POLL: Axle Replacement

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by aztlanco

What about older trailers? My '58 still has the original axle and leaf springs, and they are fine!
Ernie
"58 Traveler, 18ft.

Ernie, the big issue is with the torsion axles. Your 58 still has leaf springs and a solid axle. It does not ride as well as the torsion axle, but tends to last longer.
It is also more difficult to determine when the springs require replacement. Very generally, if the springs are very rusty, have broken leaves, or the rubber bushings are worn out, they need to be rebuilt or replaced. Also, if the springs seem to be sagging, they should be replaced.

[Zeppelinium]

How to KNOW you have a bad axle:

The door shelves in the fridge break. I thought things were marginal (slight positive angle on the torsion arm) but acceptable, because the trailer towed great. However, after finding several things broken from what appeared to be vertical loads, I couldn't ingnore the axle any longer. Some of you might have noticed that plastic 2.5 gal water bottles leaking after a long drive--it's from the slam they are taking on every pothole.

It is amazing how fast one can go from "fat, dumb, and happy" to "panicked" as the light dawns.

[davidh]

My axles have been replaced with Dexter Axles all new backing plates and drums and was switched from hydralic to electric

[joatmon]

Originally Posted by 3isnotenough

How to KNOW you have a bad axle:...It is amazing how fast one can go from "fat, dumb, and happy" to "panicked" as the light dawns.

You may very well have a bad axle. But running gear imbalance will do the same things even if your axle is new.

So will towing with the wrong tongue weight or spring bars not matched to your tow vehicle.

[joatmon]

Originally Posted by davidh

.. and drums and was switched from hydralic to electric

Do you mean "switched from vacuum to electric"? I thought the latest fad was hydraulic.

[davidh]

Hydraulic trailer brakes are what most people are switching from to have electric brakes. when you apply your brakes the brake controler sends a signal to the hydraulic pump motor which was located front center of trailer, then starts to run to build hydraulic pressure to apply your trailer brakes, which then you could adjust amount of brake application at your brake controller, there was never vacuum on this modle..