What kind of axles are these?

[jcain63]

I'm a new owner of a 72 tradewind and I'd like to know what kind of axles I have. Here are some pics. Thanks for the help.

[Belegedhel]

Originally Posted by jcain63

I'm a new owner of a 72 tradewind and I'd like to know what kind of axles I have. Here are some pics. Thanks for the help.

They are a standard elastemer rod based torsion axle. They appear to be fairly new vintage.

[jcain63]

I was afraid of that. Well, there's another thing to add to the list of future upgrades.

[idroba]

They look relatively new. Why do you say "another thing to add to the list of future upgrades".

[jcain63]

Aren't they the elastemer rod type axles. I always read about people changing those, saying that they're not very good.

[jcain63]

Are they dependable?

[Mexray]

Those are AS's original equipment type axles...they are the best riding axles around...

No leaf springs or rocker bushings to wear out...

We replaced the axles on our 78 model Ambassador - only because they were over 35 years old - I'd say that's some kind of good service...!!!

LIke others have said, yours look quite NEW - if the 'lever' portion of the axle is pointing downward on the road, they probably have lots of life left in them...

[jcain63]

That's good to know. I did notice how well the 42yo towed when bring her home. It's nice!!!

[AWCHIEF]

OP, crawl up under your trailer and take a look at the axle tube. There might be a label with the specs of the axle. It should show the manufacture date and load rating, if the label is still in place. Looking at your pics and the axles seem to be in good shape with little settling of the trailer.

[Belegedhel]

If you compare how rusty your frame is to the relative "newness" of the axle, I would make a guess that the previous owner has already replaced the axle, that this is not the original axle that the trailer was built with. The reason vintage trailer owners are usually on a terror to replace axles is that the axles are as old as the shell, and rubber does not retain its elasticity for 40 years. When they replace them, they replace them with the same type of axle, though.

Based on the appearance of the axle, and on the apparent ride height, you are probably in good shape. One way to tell for sure is to jack your trailer up and watch how much travel the axle arm has as you jack it up. It should move ~3 inches. If it only moves an inch or less, then you rubber rods may have already taken a "set" and lost their elasticity. There are several threads on the forums describing techniques for assessing whether your axles need to be replaced.

[jcain63]

That's good thanks so much for the insight.