My very own axle thread!

[Lance M]

Here are some things I've posted elsewhere that I want to have on "my very own axle thread". I usually get irritated when people post their pics on my thread so, I'm putting it all here on this thread. I did a lot of research and shopping for the best value in replacement axles.

Here is what I was quoted from four different axle suppliers for two #3500 torsion axles complete with 10" brakes;

Dexter axles from Cowboy Trailer Repair in Salado, TX
They would only deal with me if they installed the axles in their shop.
Axles $850 each $1,700
Shipping (No charge)
Installation 4hours at $110/hr $440
Total cost (installed) $2,140

Axis axles Inland RV:
(This is cut and paste from Inland Andy's price quote)
Complete axles cost $750.00 each.
Shipping them to a commercial address in Zip Code 76548 would cost $395.00.
We have them in stock. The starting angle is 35 degrees, and they are direct bolt in, nothing to cut or weld or adjust.
The only other thing you would need is the mounting hardware kits, which is all grade 8 materials, costs $12.00 each and you would need 2 of them.


2 Axles $1,500
Shipping $395
2 mounting hardware kits $24
Total price $1,919

Dexter Axles from Husky Trailer in Temple, TX

2 Axles $512 each $1,024
Shipping cost
(to the store in Temple) $200
(No hardware no shock mounts)
Total price $1,224

Axis axles from Colin Hyde Trailer Restorations
(cut and paste from Colin's price quote)

"All the axles I sell come powder coated, shock brackets installed, "safety lube" spindles, complete brake assemblies with lug nuts, mounting bolts.
Your new axles will cost $430 each plus $250 for shipping. 2 X $430 + $250 Total cost $1110."


All these axles are made in Elkhart, IN. I live in Texas. The shipping cost should be similar. As you can see, they are not.

The Dexter and Axis axles are similar in quality from what I have read. I know that Airstream went to Dexter axles for a while, then went back to Henschen then back to Dexter. Cost or quality? I don't know.

The guys at "Cowboy Trailer Repair" were just shooting from the hip and seemed as if they wished I'd just go away and never return. I'm glad to oblige them.

The people at Husky trailer in Temple were a little clueless as to what was required to obtain the correct measurements for an order from Dexter. I asked them if they would be able to take the measurements if I brought my trailer to the shop. They were very hesitant to commit to taking the responsibility of accurate measurements. The price was OK, but not the service.

Inland Andy was quick to quote me a price and was quick to answer any questions I had until Henschen closed it's doors. Please see this thread.

Colin Hyde was very helpful and his level of expertise with my axle order was just awesome. He was quick to respond to my questions and gave me the feeling that he'd always be there for anything I might need.

When it was all said and done I ordered new Axis axles from Colin Hyde Trailer Restorations.

New Axis Axles ordered from Colin Hyde
Last night it snowed here in central Texas! It usually only happens once a year, so glad we got that out of the way. It was cold for a while this morning but I managed to get motivated and got back to work when the sun came out around 10:00 a.m. I have been kinda dragging my feet with getting the correct measurements to Colin at Colin Hyde Trailer Restorations for new Axis axles. Today I got it done. I took the wheels off of the rear axle and drug it out from under Abby.

I drilled a hole in two pieces of angle iron to bolt to the hub face for an accurate measurement.

Hub face to hub face was 80"

Bracket to bracket was 61 3/8"

Hub face to bracket was 9 1/4"
I cleaned up the original data plate.

I emailed the measurement sheet to Colin and then called him on the phone.
Axle Order Sheet.doc
It was not hard at all. Anyone with some mechanical sense at all can get the correct measurements. I can't wait to install the new axles when they arrive in a few weeks. Thanks for your help Colin!
Attached Thumbnails

The axles should be built within a week. When they arrive, I'll post pics of the install.

[DanielB]

Congrats on the thread.

I got my axles from Carolina Rim and Wheel in Charleston, SC.

Dexter #11, 4400 lbs ea. with 12" electric brakes, hubs, drums, 22.5 down angle and mounting brackets.
$560 each.
They (Dexter) welded on the shock brackets for no extra cost and the shipping was $50.
Total cost $1,200.

[TouringDan]

Lance

Thanks for the info in the thread. Very helpful.

Dan

[Melody Ranch]

You did a lot of work there...good research.
But, right here at home....Trailer Torsion Axles

[68 TWind]

I purchased Axis from Colin last year for my Trade Wind. Colin is a great guy and a pleasure to deal with. I did have to drill new mounting holes in the frame but it is my understanding that Axis was going to make a flange that will be a direct bolt in. I was very impressed with the finish on the axles.

[TG Twinkie]

Thanks for the great info.

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

You did a lot of work there...good research.
But, right here at home....Trailer Torsion Axles

Thanks Melody! When I was shopping I searched the Southwest wheel site, but I guess I assumed they only distributed Dexter axles. Have you used these axles? If so what do you say of them?

