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Globie64 · 05-09-2011, 05:34 PM

So, the Globie is going in for a new axle (actually, to be sized for it) Thursday, it'll be ordered while we're on the east coast, and then installed in time for some fun in the trailer later in the summer. So, is there a preferred axle manufacturer for the Dura-torque type axle?

Cross another major system off the list of "I hope that doesn't fail anytime soon"

Lance M · 05-09-2011, 06:17 PM

Globie,
It all boils down to personal preference and price in my opinion. I'm sure that Axis, Dexter and Al-Ko Kober axles are of similar build quality. New Airstreams have Dexter axles installed. I have an axle thread that I put together. Good luck with your selection.

soldiermedic · 05-09-2011, 06:48 PM

Axles is a VERY touchy subject with MANY people on the forums. You will get a ton advice. From seeing Top's axles just 3 days ago, I think his is a good thread to go with.

Steve

DanielB · 05-09-2011, 07:27 PM

I went with Dexter because I like the TV show.

Globie64 · 12-10-2011, 02:32 PM

Okay, advice or not, I have a new axle. After a 130 mile drive home from the shop where the work was done, up the coast highway north of SF (twisty and steep) I couldn't be happier- no more bounce and shaking. We went with a Dexter axle with the same rating as the original and 6 lugs.

star kitty · 12-10-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Globie64

Okay, advice or not, I have a new axle. After a 130 mile drive home from the shop where the work was done, up the coast highway north of SF (twisty and steep) I couldn't be happier- no more bounce and shaking. We went with a Dexter axle with the same rating as the original and 6 lugs.

Mine is up at Luke's Maintenance and Repair in Fort Collins CO getting measured for my new axle. I didn't even ask him what kind I was gonna get! Didn't even think about it.

Anyway, I too am looking forward to her new legs. Did you notice a substantial difference? Was it worth the money and piece of mind?

Globie64 · 12-10-2011, 05:45 PM

I did notice a difference, not huge but definitely smoother. I drove home on a variety of roads, bouncy levee, interstate and cliffside two lane. The trailer is so small I forget it's back there- actually had a panic stop in open range land when a cow crossed in front me. Adam Blair at Avalon RV in Benicia did the work and we were able to tailor the axle to size and existing wheels. It actually brakes better than it did before. I had been looking online to see what people's experiences had been with different axle manufacturers. It's good to be specific since there are so many variables. P

**azflycaster** · 12-10-2011, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by star kitty

Mine is up at Luke's Maintenance and Repair in Fort Collins CO getting measured for my new axle. I didn't even ask him what kind I was gonna get! Didn't even think about it.

Anyway, I too am looking forward to her new legs. Did you notice a substantial difference? Was it worth the money and piece of mind?

Luke will most likely install Dexter axles as he has done on others. You made a good choice by going to Luke.

zlee · 12-10-2011, 06:03 PM

Oooh, good to know about a good mechanic in Colorado, have been vaguely wondering about that. Thanks!

star kitty · 12-10-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Luke will most likely install Dexter axles as he has done on others. You made a good choice by going to Luke.

Ya, I have heard he does excellent work. Very meticulous. Plus, I'm trying to do the "small business Christmas" thing this year and spend money at the local small business level.

Looking forward to her return.

idroba · 12-10-2011, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by star kitty

Mine is up at Luke's Maintenance and Repair in Fort Collins CO getting measured for my new axle. I didn't even ask him what kind I was gonna get! Didn't even think about it.

Luke will do a great job, probably a Dexter axle, or that is what he put in my 20' Argosy. I did the measurements at home, talked to him about it on the phone, brought it down and stayed in his driveway while he put it in. Great guy, great work, good price, and I am a very happy camper. I have since changed to 16" wheels with LT 225/75 R16 Goodrich tires, and the tow is great.

Dan and Liz · 12-11-2011, 09:44 AM

Luke did ours too -- ditto all the kudos above. But the new axles raised us about 3"so had to replace hitch as well. Not all that bad -- now I have a hitch we can adjust, and tailgate on TV clears the propane tank cover.

Antique Pedaler · 12-11-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by star kitty

Mine is up at Luke's Maintenance and Repair in Fort Collins CO getting measured for my new axle. I didn't even ask him what kind I was gonna get! Didn't even think about it.

Anyway, I too am looking forward to her new legs. Did you notice a substantial difference? Was it worth the money and piece of mind?

Luke replaced Bambi's a couple of months ago, including welding on shock brackets which didn't come on the axles for that year. Raised the trailer about 2 inches. Had an uneventful drive home...just what I wanted.

star kitty · 12-11-2011, 01:39 PM

Besides getting new drum brakes, it sounds like we replace the axle for trailer preservation. Doesn't sound like the upgrade changes how the TT feels behind our TV much.

Globie64 · 12-12-2011, 12:10 AM

Star Kitty, nice blog and nice trailer! I noticed an improvement in how the trailer towed, but I don't think our old axle was totally shot- I was not too springy and was causing rivets to shear from vibration, but I imagine it could be worse. The stories of wheels coming free made clinched it for me to decide to replace.

Eagleuh1 · 12-12-2011, 04:34 AM

How long are the axles supposed/ expected to last? What is the lifespan of the newer Dexter/ Dura Torque/... type axle? Any experience with newer axles failing after few years? Mine are needing replaced on my 68 Ambassador Int.

Globie64 · 12-16-2011, 07:07 PM

I imagine ours were the originals, 1964. There were years that it wasn't on the road, but I don't know if it's better to use it to keep the rubber functional, or if it's a matter of adding mileage, that if it's off the road it preserves it. As repairs go, it's not too bad so every 15 years for piece of mind? Compared to driving a Volvo or Audi, it's dirt cheap!

Eagleuh1 · 12-16-2011, 09:05 PM

Ordered new axles from Inland RV. Gotta pay alittle extra since I waited too long to check the old ones out and find they are resting nice and horizontal. It towed good coming from Tulsa to Arkansas when I bought it. While doing some clear coat stripping noticed some outriggers had rubbed through the aluminum siding. Also couple sheared rivets. So got down under it and looked at the axles. Horizontal as can be. Also got new shocks. Hopefully be here soon. Gotto have the trailer for Soon after new year.

Inland RV Center, In · 12-16-2011, 09:09 PM

All torsion axles use rubber rods.

Rubber must be exercised to stay alive.

The downfall of the rubber rods, is the quality of the rubber, lack of use, and overloading.

Normally, with reasonable frequent use, the rubber rods should hold up for 25 to 30 years.

There are many trailers that are 40 years old, and the rubber is still doing an acceptable job, simply because those owners bought the trailer to use, and use it very often. But, axles have been replaced on trailers that are only 4 years old, because they were not used at all.

Basically, the more the trailer is used, the longer the axles will last, as well as the less they are used, the shorter their life.

There is no magic formula, just a rule of thumb.

Andy

Eagleuh1 · 12-17-2011, 06:45 PM

Thanks Andy. I plan on using mine. Soon after I get the new axles put on. I travel a lot for my job, and plan to pull it with me everywhere. Rolled my last one on the way to a job in New Orleans in March. Bad Karma I guess. Jim.