1984 sovereign

[chermail]

Need to replace rear axle due to spindle damage. Was told by sales person that the Axles had to be placed in pairs due to the fact the new ones would be replacement parts.
Any knowledge of this?
Have no problems with the front axle is this necessary?

[Action]

Originally Posted by chermail

.......the Axles had to be placed in pairs due to the fact the new ones would be replacement parts.
Any knowledge of this?

I am not sure I understand the statement the new ones would be replacement parts? What else would be installed besides a replacement axle?

Replacing the rear only will provide more spring in the rear. Since the axles contain springs. This may cause the front end to be lower or dropped. It won;t cause a tire issue however it may negatively impact handling. OR add more weight to the TV.

I am not sure I buy the replace axles in pairs thought process. I would prefer to have more information.
How does the trailer sit now?
How are the axle arms positioned relative to the ground?
(Are they horizontal, pointed up or pointed down)

The axles are 34 years old. Depending on use they may need to be replaced anyway. BTW more use is better for axles. Less use is damaging to axles.

>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[chermail]

Thank you.
I was told since new axle are replacing the original axle they they should be replaced in sets due to slight change in the angle. They are horizontal. I have not had any other axle problems, the spindle getting damaged was from the P.O. so I don’t know the exact circumstance. I replaced the bearings upon purchase about 6 years ago and had a close call when the baring and break was shredded during a long trip. (Lucky on that one) The trailer sits level now,
It was stored for many years by the P.O.
I appreciate your insight just sounded a little funny. When I called to question the sales person they said they would sell only one if that’s what I wanted, but I don’t want to damage anything else. I was told there would be about an inch difference in the level of the axle if I just replaced one, due to the difference in the angles.
Please let me know if this sounds like a valid point or a way to make a higher sale.
Thank you so much

[Action]

Again, damage to the new axle or anything else including the trailer ..... not likely.

However it may handle weird or tow different. The most extreme would be trailer swaying at higher speeds. This is because the situation would be the same as if the tongue height were not correct. The weight of the trailer would be moved forward of the center of the trailer.

And you could install a new front axle after driving the combination. There isn't any labor saved by doing both axles at the same time versus one at a time. The axles are independent of each other or nearly so. The cost to wait and do the front later with the rear being done now versus both the same at the same time should be the same. If not I would find a different shop. OR I would do the job my self. It isn't a technical job. It is an awkward heavy job. Frankly typically the most difficult part ..... getting the old bolts loose.

Again the biggest issue with one axle replacement is going to be trailer control when towing. You might be able to mitigate by raising hitch height or sway bars or ??? There just isn't going to be damage.

Another thing you can do if you take that solution of single axle replacement, have the ready to tow (meaning fully loaded) trailer run across the scales. Ideally you would want a weight measure by individual tire/wheel. And look for front to back loading differences. If real excessive then go back and get the other axle replaced.

Don't let the shop push you around if they want a disclaimer signed. They are still liable for correct installation.

Has the shop stated specifically what would occur if only one axle is replaced? The shop sales person may not even understand what is going on and is just reporting whet he heard.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[HiHoAgRV]

The only issue I see is if the replacement axle has a different than stock down angle. Just confirm that they don't sell you an increased down angle for additional clearance. The stock is 22 degrees if I recall correctly.

[chermail]

Thank you so much, I am actually doing the job myself, the sales person is from the company that I have ordered the axles from, Inland Rv. So this is material only.That is a wise idea to try one then do the other since I have to physically replace one at a time, will check on their shipping charges for one vs two.
Your have been a big help.

[chermail]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

The only issue I see is if the replacement axle has a different than stock down angle. Just confirm that they don't sell you an increased down angle for additional clearance. The stock is 22 degrees if I recall correctly.

Thank you, I will double check

[rmkrum]

Keep in mind that if these axles are the same age, the rubber will be somewhat if not totally stiff in the old axles. The new ones will be more springy and compliant. If they are originals, they are probably well past due for replacing.

IMHO, it's false economy to replace one axle at a time, unless you plan to not tow the AS before the second, hopefully identical axle is replaced. The difference in spring rate and compliance in the remaining old axle is liable to beat on the trailer more by itself than two fresh axles...

[Tim A.]

By "replacement" axles, they may well mean that the new axles are made by Dexter and not Henschen like the original axles.


The bolt holes (for mounting the axles) are usually a little wider spaced on the Dexter axles than on the Henschens. Here is a video showing what one person did while changing his axles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlyakI0o-P8

.


I just changed the single axle on our 2002 19' Bambi, with a new Dexter axle replacing the original Henschen axle. I did need to widen one bolt hole in the frame on each side. No other alterations were necessary.


Tim