Bambi II axle

[PA BAMBI II]

Has anyone out there replaced the single axle on their Bambi II? Mine is original and in good shape, but I think I will need to replace all of the brake components on this trailer...it sat for 20 years...and I am just wondering if it would be cheaper in the long run to get a brand new axle with brand new brake parts or at least come out in a similar price range?

I am also worried about the "axle shearing" stories I have read as apparently 1964 axles had cast metal parts that can shear leaving your wheel flying down the roadway beside you...not under the trailer where it belongs.

If anyone has done a replacement, can you give me exact specs or the exact name of the axle you used?

[ZoomZoom]

Yes, several, the shearing you read about is due to the very small spindle used in the Bambi and Caravel Airstreams in the early 60's. Go with a 3500# axle with the original 10" brakes, you may find you have 4 lug wheels, not available in the 10" drum anymore (only 7.5" like tent trailer use today) so you may also need wheels, 5 on 4.5" is the norm. Sorry can't mention brands as I'm affiliated with one.
Greg

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by ZoomZoom

Yes, several, the shearing you read about is due to the very small spindle used in the Bambi and Caravel Airstreams in the early 60's. Go with a 3500# axle with the original 10" brakes, you may find you have 4 lug wheels, not available in the 10" drum anymore (only 7.5" like tent trailer use today) so you may also need wheels, 5 on 4.5" is the norm. Sorry can't mention brands as I'm affiliated with one.
Greg

Greg- feel free to send me a private message. Information is golden. Thanks! Ben

[Silverwanabe]

I purchased my axles from Inland RV last year and have had good results.

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by PA BAMBI II

Has anyone out there replaced the single axle on their Bambi II? Mine is original and in good shape, but I think I will need to replace all of the brake components on this trailer...it sat for 20 years...and I am just wondering if it would be cheaper in the long run to get a brand new axle with brand new brake parts or at least come out in a similar price range?

I am also worried about the "axle shearing" stories I have read as apparently 1964 axles had cast metal parts that can shear leaving your wheel flying down the roadway beside you...not under the trailer where it belongs.

If anyone has done a replacement, can you give me exact specs or the exact name of the axle you used?

I've done about a dozen axles this year on trailers from the 60's. Everyone of them had the rubber gone hard and had no give left. They were bouncing the trailers apart. I did a 64 Bambi 11 that bounced the door off of the wardrobe getting here. Just go for a short ride in the trailer if you want proof. The cost of a new axle installed is not much more then replacing the brakes and bearings and you get the peace of mind of knowing that the wheels won't fall off.
I'll PM you the details.

[Beaker63]

Pa Bambi
Just replaced the axle on our 63 Bambi. Ordered a Dexter 3500# it came with brakes and bearings. Also had shock mounts added. Total cost ( PU at dealer) was $530. It came with a 5 on 4.5 lug pattern. I bought new 13X4.5 wheels. The original wheels were 13 x 4.5 4 on 4 with a small spindle hole. I could not find these any where.
Tim

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by Beaker63

Pa Bambi
Just replaced the axle on our 63 Bambi. Ordered a Dexter 3500# it came with brakes and bearings. Also had shock mounts added. Total cost ( PU at dealer) was $530. It came with a 5 on 4.5 lug pattern. I bought new 13X4.5 wheels. The original wheels were 13 x 4.5 4 on 4 with a small spindle hole. I could not find these any where.
Tim

The 64 Bambi 11 came with 14"- 5 on 4.5 wheels as standard. The 63 Bambi that I have has 13" - 5 on 4.5 wheels. Who knows how many variations there are in between. They went a little bigger in 64 but they still have a small spindle that can break on a bad bump.