New Axle Rating for '55 Flying Cloud 22'

[ckmosley]

I am about to replace the original axle on my 1955 Flying Cloud 22 and am looking for advice on weight rating. Trailer is all original and had a brochure weight of around 2900 lbs. I don't carry a lot of weight and do not want the suspension to be overly stiff. Any recommendations on new axle weight rating? I am thinking 3500-4000 lbs?

Thanks,

Keith

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by ckmosley

I am about to replace the original axle on my 1955 Flying Cloud 22 and am looking for advice on weight rating. Trailer is all original and had a brochure weight of around 2900 lbs. I don't carry a lot of weight and do not want the suspension to be overly stiff. Any recommendations on new axle weight rating? I am thinking 3500-4000 lbs?

Thanks,

Keith

Keith.

The following are axle weight ratings for the 22 foot Airstreams that used torsion axles.

The weights changed in time due to early failures.

1961, 1962 3600 pounds
1963, 1964 4000 pounds
1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968 5000 pounds.

Andy

[Melody Ranch]

Just curious....does your original 55 Cloud have a torsion axle? You have an original with the solid axle...they don't wear out.

[RM66caravel]

I just changed my axle and found that 66 rims do not fit the new axle went from a 2 3/8 hub to a 2 5/8 hub and now new rims!
Cliff

[ckmosley]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Just curious....does your original 55 Cloud have a torsion axle? You have an original with the solid axle...they don't wear out.

I have the original solid axle. It seems to me that many on the forums recommend new axles on old trailers due to age? I would rather keep the solid axle for originality. However, the trailer is riding rough and certainly needs some work.

New shocks seem easy, but I am concerned that it may need leaf springs - is there a good way to determine if the leaf springs need replaced? I don't believe leaf springs in that size are commonly available, but I am sure I could have some custom made as this is done all the time in the off-road world.

I certainly appreciate all thoughts and information.

[wkerfoot]

You may also find that the new brakes do not fit the old spindles or drums. I had that problem on my 1954 Liner and decided to replace the axles and springs.

The new axles on old trailers mainly relates to the torsion axles, starting in 1961 I believe, not the old spring axles.

Bill

Originally Posted by ckmosley

I have the original solid axle. It seems to me that many on the forums recommend new axles on old trailers due to age? I would rather keep the solid axle for originality. However, the trailer is riding rough and certainly needs some work.

New shocks seem easy, but I am concerned that it may need leaf springs - is there a good way to determine if the leaf springs need replaced? I don't believe leaf springs in that size are commonly available, but I am sure I could have some custom made as this is done all the time in the off-road world.

I certainly appreciate all thoughts and information.

[Action]

Keep the axle and replace the items that are worn.
Leaf springs
Brake parts and wheel bearings
Replacing the axle means re-engineering the assembly and mountings. The solid axle it self does not wear out unless it is bent or has worn wheel bearing surfaces.

A new leaf pack will solve the ride quality and ride height issues. It is what "suspends" the entire trailer. Depending on where you are, most spring shops will handle your trailer in under a day. The last set of springs I bought I ordered online and installed the spring packs myself. Easier than switching out an axle assembly.

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