1975 Argosy Axles - You decide

[DDOK]

I'm a complete 'newb' to airstream renovation, and I was hoping that some of the more seasoned folks can help me out.

I've recently purchased a 1975 Airstream Argosy 26, and my wife and I are about to start the renovation/remodel. I've created a list of things I'll likely need to address, and I've included tires and axles in that list. The tires are a no brainer. They are cracked, have little tread, and frankly I'm surprised it made the 45 miles home without a flat.

The Axles, I'm less sure on. I got under the trailer and snapped some photos. I've read quite a few forum posts, but I'm still not sure Here are the photos I snapped today:











What do you think, are new axles needed?

[woodfox45]

Photos don't work . Anything that old axles should need replaced

[n2916s]

The Inland RV website has a nice article on torsion axles.

Photos really don't help as there is no way to tell from looking whether or not the rubber rods in the axle have hardened and set.

As noted, axles that old are likely toast.

Mike

[DKB_SATX]

Generally by that age they've stiffened and, as has already been posted, are ready for replacement.

The test is to lift the trailer by the axle flange (the plate to which the axle is bolted) and measure how far the hub drops (with respect to the wheel well, for example.) The article referred to above says the hubs should drop 3" between loaded and unloaded.

[DDOK]

Also, while I'm at it, I noticed that the axles had some bolt holes with no bolts in them! I could only see 2 bolts connecting to the Axle to the frame, or course more could have been hidden by the tire. Is this normal:

[DDOK]

Thanks guys. I'll do the 'lift test' and see how it looks. What do you think about the missing bolts? I think the PO may have done some work under my trailer at some point, because it looks like the belly pan has been patched. Maybe they had to take the axles off for some reason?

[nrgtrakr]

Here ...
http://www.inlandrv.com/articles/dur...xle-92001.html

[idroba]

No bolts were used in those holes, just the two on the vertical side plate.

[KEIZER]

Depending on how the trailer was stored and the terrain that the trailer was over they may still be in good shape. I have seen 10 year old trailers with axles shot and 40 year old trailers with great working suspensions. So every trailer should be inspected with a clear mind.
Good Luck

[DDOK]

Thanks everyone for the input. It's good to know those bolt holes weren't used. I'll jack up the trailer and see how much the tires drop.

[featherbedder]

In pic. #4 axle arm looks strait front to back. Axle should have downward angle not strait. I believe 22 degree drop They are easy to change if hand, as I did mine when 77 yrs. old. If change remember to put shocks on before raising in place, to have to drop to install shocks, also when splicing wires use butt connectors with heat shrink tubing over them, will keep moisture out of splice. Call Colin Hyde for new axles as he has all specs. [axsis axles]. He will ask for trailer info, then that's it, strait bolt up. Also Andy at Inland Airstream sells dexter axles, but, in my opinion not as easy to install with some welding for shock brackets that I have read about plus a little more costly. Colin would be a little more for shipping I think, maybe a wash for cost with shipping. People that pur. from both are gen. satisfied.

[stacski21]

We have a 1964 30’ we gutted this summer.I highly suggest reading the article from Inland RV.You will make and educated decision.
I will also let you know Inland RV is having an awesome sale on axels till 12-31 (I think).We searched and searched over the summer and their sale is currently HALF of what they were asking over the summer.We just ordered ours this week! JAndy is a genius!I suggest calling and talking to him.I do know he mentioned he was leaving for vacation, but should be back before the sale is finished.
As far as Colin Hyde. My husband has called him repeatedly and emailed and the guy is so busy he never calls back. We gave up.
Happy Remodel!Don’t let anyone discourage you about cost and time on these!It will take blood sweat and tears, but it’ll be worth it!

[mgg]

One of the things Andy at Inland RV won't tell you is that once you do modifications , at his instructions, to the axel the warrantee against failure is voided. Try dealing with Andy on a spendy return, won't do any business with Inland RV again!

[stacski21]

For our year model the modifications are done on the camper NOT the axel. Dexter no longer makes the 12" bracket so we will have to drill new holes in our camper.

Modifying the camper does not void a warranty on the axel.

[DDOK]

Half off sounds like it's worth calling about! I'll give inland RV and Colin a call and get some quotes if my 'Jack Test' is definitive this weekend.

Question: If I get new axles, will my bolt pattern change?

I'm going to get new tires anyway, and was considering getting 16 inch wheels and LT tires, but I was curious if I 'had' get get new wheels when I change axles because the bolt pattern changes...

[stacski21]

We purchased new tires before the axels. Our tires were very old and were split rims. I('m not entirely sure how we made it home in one piece!) No one would touch our rims. Because we were working with the original axels, we got tires/rims to match the original bolt pattern.

Our new axels were ordered to match the existing bolt pattern on our new tires. No biggie.

[blkmagikca]

I'm not saying that you can't do it, but know that in all likelihood, there will have to be some modifying to the frame where it attaches. As well, the wheels also will need alignment.

I took the easy way out - I had new running gear installed at JC. In doing it that way, I was able to get heavier axles (went from 4,000 lb axles to 4,500 lbs, thereby increasing the combined axles weight rating from 8,000 lbs to 9,000 lbs. JC charged me $1,500 per axle (axle with hub & brakes, labor to install and align, and taxes) all in. You can also choose the Nev-R-Lube hubs. The job took them almost one day.

[TG Twinkie]

I have a '74 Argosy 26'. Bought new axles from Inland RV. No modifications were required to the frame. There are 4 bolts per axle and 2 nuts per shock. At the time I was 65 years old, I replaced both axles working by myself in less than 8 hours.

[Lumatic]

Based on age alone the axles need replacement or are living on borrowed time. Those 70s Henshen axles were more prone to deterioration than other years. The post above that says axles should have a 22 degree down angle. That is when the axles are unweighted. Will you have a catastrophic failure with bad axles? Probably not. The risk is the axles have lost their springiness and shock absorbing ability transferring road shock to the trailer causing damage. Take a short ride in the trailer down a rough road and see how it feels.