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JimGolden · 06-20-2007, 02:38 PM

Howdy all,

I'm looking at an Airstream that has had new axles put on it. The are manufactured by Hayes. They look decent to me. I went to Hayes website and they appear to be a large manufacturer that makes lots of axles. I've also known guys with Hayes (Al-Ko) axles on their utility trailers. These axles were installed three years ago.

Does anybody have any opinions of Hayes? Are they OK? Usually all you see are Henschen or Dexter. Just wondered what you all knew.

Thanks,

TomW · 06-20-2007, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimGolden

... I'm looking at an Airstream that has had new axles put on it. ...

Are you still planning to build a Super-Frame

for your current Airstream?

Tom

JimGolden · 06-20-2007, 07:02 PM

Well, I had got all set up to do it when....in talking with some guys on here and a bunch of PM's I started really taking a look. Turns out my old one isn't sagging. I've got a wee bit of separation, but the frame is OK.

They put my lower trim line on the street side slightly at an angle, low at the back. I thought that was showing my frame was sagging. But if you sight down the main trim band (big blue one), it's arrow straight.

So, I can't really justify the new one anymore. It'd be cool, but I don't think it needs it.

I've had several guys inquire about buying my trailer, and I've been looking at some others (all silver...but not all Airstream

) and am having some heretical thoughts of selling it and getting one ready to rock now.

Besides, my wife yelled at me to "...get rid of the turd in the driveway and get one we can go camping in now!"

You know how it goes....

I still think its a good design though.

Inland RV Center, In · 06-21-2007, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimGolden

Howdy all,

I'm looking at an Airstream that has had new axles put on it. The are manufactured by Hayes. They look decent to me. I went to Hayes website and they appear to be a large manufacturer that makes lots of axles. I've also known guys with Hayes (Al-Ko) axles on their utility trailers. These axles were installed three years ago.

Does anybody have any opinions of Hayes? Are they OK? Usually all you see are Henschen or Dexter. Just wondered what you all knew.

Thanks,

Hayes indeed makes torsion axles.

But they have the same problems as Dexter, namely, nothing standard to fit an Airstream.

I would suggest you check the size of the brakes, and the axle ratings, as well as the starting angle. Generally speaking, Hayes axles have a starting angle less than the original equipment or far in excess for an Airstream. They do not show anything in between.

Do you still have adequate clearance between the top of the tires and the wheel well covers?

Andy

JimGolden · 06-21-2007, 10:25 AM

I'm going to look at it tomorrow...I'll let you know.

I talked to the RV place that put them on. They installed them in Dec. 2003. They told me they called Airstream to see what they could get for the owner, but were told they couldn't buy Henschens. So they asked for the specs. They then got a set from Hayes that matched the specs as closely as possible. They said they think it has 12" brakes on it, but I will verify when I look at it.

I've seen photos of the trailer (a Sovereign) and it appears to sit about right.

They're 3500lb axles. I thought that was a tad light, but they said that's what Airstream told them. I guess a sovereign is a little lighter than my Excella, so they probably do gross about 7000lbs.

Inland RV Center, In · 06-21-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimGolden

I'm going to look at it tomorrow...I'll let you know.

I talked to the RV place that put them on. They installed them in Dec. 2003. They told me they called Airstream to see what they could get for the owner, but were told they couldn't buy Henschens. So they asked for the specs. They then got a set from Hayes that matched the specs as closely as possible. They said they think it has 12" brakes on it, but I will verify when I look at it.

I've seen photos of the trailer (a Sovereign) and it appears to sit about right.

They're 3500lb axles. I thought that was a tad light, but they said that's what Airstream told them. I guess a sovereign is a little lighter than my Excella, so they probably do gross about 7000lbs.

Jim.

3500 pounds is a slight upgrade from the original 3200 pounds.

Excella's are 4000 pounds.

Airstream tells callers that they cannot buy "direct" from Henschen, and to call us.

Andy

Excella3287 · 06-21-2007, 10:42 AM

If they are new, why change without trying them out, if they are not to your liking then invest in new ones. I would try Dexter it will save you $$$$$.

**Action** · 06-21-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excella3287

If they are new, why change without trying them out, if they are not to your liking then invest in new ones. I would try Dexter it will save you $$$$$.

I don't believe he wants to change them out. I believe he is just asking for opinions about the Hayes axles on this trailer. Because he hasn't bought the trailer yet. So he wants data before he commits to buying it.

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

JimGolden · 06-25-2007, 06:04 PM

I looked at the trailer but passed on it...

On the axles, they did look new, but the swing arms were angled up probably 10-15 degrees. The trailer appeared to sit at about the right ride height though, and on level concrete with the trailer level I measured the tongue height at the ball at about 19.75".

It had 10" brakes on it. When I hooked it to my truck to move it across the yard, I couldn't get the brakes to work.

The shell on it was perfect though, and it was well taken care of.

Anyway, were I to put new axles on it, I'd want the bigger brakes.

