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hoagies_OTR · 01-06-2017, 09:46 AM

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a shop in the FL/GA/AL/SC area to replace our axles and brakes. We're currently in Naples, FL and we'll be in the Orlando area by the end of January. Thanks!

Tim

hoagies_OTR · 04-04-2017, 08:45 AM

We were delayed in Florida by tow vehicle woes but will be west of the Mississippi by the end of the month. I guess I will be contacting Andy next for replacement axles. Are there any shops I should consider in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona? Just take it to Inland? Any help is appreciated!

n2916s · 04-04-2017, 09:07 AM

Airstream of New Mexico in Albuquerque is top notch. They are doing my axles in May. Ordered them from Inland.

mikextr · 04-04-2017, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoagies_OTR

We were delayed in Florida by tow vehicle woes but will be west of the Mississippi by the end of the month. I guess I will be contacting Andy next for replacement axles. Are there any shops I should consider in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona? Just take it to Inland? Any help is appreciated!

if going to Inland is a viable option then having Andy install your axles would be the way to go. He is the axle expert IMO. Get in contact with him right away as I suspect he is very busy this time of year and may need considerable lead time. Going to Inland was not an option for me so I chose to order my axles through a local Dexter dealer and installed them myself. The new axles are perfect and I saved a lot of money, but it sure would have sure been nice to roll into Andy's shop have it done.

TouringDan · 05-03-2017, 08:35 PM

Not sure where you folks are but there are a couple of good places in Texas to get your axles replaced. One is A&P Vintage Trailer Works by Fort Worth (Paul Mayeux 817-919-3651, www.apvintagetrailerworks.com). The other is operated by Lance, no additional info. I know he did DKB_SATX axles, and he was very pleased.

Dan

**Action** · 05-04-2017, 11:36 AM

Oasis RV center in Tucson is a good one as well.

>>>>>>>>>>Action

rmkrum · 05-04-2017, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikextr

if going to Inland is a viable option then having Andy install your axles would be the way to go. He is the axle expert IMO. Get in contact with him right away as I suspect he is very busy this time of year and may need considerable lead time. Going to Inland was not an option for me so I chose to order my axles through a local Dexter dealer and installed them myself. The new axles are perfect and I saved a lot of money, but it sure would have sure been nice to roll into Andy's shop have it done.

Inland RV no longer offers installation or any other services, sadly...he just sticks to selling parts and providing good information.

hoagies_OTR · 06-23-2017, 07:13 PM

Update!

First, thanks to everyone that replied with suggestions. But in the time between placing my order with Colin and receiving the new axles, I decided to tackle this project by myself. It's just 8 bolts, how hard can it be?

My new barbells, 3800# load rated, 32° starting down angle.

Soaking the fasteners in penetrating oil and loosening the shocks.

I only resorted to cutting off one!

I was prying and whacking on the drums pretty good until I realized I only pulled three mounting bolts! Once that was taken care of they shimmied out with a little size 11.5 persuasion.

The second one went much easier. I started to cut out the first notch when my second cordless battery gave up. I will continue that tomorrow, weather permitting.

Off to the recycling yard with youse.

Of course I goofed and ordered the wrong shocks. I think they're kinda superficial, but, figure if I'm here, and it came with em, it can't hurt. And that gives me the excuse to not rush it and get a coat of POR-15 up there in the meantime.

Thanks for watching!

TouringDan · 06-24-2017, 06:40 AM

Great photos of axle removal. It looks like you used a grinder to cut off the stubborn bolt. I used a sawzawl for the one axle I have removed so far. Maybe I will try a grinder on the other axle.

I ordered my axles from Colin about 5 weeks ago. Still waiting. No problem though due to project creep- belly pan removal, frame rust removal and painting, insulation replacement and new belly pan installation.

Dan

Aviator · 06-24-2017, 02:02 PM

Great Job. I've purchased axles from both Andy and Colin (different projects). Both were for self install. Colin was more cost effective.

hoagies_OTR · 07-07-2017, 05:09 PM

Thanks everyone. I felt a lot more confident due to so many in a similar situation taking the initiative and documenting their experiences here. And a big thank you to Colin Hyde!

After rolling around in the dirt and wiggling everything into position, we're all torqued down and ready to put down some miles. That is, after I replace the bathroom floor. What's that they say? The fun never ends? Something like that.

Here's a little before and after.

AlinCal · 07-07-2017, 05:46 PM

How did you arrive at the 3800# rating? What were the axles that came off?

HiJoeSilver · 07-07-2017, 08:25 PM

Nice job!

What did you use to cut the notches larger?

hoagies_OTR · 07-08-2017, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlinCal

How did you arrive at the 3800# rating? What were the axles that came off?

The trailer is originally listed at 6500 GVWR, so I'm assuming the old axles were rated at or around 3250# each. We travel with it right on the edge of GVWR so I wanted a little more margin there. I think Colin made mention of the 3800 number and it sounded about where I wanted to be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

Nice job!

What did you use to cut the notches larger?

A 4" cordless grinder made quick work of it.