Shocks or no shocks with new Dexter Axles?

[nick6930]

Ok, I have just spend the last few hours reading the various ideas about axles. However, I have not found any talking about not installing the shocks at all. I have had Dexter axles #10 3500# ordered for my 79 Argosy 28', but the guy that is going to install them says that I do not need the shocks. The new axles will not come with brackets and he feels that the extra cost in labor to attach new brackets would not be worth it.

Does this sound ok?

Would it just be less hassle down the road to have the old brackets welded on?

Has others done this?

Thanks for your info.
Nick

[Aerowood]

I cut the brackets off my original Henshen axle and welded them onto the new Dexter. It wasn't a real problem to do. It only took about a hour to do, but I only have one axle, so figure around two hours for a tandom. New shocks cost me 31 bucks each at the local Airstream dealer.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by nick6930

Ok, I have just spend the last few hours reading the various ideas about axles. However, I have not found any talking about not installing the shocks at all. I have had Dexter axles #10 3500# ordered for my 79 Argosy 28', but the guy that is going to install them says that I do not need the shocks. The new axles will not come with brackets and he feels that the extra cost in labor to attach new brackets would not be worth it.

Does this sound ok?

Would it just be less hassle down the road to have the old brackets welded on?

Has others done this?

Thanks for your info.
Nick

Nick.

Obviously, the shop has no knowledge of what an Airstream or Argosy trailer may need.

In his opinion, Airstream was wrong for using shocks?????

I don't think so.

Andy

[Shacksman]

I changed the axles on my Argosy and left off the shocks. Then I rode in the trailer as a friend drove around town, over RR tracks and rough roads. I could have slept in there it was so smooth. Maybe no one at Airstream ever tried riding in the trailer. I can't imagine that it would be better with shocks.

[Inland RV Center, In]

The rubber rods in torsion axles, cushion motion.

Shocks are motion restrictors.

Shocks add to the comfort that the chassis and shell enjoys.

If shocks are not needed, then remove them from your tow vehicle.

Andy

[63Silver]

I just replaced my old axles with #3500. We made new brackets out of scrap metal, drilled new holes, welded them on the axles. Bought new shocks at Advanced Auto 16.00 each (32.00 each at NAPA). It was easy took just a few minutes and I assume necessary sense that's the way Airstream did it. At 46 years old my trailer needs smooth to keep from falling apart. Hope this helps.

63silver