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Old 08-11-2016, 09:53 AM   #21
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Both men, Colin and Andy do a great job of running a small business with repeat newbie customers trying to learn Airstreams. They both have different communication styles and sales approaches.

We did email, forum and phone. Early morning phone worked best for us.
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Old 08-11-2016, 10:02 AM   #22
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I just did axles myself, and spent a lot of time looking for a good solution since vendors in Canada seem to have difficulty either sourcing for my Airstream, getting the right parts, shipping, or even knowing what I'm talking about. Based on a lot of people on the forum saying they had a hard time contacting Colin, I didn't bother, and called Inland RV. I painfully ended up paying a lot for shipping since it had to cross the border on a semi truck, and get shipping to a residential address. $700...ugh. Sadly, the total price with the low Canadian dollar and ridiculous shipping was less than purchasing locally (you're welcome, US Economy lol!). Surprisingly the axles showed up in less than a week! Everything arrived in good condition, fit and the job couldn't have gone better... Ok, maybe that's not totally true, there was some cursing. Not Andy's fault though.
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Old 08-11-2016, 10:29 AM   #23
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I really appreciate the positive spirit here on Airforums.
But don't feel that reporting the disfuntion of a service provider is an act of trashing them.

If a small company chose to deal with their customers this way, the consequences are on them.
And probably the business will slow down to the point that they can start to give their customers the attention they deserve.

Or hopefully Colin will realize that hiring someone to deal with parts and communication would be good for his business.

Sorry to hear that folks here have been put in this position.

Cheers Richard
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Old 08-11-2016, 05:25 PM   #24
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Has anyone Seen or Heard from Colin Hyde?

As a commercial vender I can say that communication is key to customer service and it can get very busy at times too... Since Axis axles is now owned by Dexter and being a Dexter dealer it takes 7 business day from order to delivery! I have order six axles in the last month and all showed up with in 8 business days or less from order to delivery... Dexter builds all axles to order since Airstream Axles due to measurements and drop downs are custom... So I'm not clear why people are complaining that it's taking so long...
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Old 08-11-2016, 06:24 PM   #25
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Following as I need to order an axle. I currently have an email into Colin awaiting response. Thanks for all the information!
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Old 08-11-2016, 06:52 PM   #26
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I did not know Dexter bought out Axis. I wonder if this major change in business structure affected Colin Hyde's axle business. When I purchased mine, Colin explained Axis had the design and manufacturing rights to the original Henschen dura torque axles that Airstream started with back in 1962. Colin Hyde built a good business specifying and providing Axis axles to Airstream specs, "just like the originals".

I wonder if Colin Hyde Trailer Restorations is now a Dexter distributor? I am just speculating there may be problems making the switch from Axis to Dexter. My axles delivered in January of 2014 were Axis.

I think Colin Hyde has a pretty big restoration business in Peru, NY. He was always talking about this project and that project on the VAP. I hope he takes a look at his business customer communications.

David
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Old 08-11-2016, 07:33 PM   #27
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Axle Update

I spoke to Axis -the Manufacturer yesterday- My axles are sitting at the facility and have been waiting to be shipped. The Axis rep said that he would put in a call to Colin Hyde that was yesterday. Axis can not ship the axles because Colin has to arrange shipping.
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Old 08-13-2016, 07:28 AM   #28
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Colin called me yesterday to confirm shipping of my axle.
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Old 08-13-2016, 07:50 AM   #29
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You all are crazy

Don't put up with treatment like that! Axles are axles. Call the Company or a reputable Company representing them....give em the info and in less than two weeks your axles will be delivered to you or your installer.
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Old 08-13-2016, 07:53 AM   #30
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J Ingersoll did you tell him to call the others or read the forum, 😉
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Old 08-14-2016, 06:34 AM   #31
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I was in Tractor Supply yesterday and noticed that they had Dexter axles in stock. I ask about ordering axles. They said no problem. Give them the specs, they will get a quote and estimated delivery time. Usual delivery time for them is two to four weeks. Was told they sell a lot for horse trailers. If you have one in your area might be a good source supporting a local business.
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Old 08-14-2016, 07:15 AM   #32
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I finally received an email from Colin. He apologized and basically said he had dropped the ball repeatedly and my axles should be in Indy on Monday or Tuesday. They have been ready for some time. I will see if they show up. He also noted he hired an office manager who will now be handling orders and communications.
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Old 08-14-2016, 06:00 PM   #33
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Thanks for the update beatrix. I respect Colin for taking responsibility for the delay in your order. And I hope an "office manager" can coordinate and communicate on all orders giving Colin time to manage his restoration projects.