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

You did a lot of work there...good research.
But, right here at home....Trailer Torsion Axles

Out of curiosity, I called Southwest Wheel to inquire about their Flexiride torsion axle. I was passed to Les in the shop where these axles were made and installed. I gave him the dimensions I need for my trailer and he said "Sorry. We can't make it." He explained that the process they use to manufacture the axles is different than Axis and Dexter. The smallest bracket to bracket dimension with an 80" hub face dimension was 73". That is a long way off from the 61 3/8" I need. They might be able to make axles for other trailers with different dimensions. He said to try Dexter or Al-Ko Kober manufacturing
I had never heard of Al-Ko Kobler manufacturing, so I gave them a call. They were very helpful. I gave them the dimensions and the lady on the phone said "No problem" you just need to find a distributor in your area. The closest one for me turns out to be Husky trailer in Temple, TX. Southwest wheel is also a distributor of Al-Ko axles. Might be why Les recommended them. For someone close to Oklahoma, it would definitely be cheaper as far as shipping charges go.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Top

I know that Airstream went to Dexter axles for a while, then went back to Henschen then back to Dexter.
Cost or quality? I don't know...

there is NO evidence that this ever happened.

see post in the cross-thread here...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...tml#post953003

Originally Posted by Top

... He said to try Dexter or Al-Ko Kober manufacturing
I had never heard of Al-Ko Kobler manufacturing...

these are global companies with LOTS of brands names in/under a few larger EMPIRE names...

like lots of global companies they often have/own plants that are 'local' or national...

and may use any number of branding terms (purchased along the way) to maintain some historical lineage.

we've discussed this in a few threads over the years...

try searching the a'k'k term.

or start with post 45 here, and 47,48 and 57...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f341...tml#post492952

then scan down to post 64 (which may help answer the WHY dex' axle question)

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f341...tml#post536144

that's just a start,

there are real experts here who have (or can) explain

about the many axle/frame/hub/brake products and empires...

but empires continue to change.

cheers
2air'

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

try searching the a'k'k term.

No need to search for what I now know exists and where to obtain their product.

Thanks for the lesson on global economics.

[soldiermedic]

Hey Top,

Why not just go draw new axles from your supply SGT?

Skip the Global Economics, and follow what you know works...the Army way (well most of the time anyhow).

Steve

[wasagachris]

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

Hey Top,

Why not just go draw new axles from your supply SGT?

Skip the Global Economics, and follow what you know works...the Army way (well most of the time anyhow).

Steve

M1A1 Axles. You would aslo need treads which would save you buying tires. It might be a little noisy going down the road though.

[wasagachris]

Lance then you wouldn't need to polish Abby just paint her OD Green.

[soldiermedic]

With M1A1 axles and treads there would be nowhere Abby couldn't go.

Forget OD green...were going Glamoflauge.

[Lance M]

My new axles are now sitting next to Abby in the back yard waiting to be installed. From the time Colin received my check to delivery at my house was 30 days.

[lahrfarm]

Hey Top, are you thinking about putting them on in the dark? Mine have been exchanged and are sitting behind the AS. I cant install untill Sunday after church. I'll be stuck at the Fire station tomorrow thinking about it!

[filterman]

Looke here Duratorque Suspension - Trojan Trailer Parts & Components, trojan, trailer, component, duratorque, suspension, hub, brake, braking, coupling, towball, wheel, jockey wheel, flag bag, load leveller, wheel lamp, brake controller, wheel mount, leaf sprin

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by filterman

Looke here Duratorque Suspension - Trojan Trailer Parts & Components, trojan, trailer, component, duratorque, suspension, hub, brake, braking, coupling, towball, wheel, jockey wheel, flag bag, load leveller, wheel lamp, brake controller, wheel mount, leaf sprin

That's a good source for the guys "Down Under"

[cmgirdwood]

chris and i replaced our axels on our 72 overlander last spring. it took a while... really the most important part was using the jb80 on the nuts. until they moved.. that was the long part. the actual process only took one day, a long day but only one. it made such a difference it was amazing. of course chris had to get new aluminun wheels and tires at the same time but it was totally worth it. she looks so good with her new wheels. mareinmn but really alabama

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by lahrfarm

Hey Top, are you thinking about putting them on in the dark? Mine have been exchanged and are sitting behind the AS. I cant install untill Sunday after church. I'll be stuck at the Fire station tomorrow thinking about it!

I think I'll bolt them up during daylight since we "sprung forward". I was thinking of going to Fastenal and getting SS hardware to install them with. I can donate my zinc coated hardware to some schlep that gets his axles from Inland!
The kids are on spring break, so we spent the weekend out at Canyon of the Eagles with some other Airstreamers. We had a great time. It did feel weird to go to a rally without Abby. Back at it tomorrow..