I am the new owner of a 1990 29' Excella that is in 'project' condition. I am literally starting at the ground up with axles as the first thing I want to do to enable safe towing to the rehab site about 60 miles away.
This is a tandem axle with original Henschen 3200# axles. They have adopted a set from lack of use and have a slightly upward start angle. As far as I can tell the shocks are also original. It's time for them to get replaced. Wheels are also original 15" steel with 4" center bore and new(er) GY Endurance with 2017 date stamp.
I've read a lot of threads about (relatively) easy bolt-in-with Dexter axles but have not seen a detailed-with-pics DIY/how-to. A concern is that there seems to be a requirement to notch the OEM Airstream frame bolt hole to align with a Dexter stock bracket, as long as you get the most appropriate bracket to start with.
Problems: a 3500# #10 axle seems to be the best load match, but a #11 bracket seems to be the best fit, using the Dexter applications guide. This thread was quite useful and the measurements to my brackets are close.
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f43...ck-174814.html
Comparing the #10 bracket to the #11, a #11 seems the way to go and keeps the center of the wheel close to spec. Can/should I order a downrated #11 since the guide shows 4100 as the floor, or is 3500 rating available on a #11 as noted elsewhere?
On my Excella, dimension E is 11", C is 9 5/16", J is 2", and B is 3 1/4", all using steel ruler, tape measure and/or caliper so there's some eyeball error there.
The data for the #10 bracket would move the wheel forward. It's like AS used a #10 tube (~2.62 square) in a #11 bracket (11" long, ~9.5 on center for bolts & ).
Opinions on axle and/or source? Dexter direct, local retailer, AS-specialty retailer? Reading some reviews and watching videos, it seems even the specialty retailers can require drilling or notching.
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