1990s Dura Torque Axles

[Lumatic]

Hi,
I have a new to me 93 34 footer triple axle which means the axles are 23 years old. For now they "look" ok. The trailer sits high and there is plenty of tire showing between the rims and the wheel wells. I only have made one short tow. so I am not aware of any axle problems. I know from experience 70s Henshens were prone to the rubber rods hardening. How may owners of 90s Airstreams still have the original axles, or found it necessary to replace them?

Thanks,
Marshall

[wayne.yl]

I too have a triple axle AS, it's a 1992. However I fear the axles our worn out on my trailer.
My reasons for thinking this are:
She sets pretty low and the arms no longer have a down angle.
When pulling over an uneven surface,
the axles should flex up and down thus keeping the tires in contact with the ground, however my axles have seemingly lost their flex. On uneven surfaces the tires are not all in contact with the pavement.
I'm planning on replacing the axles this summer if I can find a dealer who supplies them.

[Lumatic]

I am going to take my 34 to the International which is only a couple of hundred miles away, and will be paying close attention to the axles performance. Last time I checked with Inland RV the axles were on sale at a pretty good price.

The key questions seem to be 1. Were 90s axles built any better than their predecessors? and 2. Will having 3 axles instead of 2 in any way help the axles last longer? (which I have absolutely no factual reason to assume)

[Action]

1) NO
2) May be. Triples support less weight per axle than a single. However it isn't weight that shortens axle life.

With that said the best thing for a torsion axle is to be used in towing. Keeping the rubber rods inside the axle assembly in use goes to extendig life. Overloading will damage them and I would guess you are not over loaded. Again it is easier to over load a single axle trailer than it is to overload a triple.

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

[stevkenn]

I have a '93 34' and am wondering the same thing. After a 24 mi trip to town, I discovered some open drawers and cabinets. I think I got the message. Good luck with yours.

[sandlapper]

I also have a '93 34' with original axles. I am satisfied they are in good condition based on the amount of tire showing, the ride, and the angle of the arms. I also believe extended axle life is another benefit of the triples.

As for how many drawers come open during a trip, much of that depends on actual road conditions...generally very poor, and condition of the 23 year old latches.....generally very worn.

[Aviator]

We have a 1997 34'. I found it necessary to replace my axles. That said, my trailer also sat for several years of its life, and this is what I believe caused the premature hardening of the suspension. Had the trailer been out on the road regularly, I am sure I would still be running no the originals.

[CBWELL]

Replaced mine last fall after having the front wheel on the curb side snap off when backing into a campsite. I can't believe the difference with the new axles. No drawers or doors open after travelling on the same roads as before. Trailer sits about 3" higher now.
Got #4000 axles from Inland RV. Best money I have spent on the trailer!! Chris

[texascanuk]

If you could find a parking lot with speed bumps that might help evaluate the effectiveness of the axle. Here's what my '91 with original axles does over speed bumps: as each axle hits the bump it raises the trailer. I'd rather have each axle absorb the bump so that the trailer doesn't thump over the bump. How do new axles handle a bump like that? Also, What angle of axles are most commonly used, I was thinking of 22 degree for mine.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by texascanuk

as each axle hits the bump it raises the trailer. I'd rather have each axle absorb the bump so that the trailer doesn't thump over the bump. How do new axles handle a bump like that? Also, What angle of axles are most commonly used, I was thinking of 22 degree for mine.

When a wheel goes over the speed bump and the trailer raises, do the other wheels also raise or take the bump independently? What I am saying is I would expect the trailer to raise a bit, but the other wheels to act independently. I think 22 degrees down angle sounds about right. But, I don't consider myself an axle expert.