Overlander axle project

[SilverHoot]

Great information. Thanks Zep

[3Ms75Argosy]

What's the cable for in the last install pic? Is that how you push/pull the axles into alignment?

Great install!
Marc

[SilverHoot]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

10". I ordered through Redneck Trailer Supply and they wouldn't deviate from the catalog. You have to get an axle at #3500 or more to get 12". The stopping power on four 10" drums is fine, no problem. The issue is, when is the last time the doofs at Dexter took a trailer down the west side of Loveland or Vail passes? I want the total energy capability of the bigger drums....

Zep

Yes, the 12" upgrade on the lighter axles is $107.00 per axle from Axis.

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by 3Ms75Argosy

What's the cable for in the last install pic? Is that how you push/pull the axles into alignment? ...

Yes, just a moderate amount of tension aft on the curb side and forward on the street side, to make sure the axle was up against the desired side of the slot. This is where the blair cutter was invaluable. By cutting a smooth, perfect 5/8" hole, the bolts can keep the axle in place with not even slight slippage. Hopefully, experience and miles will show even wear on the tires--both axles parallel to each other and normal to the trailer centerline.

Zep

[68 TWind]

Great report, my axles for my Trade Wind are supposed to be in tomorrow. Your info will be a great help.

Question- Is that a new awning or just new fabric? Where did you get it. I need fabric for my 68 TW, but I can't find anything with the original looking vertical strips like in the picture.

Thanks

[overlander64]

Greetings 68 TWind!

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

Question- Is that a new awning or just new fabric? Where did you get it. I need fabric for my 68 TW, but I can't find anything with the original looking vertical strips like in the picture.

Have your checked out the many stripe patterns available from Sunbrella -- it is the fabric utilized in ZipDee awnings. The blue pattern typically used with late model Airstreams is usually referred to as "Blue Fancy". You can find Sunbrella patterns at this link.

Good luck with your search!

Kevin

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

...Question- Is that a new awning or just new fabric? Where did you get it. I need fabric for my 68 TW, but I can't find anything with the original looking vertical strips like in the picture...

It's "new." Bought it through Lewster two years ago and just now got it installed. It's a standard Sunbrella fabric.

Zep

[SilverHoot]

Zep,

I was looking at your great photos once more and was wondering if you would think it better to order the axles without any mounting holes at all. Don't know if that's possible. I most likely will be ordering mine today.

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by SilverHoot

Zep,

I was looking at your great photos once more and was wondering if you would think it better to order the axles without any mounting holes at all. Don't know if that's possible. I most likely will be ordering mine today.

I think that would be a great idea, but I think the mounting holes in the flanges/plates are punched out [not drilled], then the flange is bent to the standard shape. It might be possible to get them to omit the punching out of the holes, and just bend blanks, but I bet it delays the order for weeks, if it's even possible.

Zep

[SilverHoot]

Leaving within the next 30 minutes for the Dexter dealer 178 miles away. Let you know if the it's possible to get the flange with no holes.

[SilverHoot]

Zep,

Here's a pic of my brackets. The guy said they were low profile, what you think? I did get reversed brackets.

Thanks, Michael

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by SilverHoot

Zep,

Here's a pic of my brackets. The guy said they were low profile, what you think? I did get reversed brackets.

Thanks, Michael

Holy cow, you're right. They are low. Learn something new every day. I guess I'd check and see where your belly pan is. If there is an inch of space from the top of the axle slot up to the pan, then I'd still get the high hangars. But you're there and I'm not...

Zep

[Mexray]

Last year, we replaced the axles on our 28 ft Ambassador with #3500 Henschen's with 12 inch electric brakes - replacing #3200 rated axles.

The new axles as received from InlandRV were exact fits, without any mod's needed - they bolted right in, and couldn't have been easier...

While jacking the trailer front and back may be an accepted routine, I'm not sure I'd want to do that on an older trailer - having to depend on all the rivets in the outer skin to keep things intact... Why temp fate with all that 'flexing' when you can easily lift the trailer as per the below routine...

I simply ran one axle up on blocks to then replace the other - supporting the trailer on it's normal axle loading points...then running the new axle up on blocks to replace the other - this method, when the AS remains hitched to the TV, safely elevates (providing you use suitable blocks, of course) the trailer so you can work under it without worrying about jacks, etc...

Our AS is a bit over 6K with all our stuff aboard, and rides so much better than with the old 'sagging' axles, it's hard to believe...

[Zeppelinium]

Turns out I was a little shy in estimating what axle I should have ordered. The trailer weight is correct, but it turns out you DON'T want the axle max load to equal the trailer max weight. You want about 30% margin. These axles do OK for the Overlander, but I just did some research on new axles for a '73 Safari. The original axles were spec'd at 2600 lbs. The dry weight of the trailer on the wheels (not including tongue) is 3640 lbs. Max weight with water and stuff won't exceed 4500 lbs.

Current recommendations for this trailer is a pair of 3000 lb axles! That's a 33% margin. I thought it ought to be more like 2400 lbs, in order to get a soft ride. I caved and ordered 2800 lb axles.

Zep

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

Turns out I was a little shy in estimating what axle I should have ordered. The trailer weight is correct, but it turns out you DON'T want the axle max load to equal the trailer max weight. You want about 30% margin. These axles do OK for the Overlander, but I just did some research on new axles for a '73 Safari. The original axles were spec'd at 2600 lbs. The dry weight of the trailer on the wheels (not including tongue) is 3640 lbs. Max weight with water and stuff won't exceed 4500 lbs.

Current recommendations for this trailer is a pair of 3000 lb axles! That's a 33% margin. I thought it ought to be more like 2400 lbs, in order to get a soft ride. I caved and ordered 2800 lb axles.

Zep

Zep.

The soft ride can be obtained several different ways, or a combination of them.

Reduced tire pressure (within reason).

Softer torsion bars.

Lighter suspended tow vehicle.

Balanced running gear.

Basically, the axle rating can be increased 10 to 15 percent, without having a negative impact on the softness of the trailer ride.

Of course, the huge unknown factor, is the "pay load" that some may choose to carry. That can become a huge variable.

So far, all your projects look great.

Keep up the great work.

Andy

[Sylver Slypr]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Zep.

Keep up the great work.

Andy

Thanks Zep,You are an invaluable asset to your "alloyed" allies!!