Dexter or Henschen

[binkers]

I've read posts from people who've purchased and installed both brands of torsion axles (Henschen & Dexter). I understand that Henschen are a simple install, and Dexters require a bit of work. Everyone seems to be happy with the end result. There seems to be a significant price difference between the two...why should I use one over the other? I am looking at replacing all three axles on a 1993 34' excella, and I'd like to do the most economical thing. Thanks in advance.

[soldiermedic]

I don't know about ease of install, but I just towed my new 29' Ambassador yesterday with new Henschen axles at 75 MPH with disc brakes and had NO ISSUES at all.

Steve

[HiHoAgRV]

I expect my new Dexters to be delivered next week and I will do a no-holds barred posting of the entire process, costs included.

[Andrew T]

I have never seen a 34' that needed an Axle Replacement even units with very high mileage on them. Are you sure the original axles are that worn out? On a 34' there is so little weight per wheel that the axles tend to last a long time.

What is your ball height when the trailer is level?

Andrew

[binkers]

I'd like to know how you made the decision to buy Dexter?

[binkers]

Andrew: I'm just buying the thing. All I know is that the trailer is parked, and the orientation of the axles is positive...according to forum members, this is indicative of axles that are finished, as they should have a negative orientation.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

I expect my new Dexters to be delivered next week and I will do a no-holds barred posting of the entire process, costs included.

In fairness to others, please include the time "you" have spent on the phone in it's entirety, from begining to end, that it took to order the Dexters, and how many phone calls it took, as well.

To order Henschen, it takes less than 5 minutes, which includes you name, address, phone number, credit card number, and the trailer serial number.

Also, after the fact, how lonbg did it take, total man hours, to install the Dexters.

How long is Dexters warranty.

We will share with you, that at this point, that dozens of Dexter axles have gone bad on 2000 and newer Airstreams.

Andy

[crispyboy]

Time to start making popcorn!!!

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by binkers

I am looking at replacing all three axles on a 1993 34' excella, and I'd like to do the most economical thing. Thanks in advance.

-are u planning to add new brakes too?

-gonna go with disc brakes?

-do u plan to use the original rims?

i like the henschens/kodiaks that came on my unit,

and they DO work with the original alcoa rims...

i think the dexter axle/brake combo is fine product too.

what's the price quotes and dollar difference you've been given?

the henschens for a 93 can be purchased by/from any a/s dealer right?

if the issue is dealing with ONLY ONE vendor 4 the henschens...

the answer is easy, GO DEXTER!

but i'm pretty sure the dexter disc brake will not fit behind your oem rims...

so you'd need to change rims or stick with drum brakes on the dexters...

to figure the 'most economical' approach, you need to include this brake type/rim issue...

cheers
2air'

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

In fairness to others, please include the time "you" have spent on ...Andy

That's what I meant by 'no holds barred'
It will be a 'here is what I did'
'here is what worked'
'here is what went screwy'
no braggin' about the great deal just to feel better about my deal...
just the Facts.
Oh, if things work out, I plan on showing ride quality inside the trailer before and after (really neat equipment... )

Shocks?, we don't need no stinkin' shocks...

[gparker]

Vernon, just what do you have up your sleeve? Can't wait to read all of your posts. As you know, I need new axles too. I don't have enough time or enough tools to be diddling around trying to make something that doesn't fit fit. On the other hand, I don't have a money tree in my backyard to pay for Henschens to be shipped here. Keep us posted on everything, including your research. Tell Mac and Sarah hello.

[jdalrymple]

I just replaced the axles on my AS. The originals were flexing the wrong way, and the trailer looked like a low rider. I purchased the Henschens. The swap took about two hours, including using a cutting torch to remove two bolts that woud not budge with an air/impact gun. They were a direct fit, and make the trailer tow like a dream. New axles, bearings, brakes (drum), and my wheels went right back into position.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Airstream and Argosy trailers love a "soft ride."

When the rubber rods go bad, that ride becomes rough and results in all kinds of damages to the trailer.

Likewise, shock absorbers help dampen the road shock, which maximizes the "soft ride," and goes hand in hand with good axles.

