Axle Specs 1961 Overlander

[rockhoundj45]

ok, I am sure this info can be found somewhere here in the forum, but I just can't quite put my finger on it...I would like to know what the axle specs are for my 1961 California Overlander (26') My brother-in-law has the trailer at his machine shop and is making measurements for the axles. He called me today and asked about the weight rating to get a quote from dexter. I told him that I thought we should upgrade to 3500 lb. axles with a 32.5 degree down start angle. However now I am thinking that 3000 lb. axles would be appropriate. Would the 3500 lb axles be too stiff for my trailer? I also am interested in 12'' brakes. Could someone offer any advice on this matter? Thanks very much in advance!

[Del Gurney]

Hi and good luck on your trailer restoration:
I am in the early stage of a '65 26' Overlander refit.
Your axels look just like my old ones which were rated
(by the plaque on each axel) for 2,800 lb. I just received
new axels from a small local Dexter dealer and from some
advise from some folks here I went with 3,200 rated axels
with (as you mentioned 32.5 degree down angle). I had to
order new shock mounts and the machine
shop is making new plates to weld to the torsion axels...I maybe
should have gone to Inland RV and had this done for me but I did
the math and figured I could do it "in shop'...so far so good except
I got bottom mount axels instead of horizontal mount ones so I
re designed every thing, new metal pcs. and I start welding this
week with a 3" lift....not possible with horizontals so I turned lemons
in to lemonade.
The most important thing I've learned is that one should consider two
things when it comes to old trailers and refits and that is to consider
what weights (and where they are placed) will effect the axels and chassis.
Balance is very important but so is the total load you are thinking about
putting on the drive train.
For me I ordered heavier axels, steel wheels and rebuilding the chassis
a little stronger. Then I am putting a very light weight interior in but
adding more fresh water tankage and weight in storage compartments
under the floor and keeping the center of gravity lower.
Del

[Action]

Knowing the maximum towed load would be a better question before ordering an axle.

Is the trailer totally original?
What does it weigh now?

The original DRY weight was 3750 #s. Propane, water tanks and your gear will drive this up. Not to mention any modifications that you or previous owners made. Then you want a added margin as well.


This will help some.
http://www.airstream.com/wp-content/...me-Weights.pdf

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