Axle Upgrade?

[pond]

Hi mad post vaccine travel planners! Sorry to interrupt.

I need to replace the axles on my 1997 25' Safari, VIN# 1STGPYJ27VJ511488.
the tags on the axles are so worn I can't get any numbers except: 2800 lbs and 24598. Are they Dexter axles?

The question is, it possible, or even a good idea, to raise the axle strength to 3500 lbs. each axle. I've already added 15" rims from 14" that have 5 lugs. The reason was the extra lift for clearance.

Or

Just replace with the same 2800 lb axles and the new stiffer axle will raise it up enough for those forest roads?

I am not doing this work myself.

Thanks for any input,

Mike

[LNBright]

They are (well, should be) Dexter axles.

Changing the weight rating of the axle shouldn't change the height.

Changing the tires from 14" to 15" actually doesn't gain much height either.

There are Dexter axle lift kits, would give you approximately 3" of additional ground clearance. I had such added to mine. Recommended.

[BayouBiker]

Lift and brand has been covered. Axle rating should be matched (within 10%) to actual load for best suspension and brake performance. You will see manufacturers and individuals specify axles with higher loads (12-25% over) for longer service life. On some trailers higher GAWR will increase trailer carrying capacity but you will need confirmation of frame and skin strength to know for sure.

[stevejones]

We installed a Dexter lift kit and upgraded our axles. In our case, we had to upgrade the axles to a higher capacity because our gross weight increased due to custom work we had done to the trailer. Also, some feel Airstream built the current model Globetrotters with too light of an axle and Globetrotter owners don't have enough cargo weight allowance to begin with.

We feel after both mods that the trailer actually tows better and I don't have to ever worry about being overweight or bottoming out.

Steve

[ROBERT CROSS]

Call Dexter, I believe they still offer build options to vary the down angle of the spindle arm.
A 3k axle upgrade would be well worth the $$$, if only for the added POM.👍

Bob
👍

[Action]

The original axle used by Airstream was built by GKN Henschen. A company that started in 1961 and by the time they closed was wholly owned by Airstream. And was in a building right next to Airstream. However some where in 2009 GLN Henschen closed.

Since then Airstream obtains their axles from Dexter.

So a 1997 Airstream with original axles, had axles manufactured by GKN Henschen

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f43...ing-59074.html

I would agree with one of the posts above to increase the weight rating by 10% or so. If you are looking for greater ground clearance a greater down angle might be considered as well. Dexter will make these axles for you. However for Dexter (which makes thousands of rubber torsion axles) it will be a custom one off axle. Make sure all of the specs are correct as there are no returns.

Action

[DaveP]

You can now buy axles from Dexter with a 3" lift built into them (no lift kit). I did it in September 2020. I also had Henschen axles. See my post https://www.airforums.com/forums/f43...ic-215364.html. Let me know if you have questions.

[pond]

Dynamite info everybody, thanks.

The pics of the install explained a lot, especially where to measure between the brackets. Those axles sitting on that skid looked challenging! Nice pics Dave.

Mike

[CBWELL]

When I replaced the axles on my 34', I replaced the old #2800 with
#3500 at the recomendation of Andy at Inland RV. They were the Henchen and were replaced with Dexter. If it was my trailer, I would definatley go with the #3500, and increase the down angle to 35 degrees. JMHO from experience!

[DaveP]

Originally Posted by pond

Dynamite info everybody, thanks.

The pics of the install explained a lot, especially where to measure between the brackets. Those axles sitting on that skid looked challenging! Nice pics Dave.

Mike

Thanks, Mike. Good luck with your upgrade.