Axle sources

[Bobkatbry]

Where are you guys getting axles from? Do they come with brakes? I need a pair on my 76 trade wind. The torsion bars are all at the zero angle. Looking under the AS shows a couple of bolts that hold everything together. I have jacks and Jack stands. Looks like an easy job. Is there a link? I'm in Louisiana. Maybe someone sells them nearby?

[Hittenstiehl]

For starters, Andy at Inland RV in Corona CA, Colin Hyde in Plattsburgh NY are two of the go to guys for axels and others will chime in with more.

Lots of threads here on axels.

Type into your regular internet browser any version of these:

Airforums new axles
Airforums installing new axels
Airforums axels for Airstream

You'll find lots of good info.

[DDOK]

I need to replace mine as well. I Just called Inland RV today and got a quote for my 1975 Argosy 26'. Here's the link to their site:

Inland RV Center Inc.

The Argosy has 2 Axles. Inland is running a special right now, and I think it will save me something like $150 for the pair if I order while they are on sale. The quote I got for 2 axles complete with brakes, hubs, centrimatics, axle hardware and shocks was $1640. I can have them shipped to a commercial address here in Tulsa for an additional $200.

I also sent Colin and email, and left him a voicemail today to see what they would run if I got them from him:

https://sites.google.com/a/colinhyde...ions.com/home/

[AWCHIEF]

Colin Hyde can supply you with proper axles. His come with the shock mounts already welded on unlike other suppliers.

https://sites.google.com/a/colinhyde...ions.com/home/

[rugjenkins]

DDOK what was the quote from Colin Hyde? I'm looking to replace mine too.

[SonOfAnder]

Rugjenkins... I just ordered mine from him. Two axles with the brackets already welded on, and he was really easy a thorough to work with. Took a bunch of pictures to make sure they were the right mounts and everything. Highly recommend him. Price was better in my opinion since I don't have to weld anything. Just email him. He'll get back to you With an exact quote pretty quickly! colinhydeairstream@gmail.com

[rugjenkins]

Thanks

[DDOK]

I need to call Colin this week. I wanted to get all the floor out, and make sure the Frame wasn't a complete mess before I ordered Axles. I've done that, and while the frame will need some minor welding (lots of rust under the leaky front water tank), 80% of the Frame is in 'good' to 'very good' condition. Hopefully this isn't poor form for me to share, but here is the reply Colin sent me in December for my 1975 Airstream Argosy 26:


Hi Dave,
Your axles will cost $495 each + $180 shipping to a commercial address in 74106 zip. The total will be $1170. The axles will come completely assembled & include 10" brakes, powder coated axle tubes, "safety lube" spindles (allows you to grease the bearings without removing the wheels), shock brackets welded in place, mounting bolts, lug nuts & an owners manual. They will also be equipped with "Henschen" type brackets, so no drilling, cutting or welding should be necessary. Lead time for the build should be 3-4 weeks & shipping should take several days. ... If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

[Bobkatbry]

I emailed Colin a week ago. No response.

[Hittenstiehl]

Bob that's pretty normal. I emailed, left VM and pm'd on forum. Email work best in the end.

He is family man, camps, runs a business, doesn't have office help (though some here have volunteered)and takes a lot of questions from forum members.

[Slats]

Originally Posted by DDOK

I need to replace mine as well. I Just called Inland RV today and got a quote for my 1975 Argosy 26'. Here's the link to their site:

Inland RV Center Inc.

The Argosy has 2 Axles. Inland is running a special right now, and I think it will save me something like $150 for the pair if I order while they are on sale. The quote I got for 2 axles complete with brakes, hubs, centrimatics, axle hardware and shocks was $1640. I can have them shipped to a commercial address here in Tulsa for an additional $200.

I also sent Colin and email, and left him a voicemail today to see what they would run if I got them from him:

https://sites.google.com/a/colinhyde...ions.com/home/

You might want to visit a Dexter dealers closer to home. There are a bunch in Oklahoma - http://www.dexteraxle.com/oklahoma

Not only will you save a ton of money on shipping charges, but you can take your old axle and bracket to the dealer and they will be able to custom order what you need based on what you have.

I found this out the hard way, by going to a dealer only after I got my axles to have them installed (they did not match up with any of the mounting holes in the frame plate; also one of them had a shock bracket that had been improperly welded on at an angle). The guy I spoke with there told me that if I had brought in my old axles he could have ordered new ones to bolt right on.

[DDOK]

I got mine from Colin Hyde a few months back. I had them shipped to a commercial address, so shipping wasn't that bad.

The axles were exactly as promised, and cheaper than Inland RV. I've driven them almost 5000 miles on my Argosy 26 over the last 2 months all over the west with no issues.

Colin is super knowledgeable, friendly, and delivered as promised... but he is absolutely terrible about returning calls/emails in a timely fashion. Seriously, I'd typically have to email/call him 5-6 times over 3-4 days before I'd get a response.

That being said, He seems like a good guy, was true to his word, and his podcasts are fantastic and full of useful info. I'd use him for axles again (but please shoot me if I ever decide to restore another airstream).

I think Colin just needs an administrative assistant or answering service or something....

DD