Best options for replacement axles these days?

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by BoyJeenyus

Quick question: any reason not to just pull the front wheels up onto a ramp to unweight the back axle, replace the back axle, then repeat with the front one? Or is it necessary for some reason to jack the entire trailer up and do them both at once? The one-at-a-time option seems simpler as I imagine this replacement.

10Smiles, I did ship to a commercial address, but without a bay or anything. I have very easy access to one. I'm not sure what the shipping would have been to a private one.

The only reason I can think of is the alignment process. I triangulated each axle to the center point of the coupler socket, and then made sure that the axles were perfectly parallel to each other as well. It took quite a bit of back and forth to get everything within 1/16".

With one axle double loaded and the other unloaded I'd be concerned that the measurements were not accurate.

[Fungus]

Before dropping either axle I marked the position of the old axles. I didn’t know enough at the time to check the original alignment. I simply copied the position of the previous installation. SFSG AFAIK. But only about 12k miles since the lift installation.

[Dspchef]

I replaced both axles on my 76 Excella 500 2 years ago. I ordered mine through High Sky RV Parts and had a great experience using them. I know they have gotten a bad rep previously. Anyway, I just gave them the model of the trailer and they took care of everything else. Our unit had the old disc brakes that were no longer usable, and I ordered the EZ Lube axles with 12" electric brakes. I also ordered a lift kit. Axles took about 6 weeks to be delivered to the closest Redneck Trailer Supply dealer that was in Lincolnton, NC. Just a 3 hour drive for me. Here is my YouTube video on my axles and install.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyyKNMGpt5M

Enjoy!

[BoyJeenyus]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I replaced my old axles with the new ones today. It took 6ish hours--only had a helper for an hour or so of it, so it was slow going. As many here have reported, I did need to drill out the rear most lower hole on the new mounting brackets, as they didn't align with the old ones. All the others lined-up great. I also swapped out for some new Monroe shocks, as my old ones were shot.

I haven't had a chance to drive it yet, but I'm sure it'll be great. I did order a modest increase in weight rating for each axle, and went to a 32 degree angle. My old axles were shot enough that the arms rested at close to a 20 degree up angle! Sitting on these new ones, my trailer is at least 3" higher overall, which I'm very happy with--actually need the second step on my front door for the first time . I was completely satisfied with my experience ordering from Colin Hyde, and looking forward to many more years in my '86 32' excella.
Roll on!
Stephen

[BoyJeenyus]

last note: installing the new shocks worked fine with the old shock mounts--even with the 32 degree down angle--BUT it seemed like it wouldn't work while the axles were off the ground. Until I got the weight of the airstream back on the wheels, the arm interfered with the shock as it tried to hit the original shock post mount on the frame. Once the trailer weight was back on the wheels, it lines up with plenty of room to spare.
Stephen

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by Hittenstiehl

The serial number on the trailer not the axles.

Serial number is on the rear center of dexter axles stamped

[Redbarron55]

Take a picture of the embossed information on the crossmember and keep the paperwork that came with the order etc in your paperwork..
I also bought a set of axles from Colin Hyde and have been very satisfied with the service and price.
I have a post on changing axles on my 1985 25' Sovereign.
I bought #11 axles with 32* down as suggested by Colin.
The shocks are a little short with no weight on the camper and it looks like there is not a lot of space to change them out after the axle is in place.
Also there is not a lot of space to open up the hole for the rear bolt on the front axle on my trailer as the inside has the fresh water tank right inboard and the trailing arm on the outside.
I have bought a micro angle grinder and burr to peon it up (if that will fit in there! I could use the torch to cut out the needed space, but I hate to do burning on the new axle.

[richard5933]

Suggestion for when you get the new axles...

Get good photos of the stickers on the new axles with all the Dexter numbers. Then call Dexter and get a full parts list of things you might need later on. They have all the information about your axles on file, and if you call them with the axles SN they will supply you with part numbers for bearings, seals, etc. specific to your axle.