Just bought my Airstream... in the Dark

[submariner]

Yep, you heard right..
here is what i did :
- talked to the seller on the phone
- had two exterior pictures,
- agreed on a "good" price
- drove 400mls, and met the seller at night.
- checked out the trailer with a flashlight (my wife did)
- paid , hooked up and pulled to the motel..

so.. here is what i got :
1974 31 Sovereign international , center bedroom with foldout couch , rear bath.

she has clean interior with just a couple of the sliding cabinet doors broke..
the outside has been refinished at some point, so it looks fairly good.

Next morning i check my hitch set-up for the equalizer hitch.. trailer height measured at 15 inches ??
didn't think anything about it, changed my trailer hitch and went to the tire place to get 4 new tires, which i knew it needed it.

now, here the problem.. when they lifted the trailer on one side, both of the tires came of the ground immediately..
both axles are frozen in the upper position...

so..
HELP : where do i get some replacements from ? i need it inexpensive... any suggestions or any Advice ???


in the meantime, here a couple pics i just took

[Melody Ranch]

You probabley expected a replacement anyway...and some brake work too. Well get with these folks and get axle assemblies and brakes....the whole shooting match at one time. Not that bad a price either, considering. Some of your local trailer sale places....not RV sales places.....might be able to get the assemblies there cheap on freight....maybe even give a deal on installation if you need it. I have used their assemblies and like 'em.
Trailer Torsion Axles

[tphan]

Click on "Forums" and look for the Forum on axles, then start reading. There's tons of info on axle replacements, with a few different brands mentioned, how to measure for them, etc. Or you can just take your trailer to an axle dealer/installer and have it done. It's going to be between $800 and $2k or so, depending on where/how/what brand of axle. Not the end of the world, just read up on it first so you know what's what. Good luck!

[larry b]

congrats on the new purchase, I need new axels also and plan on purchasing this spring. I have heard good reviews on Axis and they are at lower cost than the others. If you contact them they will fax you a sheet with what dimension to take just for Airstreams. Good luck hope this helps Axis Products Main

Larry B

[submariner]

thanks for all the info..
i kinda expected, the axles are bad.. they are original.. now the question: Axis and also Trailer Torsion Axles..are they available as direct replacement/ bolt on ?

will my tires/ rims still fit ?


how do they compare in price ? Axis does not show any prices

thanks

[Silverwanabe]

Hi,

In my opinion, the easiest solution is to order axles from Inland RV and install them yourself.

They are direct bolt on replacements.
You can keep the 15" wheels.

I did this on mine 67 last summer.

[larry b]

Tires and rims will still fit, and they will bolt right in if you measure right. Have them fax you the sheet and you will see what measurements are needed. Over the phone they quoted me roughly 750-800 bucks for two axles, including new brakes and drums.
"drum to drum"
Since I live a couple hours away I plan on picking my up to save shipping cost.

Larry B

[submariner]

thats not a bad price..

what about shock mounts on any replacement ? also do they have the endstops ?

thanks

[AIR-Quarius]

Sounds like a magic moment- retrieving it home in the dark!

[HiHoAgRV]

Hello from a feller Mississipian!

We went thru the axle stuff a couple o years ago

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...les-39688.html

Holler if I can help!

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by submariner

thats not a bad price..

what about shock mounts on any replacement ? also do they have the endstops ?

thanks

It depends. Also, opinions vary as to the necessity of reinstalling the shocks.

I would second the advice to call Andy at Inland RV and explain your situation and goals. He will treat you right.

You probably should be thinking in terms of loaded axles with new brakes, and new brake drums, and new shocks. It is an expected repair on a 1974 unless it has already been done. The axles last around 20 years.

[submariner]

Thanks for all the Info.

i just wish , i would not have to do this repair at this time, but i guess it will be worth it.
until i purchase some axles , i have to do some much needed TLC inside the camper..
especially rebuilding some of those sliding doors.

[Dave Park]

If it's a budget issue right now, and you plan to do some restoration work on the trailer before using it, why not defer the axles until right before you need to use it. That way you'll have fresh axles and brakes that haven't sat idle for several months or all winter.