If it has been determined the the trailer is getting a rough ride from bad axles, then according to Airstream engineers, shocks won't eliminate that problem, but not using shocks, will increase the road shock that the trailer will receive, even with new axles, or for that matter, bad axles as well.

New axles within themselves must be within a certain weight rating, so as to protect the frame and shell, from unnecessary road shock.

A rating that is too light is just as bad as a rating that is to heavy.

Original ratings can be increased, to a limited degree, but not more than 10 to 15 percent, except in very special applications, where heavier weights will be carried 100 percent of the time.

Andy

[HiHoAgRV]

I agree that my Airstream would like a smoother ride - the trip to the '08 Can Opener took me down some very rough sections of road and resulted in the kitchen wall pulling away from the shell. Mrs. HiHo announced that I had to do something, I was "tearing up her Airstream" . That plus the fact the trailer has dropped 1 -2 inches in the last year tells me it's time for new axles.

Maybe now my clothes will stay hung in the closet

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

I agree that my Airstream would like a smoother ride - the trip to the '08 Can Opener took me down some very rough sections of road and resulted in the kitchen wall pulling away from the shell. Mrs. HiHo announced that I had to do something, I was "tearing up her Airstream" . That plus the fact the trailer has dropped 1 -2 inches in the last year tells me it's time for new axles.

Maybe now my clothes will stay hung in the closet

Bad axles, indeed, will cause the trailer to easily bottom out.

When that happens, the entire shell, momentarily, changes shape.

When that shape change takes place, it will spit the furniture out in the aisles, if the situation is not corrected, in short order, every time.

Additionally, the furniture pulling away from the walls, demonstrates the punishment the entire trailer is subjected to.

Rivets shearing, fatigue cracks in the frame and shell, broken wires, broken copper tubing, both LPG and water, damaged appliances, are but some of the damages that will happen, unforunately.

Many of the same type damages will also occur, when the running gear is not properly balanced, but not as fast.

All of that can be avoided, by checking out the axles, periodically, and keeping the running gear properly balanced.

Be suspicious of any torsion axle, that has not been exercised for an extended period of time.

Andy

[Action]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

That's what I meant by 'no holds barred'
It will be a 'here is what I did'
'here is what worked'
'here is what went screwy'
no braggin' about the great deal just to feel better about my deal...
just the Facts.
Oh, if things work out, I plan on showing ride quality inside the trailer before and after (really neat equipment... )

Shocks?, we don't need no stinkin' shocks...

Please create a new thread for this. Attaching your experiences to this or any other existing thread will be taking away from the original thread poster.

Thanks in advance.

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

[Safari Tim]

I didn't think you could use Dexter's on tripple axles.

See the first page of this doc.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

I didn't think ...

well, i wonder what a/s and dexter think now.

since they've been using dexter on the 34s since '06...

correct?

cheers
2air'

[HiHoAgRV]

???HUH???
binkers,

Originally Posted by binkers

I've read posts from people who've purchased and installed both brands of torsion axles (Henschen & Dexter).

Since you asked and the responses have been limited, I have yet to do the install but MY experience in purchasing the Dexters has been mixed (I said I would be open). A couple of e-mails to Forum members were quick and helpful. Dexters tech staff confirmed the direction and sent me a ordering form. 10 minutes of measuring had the info on the form and I called the local dealer. The first of the 4 area dealers wasn't hitting on much, I called back a few times then went on to the next dealer. Within 24 hours I had a quote. .

Originally Posted by binkers

...There seems to be a significant price difference between the two...why should I use one over the other? ...the most economical thing

I just ordered at a quoted $475 each, plus shipping $75 (est) and local tax. That price included several options. Total time invested to-date is under a 1/2 hour. Let me know if you would like additional info and I'll post it here or send a link to a new thread as it becomes available.

Good luck!

[TOM CRUMP]

I swapped axles on my Overlander back in 2006. Covered 7-8k miles. No complaints. In fact, I have not seen any negative feedback from members on the Dexters. My local Dexter dealer (1 of 300 nationwide) did the whole job. Includes axles, Complete new 12" brake assembly, 4 new dexter wheels, and Never Lube bearings. The total bill was a little over $1300 includes labor.