1986 345 Tag Axle Replacement

[Docseuss]

Hello all,
I have read several places where Andy from Inland RV has stated that the tag axles for these motorhomes are no longer being manufactured nor are there any replacements out there.

Do we know if that is still the case? Does anyone know who manufactured these tag axles or have a part# for them?

My spindle needs to be replaced and the guy who came out to look at it said that with the amount of corrosion I have on my axle he would recommend a complete replacement as it would be about the same cost. Also for anyone looking for an incredibly honest and great axle guy in East Tennessee I highly recommend David from Axle Surgeons of TN. Spent 45 mins looking over my spindle and axle and didn't take a dime from me. Even provided me the number to Dexter axles and tried to locate a part# but they have been worn off.

I called AirStream to try and get either a replacement or at least a part# and all she could offer me was a number to MORRyde. I called them and left a message two days ago and still have not heard back from them.

My bearings have burnt out twice on the driver side. This time within 8 months of having them replaced and repacked. I would really love to find a new axle if a all possible.

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated,
Garry

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Docseuss

Hello all,
I have read several places where Andy from Inland RV has stated that the tag axles for these motorhomes are no longer being manufactured nor are there any replacements out there.

Do we know if that is still the case? Does anyone know who manufactured these tag axles or have a part# for them?

My spindle needs to be replaced and the guy who came out to look at it said that with the amount of corrosion I have on my axle he would recommend a complete replacement as it would be about the same cost. Also for anyone looking for an incredibly honest and great axle guy in East Tennessee I highly recommend David from Axle Surgeons of TN. Spent 45 mins looking over my spindle and axle and didn't take a dime from me. Even provided me the number to Dexter axles and tried to locate a part# but they have been worn off.

I called AirStream to try and get either a replacement or at least a part# and all she could offer me was a number to MORRyde. I called them and left a message two days ago and still have not heard back from them.

My bearings have burnt out twice on the driver side. This time within 8 months of having them replaced and repacked. I would really love to find a new axle if a all possible.

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated,
Garry

Garry.

The tag axles were made by Henschen, who unfortunately, is history.

But, tag axles are available.

All the torsion axle manufacturers will build them, but you must order at least 50 to begin.

But, there is another answer.

Andy.

[Hans 34.5]

Can you post a picture of the spindle.

[Isuzusweet]

Yes for many years it was getting very difficult getting parts for our Classic rigs; windshields and gaskets, weep hole covers, locks and other parts were out of stock or exceedingly rare. I as an example just bought a replacement NOS Keeler lock for the door for a huge amount of money..........but things are slowly changing.

Inland RV did at one time have the only remaining tag axle in stock in existence but now tag axles are being produced again to meet demand, so check with Andy again. Inland's parts list for the Classic is slowly getting bigger.

Vintage and Airstream supply both sell large and small weep hole covers (for big bucks), but at least you can get them.

Airstream supply sells windshields and other reproduction window gasket material that at one time was nonexistant. I don't know how many times I read " For God's sake DON'T throw it out or damage it" but I think now you can easily order any material that has to do with glass.

It's just knowing where to find the parts is the hard part.

Goodluck
Cheers
Tony

[jhagemann]

Thanks a lot for all the input. In case we go for the 345; does anyone know the cost of replacing the Tag Axle?

[Isuzusweet]

Andy at Inland RV had an axle supplier make up a batch of new tag axles to the AS specifications, so they bolt right in. With shipping you're looking at almost $5K, not including drums or installation.

Cheers
Tony

[PeterH-350LE]

The mounting brackets of these Tag axles are suspect and will get damaged severely when the rig is towed improperly (front end up).
I have seen the same identical damage on several tag axles. A complete failure while in motion would be a catastrophe.
No one ever mentions this weak point, axle failure is usually bearing or spindle or drum failure. I seriously doubt that this issues was addressed in the new batch of axles, but I don't know for sure.
The pictures show how I had my brackets welded to allow for removal if needed. I am sure there are other, maybe better ways to accomplish this task.

Check yours TODAY and have it welded if you find these cracks !!

[Cshhi247]

Hello, I have a 1985 325 Classic Motorhome. I had an issue and my motorhome had to be towed, and I suspect improper towing caused an issue with the tag axle. Here is the issue from my mechanic. I am not a super mechanic so tread lightly with a novice please.

-once the wheel was pulled off the race for wheel bearing passenger side furthest wheel back and one nut that goes on outisde with cotter pin was
loose and not tightened down and race wasn't replaced (worn out) wheel would wobble inward and rub against frame was locking up going down
the road and almost caused fire from friction on rubbing frame
had to pay $500 to have it tightened down and repaired, cut brake line because wheel kept locking up, still needs to have new race
WILL HAVE TO GO TO SUSPENSION SPECIALTY SHOP FOR LARGE VEHICLES - REAR INTERMEDIATE AXLE IS BENT AND INTERNAL PARTS
WORN, AIRBAGS WON'T ALLOW AIR TO BE PUT IN MANUALLY AND THERE IS NO ELECTRONIC COMPRESSOR FOR AIR BAGS

My question is, can anyone recommend a place to get parts or repairs done? Motorhome is in San Diego, CA. Is it possible to scrap the tag axle and replace it with something more updated?

Your help would be much appreciated. Chris

[Smartstream]

Sorry for your problems. Check out https://www.airforums.com/forums/f31...-183003-4.html starting at post #63. I built an air ride system to replace the tag axle.

This is the diagram for your air spring system.

345 air ride diagram.pdf

The drive axle is a Dana HD 70, pretty common and repairable. The air spring set up is made by American Carrier Equipment. They are still in business and have parts.





If the bearing race is bad and has not damaged the spindle, it should be a simple repair. Any competent truck shop should be able to handle it. If the hub/drum is damaged that is another issue.

Any questions feel free to ask. Good luck