years old. A rarety indeed.

However, that one trailer was used weekly, which obviously help considerably.

Under normal use, the estimates call for 25 to 30 years, as long as the coach was moved frequently, like every 6 months or so.

The biggest killer, is "lack" of use.

Those rubber rods must be exercised, or else.

Like they say, "use it or loose it".

Andy

[NevadaGeo]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Perry.

Actually not "good" but still serviceable (barely), we found to be almost 50 years old. A rarety indeed.

However, that one trailer was used weekly, which obviously help considerably.

Under normal use, the estimates call for 25 to 30 years, as long as the coach was moved frequently, like every 6 months or so.

The biggest killer, is "lack" of use.

Those rubber rods must be exercised, or else.

Like they say, "use it or loose it".

Andy

Thanks Andy! Now lets turn the question around, what's the shortest time folks have been able to kill their axle investment, say in dis-use?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by NevadaGeo

Thanks Andy! Now lets turn the question around, what's the shortest time folks have been able to kill their axle investment, say in dis-use?

We have already replaced axles on a few 2008 models.

I feel that was because of overloading due to under rated axles and/or overloading.

Non use, typically takes about 3 years or so, with the total weight still on the axles.

When the trailer is not going to be used, and is totally supported by jack stands, then the non-use time can go to 10 to 12 years or so.

Keep in mind, that rubber must be exercised to stay alive.

Andy

[Cracker]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

We have already replaced axles on a few 2008 models.

I feel that was because of overloading due to under rated axles and/or overloading.

Non use, typically takes about 3 years or so, with the total weight still on the axles.

When the trailer is not going to be used, and is totally supported by jack stands, then the non-use time can go to 10 to 12 years or so.

Keep in mind, that rubber must be exercised to stay alive.

Andy

That brings up an interesting question. Should the trailer be supported off the tires on jacks for the typical 6-month winter lay up??? To date I've never done it - out of fear that I would get a severe case of cabin fever and have to head south in the middle of a snowstorm!!!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Cracker

That brings up an interesting question. Should the trailer be supported off the tires on jacks for the typical 6-month winter lay up??? To date I've never done it - out of fear that I would get a severe case of cabin fever and have to head south in the middle of a snowstorm!!!

It's best to store the trailer, with zero weight on the tires.

But.................if you need to make that sudden "get away" during the winter snowy months, then I guess the only thing you can do, is start off with the snow shovels. Yuk.

Andy