Specifying your own axles for Dexter will be challenging. I understand Dexter has an order form that needs completing with accuracy. Let's see, what load rating, How big are the mounting brackets, where do you want the mounting brackets welded, what are the sizes and locations on the mounting holes, how about the shock mounts, what kind of brakes and bearings, what is the overall length of the axle, what starting angle, and on and on.

That's why Colin and Inland and other Airstream experts have the right spec for the right year and VIN of Airstream. There are a lot of differences.

David
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Old 01-19-2017, 05:57 AM   #34
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just wondering if you can get that info from Airstream factory? might give it a try in a couple months. Has anyone else called to see if possible?..


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Originally Posted by dbj216 View Post
Thanks for the update beatrix. I respect Colin for taking responsibility for the delay in your order. And I hope an "office manager" can coordinate and communicate on all orders giving Colin time to manage his restoration projects.

Specifying your own axles for Dexter will be challenging. I understand Dexter has an order form that needs completing with accuracy. Let's see, what load rating, How big are the mounting brackets, where do you want the mounting brackets welded, what are the sizes and locations on the mounting holes, how about the shock mounts, what kind of brakes and bearings, what is the overall length of the axle, what starting angle, and on and on.

That's why Colin and Inland and other Airstream experts have the right spec for the right year and VIN of Airstream. There are a lot of differences.

David
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Old 01-23-2017, 03:34 AM   #35
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4 months waiting for axles already paid for is unacceptable. How do you folks that say Mr. Hyde is such a great guy explain this? The fact that he will not respond to the customer's attempts to contact him is even more concerning. This is no way to treat people. I was considering ordering new axles from Mr. Hyde, but may look at other options.
I guess I was lucky. I bought from Inland RV December 2015 for my '67 Overlander mainly because I could not get in touch with Colin and needed a quick delivery. I would have been upset too if I had ordered from Colin and couldn't get my axles in a timely manner. Andy at Inland RV got two axles to me in two weeks (see my previous post on this thread). The installation instructions from Inland made no sense, but it was pretty simple to figure out.
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Old 01-23-2017, 03:42 AM   #36
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I spoke to Axis -the Manufacturer yesterday- My axles are sitting at the facility and have been waiting to be shipped. The Axis rep said that he would put in a call to Colin Hyde that was yesterday. Axis can not ship the axles because Colin has to arrange shipping.
An additional note....When I bought 2 Dexter axles from Inland, shipping was immediate and free (two week delivery) to the nearest Dexter distributor in my area. (See my previous posts this thread)
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Old 05-24-2017, 12:31 AM   #37
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I can vouch for Colin--he's a great, great guy and extremely knowledgeable about Airstreams and vintage trailers.

He replaced axles for me and was super fast--but I took my trailer to his shop.

That being said, this sounds like some really lousy service. Sorry to read about your experience.
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:33 AM   #38
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I have been working with him for the last few weeks on getting an axle. Just finished the order.

What some people don't understand in this "I want it yesterday" world is not all businesses are run like the big box stores.
I try to patronize the small place when I can. But you must be willing to work at their pace.
In Colin's case the axles come with the shock brackets all ready welded on. A simple unbolt and rebolt. Another reason to buy from him.
Inland's you need to take to a welder at an additional cost. Not to mention they are more to begin with.

Just my 2 cents
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:31 AM   #39
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We also need to remember that Colin doesn't just order Axel's for Airforums members who call him constantly with the same questions. He has a small business, the VAP, a family, camping, rally's, etc. He sure could use an office assistant. We have had good service from both Colin and Andy but sometimes who you can get a hold of works.
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Old 05-24-2017, 02:02 PM   #40
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You can find Colin on the VAP podcast regularly.In case you did not know.

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