how much are axles

[jaminalee]

I'm in search of an airstream to completely renovate but my husband is not all together on board. He likes the look of them and I've showed him pictures of finished projects and he loves them! But not the work or money that comes with it. So... I'm most likely going to have to replace the axels on a trailer that I purchase I was wondering if someone could tell me how much they are including the cost of having someone else do it. And any other advice on renovating would be great.

[tkasten]

I just ordered a new axle for my 22' 65 Safari that I am restoring. Total cost of the axle is $750.00 and includes all new hubs, brakes and drums. Not sure what installation costs are as I will do it my self. Not very hard to do. I ordered the axle through Inland RV and they are pretty helpful. Good luck!....Tim

[CanoeStream]

Tim -- they are heavy. Please, what was shipping?

jaminalee, there are several options. Dexter is what the factory installs on Airstreams coming down the line these days. I don't have the exact figures but Dexters are a couple hundred less than replacement Henschen axles that Tim used (OEM before 2005); Dexter will have their own shipping rates. Replacement Henschens should 'drop right in' as they say. The owner choosing Dexters must understand and communicate exactly what it is they want, so there is a learning curve. Installing either brand is about the same. I have read about this and not done it, so I hope we get responses and cost reports from those that have.

[tkasten]

Yes axles are heavy and would cost a bunch to ship. I live about 200 miles from factory so will pick it up and visit Airstream Factory at the same time. A bonus for me. The Henshen axle (was the original on my 65 Safari) will bolt directly into the original holes. I do have to alter the original shock mounts to match the newer shocks. Not a bad job and will only take a few hours.....Tim

[ltenbrink]

Hi - my hubby is biting the bullet when I told him the cost, but he loves me It's true Dexters are less expensive ($409 for the full assembly of 3500lb axle) the only downside is that there's a little more work involved than the Henschen's because of having to drill new holes for install. The shipping from Jackson Ctr. to here in VA for Henschen at the time we priced it was around $200 - shipping for Dexters was a little less. Install will run you between $70-$90/hour at a trailer place (we have a truck and trailer place that's going to do it for us - The AS dealer nearby quoted a lot more $$). For one axle at a place that knows what they're doing, expect 2 hours.

Hope that helps!

[centennialman]

I chose to have my axle replaced right after having a knee replacement, so, couldn't do it myself.

I hired a reputable Airstream service department to do the job. It cost just under $1800 for the axle, installation and included brakes etc....

To me, it was worth it and it got me on the road that summer three years ago.

[Mikethefixit]

Whow I'd like to make $90 bucks an hour. I had a buddy help me because he had an asphalt drive. It took us 3 hrs with a rain delay.
I picked up the axles at the Henshen Factory. I ordered thru Inland RV, Andy was more than helpful,he called from Calif several times to make sure I had received the new hardware and that the factory pickup went smooth and give me encouragement,I was apprehensive about doing the job myself because of my age,(70) but I soon found it was a Piece O Cake.The total cost was $1500 ,that was 2 new axles (end to end) everything new. I did upgrade the weight of the axles and the size of the brakes,as per Andys suggestion(no extra charge)That included a 6 pack of Mountain Dew,my buddy and I dont drink. I know its a big investment but the rewards are also great.
Good Luck With what ever you decide.
Roger

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by centennialman

I chose to have my axle replaced right after having a knee replacement, so, couldn't do it myself.

I hired a reputable Airstream service department to do the job. It cost just under $1800 for the axle, installation and included brakes etc....

To me, it was worth it and it got me on the road that summer three years ago.

The point, as always, is that your happy with the deal, and that's what matters to you.

Normally, about 60 percent of your cost, is a reasonable amount to pay, that would includes shocks and installation, for one axle.

Freight also enters the costs, but is not excessive.

However, if part of the chassis must be rebuilt, due to rust or cracks, then that becomes a different matter.

Andy