Andy, it was December '03 that they put these axles on. I'm only repeating what the RV shop told me, but they said they called Airstream and that Airstream wouldn't sell them the proper axles, but gave them the specs to go by. I don't know why they wouldn't have simply called you. It would have made life easier on them. They did have to do some modifications to the brackets to get it to fit up. It looked like a neat install though. Just, to me, not enough brake on a trailer that big.

cheers,

Inland RV Center, In · 06-26-2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimGolden

I looked at the trailer but passed on it...

On the axles, they did look new, but the swing arms were angled up probably 10-15 degrees. The trailer appeared to sit at about the right ride height though, and on level concrete with the trailer level I measured the tongue height at the ball at about 19.75".

It had 10" brakes on it. When I hooked it to my truck to move it across the yard, I couldn't get the brakes to work.

The shell on it was perfect though, and it was well taken care of.

Anyway, were I to put new axles on it, I'd want the bigger brakes.

Andy, it was December '03 that they put these axles on. I'm only repeating what the RV shop told me, but they said they called Airstream and that Airstream wouldn't sell them the proper axles, but gave them the specs to go by. I don't know why they wouldn't have simply called you. It would have made life easier on them. They did have to do some modifications to the brackets to get it to fit up. It looked like a neat install though. Just, to me, not enough brake on a trailer that big.

cheers,

Interesting note about Hayes.

They no longer sell to retail customers.

In fact, they no longer sell to companies such as us.

They stated that "we are too small for them." They require a minimum of $100,000.00 per year accounts, or else. Nice way to kiss an account off after 20 years.

WOW.

Must be nice to have nothing but multi million dollar accounts for customers.

Andy

axleman · 07-11-2007, 09:12 AM

Hayes is owned by Al-Ko Kober, the largest producer of axles in the World!

Inland RV Center, In · 07-11-2007, 11:58 AM

Hayes indeed, is the largest manufacturer of standard spring suspended axles but a very small manufacturer of torsion axles.

As of this date July 11, 2007, according to their Ontario California plant, they do not deal with retail trade.

Additionally, they do not make a torsion axle that will fit an Airstream, without numerous changes, that they are not interested in doing, unless a large quantity of axles are ordered, like 50 to 100.

If interested, the retail customer must go through a Hayes dealer.

Andy

fastrob · 07-11-2007, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Interesting note about Hayes.

.....................................

They stated that "we are too small for them." They require a minimum of $100,000.00 per year accounts, or else. Nice way to kiss an account off after 20 years..................................

Do you still sell the same brand?

R

Inland RV Center, In · 07-11-2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastrob

Do you still sell the same brand?

R

We sell the GKN Henschen axles, only.

We have a contract with Henschen as well as with Airstream that gives us the exclusive right to sell those axles.

We do not have to design each and every axle that someone may order, as you must do with other manufacturers of torsion axles.

We also strive to keep Airstream and Argosy trailers as original whenever possible.

Andy

axleman · 07-11-2007, 06:51 PM

Andy is correct about Hayes not making many torsion axles!

Al-Ko however, is the largest producer of torsion axles in the World. Dexter is the largest in the U.S.A. however outside of the U.S Al-Ko is the king! Hayes is a small piece of Al-Ko Kober.

Additionally, Inland is exclusive on Airstream axles by GKN Henschen for Airstream units 20 years old and older.

Cheers,
Henry

Anon · 07-11-2007, 07:28 PM

Hayes is fine.
I think this thread sort of went off-topic.
If the axles ride fine then they are good to go.
How do they look from underneath? Do they look to be only a few years old? Anything that looks abnormal?
Is there anything that would make you question what you were told about the age of the axles?
Just keep in mind, a torsion axle is a torsion axle. They have been around for many, many years. It is far from cutting-edge technology. What you put on it to fit a specific application is irrelevant. Any local axle shop can take care of these things; usually they can improve upon them.
If I were you I would worry if I were being told the truth about the history of the axles.

JimGolden · 07-12-2007, 10:51 AM

They looked brand new and in fine condition. And I called the RV place and spoke with the service people there and they had all the records of the install. I had no reason to doubt him.

Want to see a real suspension? Check this out: Six wheel independant, an swingarm for each axle, six spring packs and six shocks. Slick!

bobfowler · 07-12-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimGolden

They looked brand new and in fine condition. And I called the RV place and spoke with the service people there and they had all the records of the install. I had no reason to doubt him.

Want to see a real suspension? Check this out: Six wheel independant, an swingarm for each axle, six spring packs and six shocks. Slick!

HOOCHIE-MAMA! That sure is a purdy set up!

Anon · 07-12-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimGolden

They looked brand new and in fine condition. And I called the RV place and spoke with the service people there and they had all the records of the install. I had no reason to doubt him.

Want to see a real suspension? Check this out: Six wheel independant, an swingarm for each axle, six spring packs and six shocks. Slick!

HOLY COW!
That is AWESOME!
One heck of a set-up man!
SWEET!

clancy_boy · 07-12-2007, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimGolden

They looked brand new and in fine condition. And I called the RV place and spoke with the service people there and they had all the records of the install. I had no reason to doubt him.

Want to see a real suspension? Check this out: Six wheel independant, an swingarm for each axle, six spring packs and six shocks. Slick!

SWEET.............