Argosy Axles.

[ArgosyJeff]

New member here. Great forum. Been lurking for about a year.
We (spouse and I) are getting ready to start a Full Monty frame off restoration of a Argosy 24’ rear door travel trailer that we bought a year ago. Excited to finally get started. Although I haven’t tested them as of yet, I’m assuming the axles will need replacement as it appears to sit a little low with the lever arms nearly horizontal. The current axles are Henschen 2600 lb capacity. Since they are no longer in business, it appears the Dexter torq flex are the replacements to use. As such, after reviewing the Dexter order form, a couple questions come mind;
1. What/where is the best business to order from?
2. Since current axles are 2600#, do I now use 3500# as a replacement?
3. What is the appropriate starting angle? Is it 10 or 22.5 degree down angle?
I have attached a few pics of the label plate from the axle.
Thanks in advance for any insight.

[TG Twinkie]

3500# axles are too stiff for your coach. IMHO
22.5 is the most common replacement. Unless you want to raise the coach higher.
I bought mine from Inland RV. But that was 9 years ago.
They have changed ownership since then.
You are closer to Colin Hyde who has a good reputation.
The axles would be the last thing to replace if your coach will be sitting for a long duration during the upgrades.
Axles age just sitting. So why reduce the longevity by buying early?

[ArgosyJeff]

Thanks TG Twinkie. I understand the stiffness concern of the 3500# axles, however I believe there are no other options between 2000# and 3500#. Is that correct? I’m confident 2000# would provide insufficient capacity.

[TG Twinkie]

I will check mine. But I believe they are 3200# axles.
Not sure you can get them today.
My Argosy is 26'. So a little heavier than yours.

[ArgosyJeff]

Originally Posted by TG Twinkie

I will check mine. But I believe they are 3200# axles.
Not sure you can get them today.
My Argosy is 26'. So a little heavier than yours.

Thanks for the info.

[V30crewcab]

I ordered 3500 lb axles derated to 2800. they custom build them so they put the correct rubber in them for whatever weight you order them. mine were originally 2600 and the guy I talked to said 200 more would't make much difference.
22.5 is the stock setting. also you can get the brackets welded on for shocks using E-1492 SHOCK MOUNT OPTION.
My axles haven't shown up yet so not sure I can recomend where I ordered mine. they were supposed to ship last monday and still haven't heard anything yet.

[ArgosyJeff]

Thanks V30. Was not aware of the option of derating the weight rating. That’s exactly what I need. If you don’t mind, let me know where you got yours from when they arrive and could you pm me your cost as I haven’t priced them out yet?

[Buickman]

Same here V30, I'm filling out a rfq to Dexter Parts On Line for axles for my Argosy and would appreciate any info you can share. I will be checking to see if I can pick them up in Greenville SC or possibly the Dexter plant in Monticello GA as both are relatively close to me. Is that an option, do you know.

[ScottandMoni]

Hi fellow Argosy owners. We are in the process of restoring a -988 29’ for full timing starting in July. We are currently researching axles as ours are original so our plan is to replace. We have talked to Demtri at Silver Trailer Supply who was very helpful but reading many posts (some 4 years old some less than 1 year) here on the forum and thinking its not a great place to order axles from??

We are in Santa Cruz, Ca and have a 29’ 1988 Argosy which has the original axles on it. We are replacing and were planning on ordering from Silver Trailet Supply but certainly rethinking and hoping for suggestions. This is a great thread and will be checking back for other info you all are discussing.

[overlander63]

Give Colin Hyde a call. Have your trailer's VIN, and he can order the axles for you.
Be aware it may take "a while" to get them. Our shop ordered a pair of axles from Dexter for an SOB a month ago, and we're still waiting.

[ArgosyJeff]

Originally Posted by ScottandMoni

Hi fellow Argosy owners. We are in the process of restoring a -988 29’ for full timing starting in July. We are currently researching axles as ours are original so our plan is to replace. We have talked to Demtri at Silver Trailer Supply who was very helpful but reading many posts (some 4 years old some less than 1 year) here on the forum and thinking its not a great place to order axles from??

We are in Santa Cruz, Ca and have a 29’ 1988 Argosy which has the original axles on it. We are replacing and were planning on ordering from Silver Trailet Supply but certainly rethinking and hoping for suggestions. This is a great thread and will be checking back for other info you all are discussing.

I've decided to order directly from Dexter. As a matter of fact, I'm ordering today. The fact that the axles can be built to any weight in 100lb increments was key. My current 42 yo axles are 2600 lb. Replacing with 2800 lb as I'm adding some weight 75-100 lbs to the frame during my frame off as well as a few additional pounds inside. Starting sub-floor install today. Yay.

[ScottandMoni]

Has anyone ever ordered from E-Trailer? We've heard from a friend that their customer service is excellent. So curious about any feedback ~ Thanks in advance.

[ArgosyJeff]

I’ve ordered several items from Etrailer over the years. Been very pleased with them.

[ScottandMoni]

Thanks Argosy Jeff!! Interestingly enough they do not have the axle (at least not listed on line) that we need. Am going to call them tomorrow. Thanks so much for the help and support.