Visit our Popular Forums

**DKB_SATX** · 03-17-2011, 10:20 PM

I haven't put hands on this trailer just yet, but looking at the pictures I'm concerned that it needs axles. It's not exactly a steal, but it's VERY original if the pictures are at all accurate. I'm concerned that the axles are original too.

It's a 1972 Overlander. The seller had it serviced when he bought it, at an Airstream service center, and they told him it didn't need new axles. I'll test the drop before I make any decisions, but am I wrong? It looks like it's sitting too low, I think there should be a bit more tire exposed if it's not heavily loaded.

Inland RV Center, In · 03-17-2011, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

I haven't put hands on this trailer just yet, but looking at the pictures I'm concerned that it needs axles. It's not exactly a steal, but it's VERY original if the pictures are at all accurate. I'm concerned that the axles are original too.

It's a 1972 Overlander. The seller had it serviced when he bought it, at an Airstream service center, and they told him it didn't need new axles. I'll test the drop before I make any decisions, but am I wrong? It looks like it's sitting too low, I think there should be a bit more tire exposed if it's not heavily loaded.

The following article will help you check out your axles.

Andy

The Dura-Torque Axle

4RXLA · 03-17-2011, 11:58 PM

On look alone I would say it needs new axles.

funkill · 03-18-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

I haven't put hands on this trailer just yet, but looking at the pictures I'm concerned that it needs axles. It's not exactly a steal, but it's VERY original if the pictures are at all accurate. I'm concerned that the axles are original too.

It's a 1972 Overlander. The seller had it serviced when he bought it, at an Airstream service center, and they told him it didn't need new axles. I'll test the drop before I make any decisions, but am I wrong? It looks like it's sitting too low, I think there should be a bit more tire exposed if it's not heavily loaded.

When was that?

It probably does need axles - but the test in the article Andy linked is a quick and easy way to determine how *shot* the axles are. Thankfully, it's a rather straight-forward job. You might use the cost of replacement as a barganining chip when negotiating the price....

Laura

**DKB_SATX** · 03-18-2011, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkill

When was that?

It probably does need axles - but the test in the article Andy linked is a quick and easy way to determine how *shot* the axles are. Thankfully, it's a rather straight-forward job. You might use the cost of replacement as a barganining chip when negotiating the price....

Laura

The current owner has only had it a year or so, therefore the inspection by the Airstream authorized service center was around a year ago. I'm definitely going to go in with the price of axles in mind, in case it fails the test.

FreshAir · 03-18-2011, 08:39 AM

It's a given....if they are original. The swap is relatively inexpensive...if the fridge is in good shape.
Neil

NJ_1965 · 04-23-2011, 06:11 PM

I'm also going to be replacing my axles on my 1965 Overlander. Although the torsion arm is pointing slightly downward when loaded, there is not much drop in the wheels when jacked-up. My Dad bought the trailer new in September 1964. It has been in our family since then (now it's mine).

Mike Leary · 04-23-2011, 06:19 PM

We checked the same stuff when I helped my friend buy this one: axles shot.

Boondocker · 04-23-2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

but looking at the pictures I'm concerned that it needs axles...... , I think there should be a bit more tire exposed if it's not heavily loaded.

FWIW, I don't think you can tell a whole lot from the picture. If it had been taken level with the tire you could tell more. From above, it is all guess as to how low it is setting. You may get off easy.

**DKB_SATX** · 04-24-2011, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boondocker

FWIW, I don't think you can tell a whole lot from the picture. If it had been taken level with the tire you could tell more. From above, it is all guess as to how low it is setting. You may get off easy.

Yeah, I went to look at the trailer in these pictures. It had lots of nice original qualities, but needed lots of things. Here's another thread where I went through it and decided it wasn't the right price for this trailer.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f349...rth-75194.html

The trailer sat REALLY low on the axles, and the price wasn't anywhere near as low as the axles so I waited, and ended up finding an Argosy that's a little less original and a lot more functional, with fresh weatherstripping and standing tall on axles that flex nicely when you take weight off them.

Globie64 · 04-26-2011, 05:13 PM

Ugh. So all this talk of axles, and the strange way ours bounces when its towed, and the popping rivets inside made me look more closely.. and our axles point up slightly, rather than down. No fridge, tanks empty, no gas bottles, the trailer is pretty light and empty. I started getting prices today to have it done. Sigh. But then it will be done.

eubank · 04-26-2011, 05:55 PM

Close to what ours was. And once I replaced the axles, we discovered that the one of us with the most miserable knees needed a little stool in order to get into the rig.

Lynn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Globie64

Ugh. So all this talk of axles, and the strange way ours bounces when its towed, and the popping rivets inside made me look more closely.. and our axles point up slightly, rather than down. No fridge, tanks empty, no gas bottles, the trailer is pretty light and empty. I started getting prices today to have it done. Sigh. But then it will be done.

Inland RV Center, In · 04-26-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Globie64

Ugh. So all this talk of axles, and the strange way ours bounces when its towed, and the popping rivets inside made me look more closely.. and our axles point up slightly, rather than down. No fridge, tanks empty, no gas bottles, the trailer is pretty light and empty. I started getting prices today to have it done. Sigh. But then it will be done.

We suggest you alter the ratings of the original axles, for more pay load, and greater ground clearance. Some place can't help you with that.

Andy

Globie64 · 04-26-2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

We suggest you alter the ratings of the original axles, for more pay load, and greater ground clearance. Some place can't help you with that.

Andy

Hey Andy, are you suggesting I can adjust the current axles?

Globie64 · 04-26-2011, 07:44 PM

I'm going with the 5200# axles, 12"/6 lug drums

Inland RV Center, In · 04-26-2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Globie64

Hey Andy, are you suggesting I can adjust the current axles?

Nope, since it can't be done.

Andy

DanielB · 04-26-2011, 08:00 PM

I'm pretty sure that me means replace with a higher rated axle to carry more weight than the original. If you are nice he might tell you what the min and max ratings are for your particular trailer.

Globie64 · 04-26-2011, 08:11 PM

OK. I figured that it had a 2850 dry weight, and that we couldn't pack enough stuff to overload a 5200# axle, but I wonder what Andy would say? I've been going to Barstad and Donicht in San Leandro, I've been really happy with the quality of their work in the past.

DanielB · 04-26-2011, 08:13 PM

I have a 74 31' Excella. If I remember correctly Andy told me orig. was 4000, max 4400. So I went with the 4400.

Jim Foster · 04-26-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

We suggest you alter the ratings of the original axles, for more pay load, and greater ground clearance. Some place can't help you with that.

Andy

Right on Andy.

Check the tag on your original axles. The original axles on our '83 were rated at 2,800 lbs. The trailer, from the factory new, empty, no water, food, nothing, weighed about 5,400 lbs.

We went to 3.500 lb, 32 degree axles. Yes, the trailer sits higher than it would with standard axles, bit I can pull into driveways, gas stations, etc. with no problem, and have an additional 2-3" clearance going down the road. Not a bad thing.

Yes, it sits higher, but isn't that why it has that nice folding step?