HAVE A 04 TT TANDEM axles that are the torsion type of axles... well the rubber has worn out of them and now the tt dropped so low that the tires are rubbing through the wheel wells...anyone know if these axles somehow can be repacked or the rubber replaced to lift the tt up again or do the axles have to be replaced?thanks, hope there is some good news....

In most cases, an axle replacement is the best solution.

The rubbers can not be replaced. New torsion axles, depending on capacity, run about $350 +/-.Lots of info at Dexter axle to determine what you need based on capacity, start angle, bump clearance, etc.Go Dexter.....stay away from Lippert.

Replace the axles, they aren't extremely expensive.

Replace with axles rated higher than what you have...minimum 500+ although I'd go 1000+ each.

Weigh your trailer, you may be overloaded. I have/do own several torsion axle trailers and never had one wear out. I currently work out of a enclosed trailer that weighs in at 6,500 pound+ all the time with 2 3500 pound axles. It has over 400,000 miles on it, no issues.

TT AXLES????? | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

Huntindog
Explorer
Aug 25, 2017
joelyn wrote:
rexlion wrote:
Flexiride also makes torsion axles, and they are angle-adjustable.

You could also have a shop convert your trailer to spring axles, and it would probably save you a bundle. Spring axles are cheap and springs are cheap, if they can weld some new mount points onto your frame. I had my cargo trailer converted like this (I damaged the torsion axle, it would have taken 3 weeks or more to get a replacement in, but the shop put on a spring axle in 2 days for 1/3 the cost.)

i had thought about trying to switch over to springs and called a couple of truck and spring dealers around and no one said that they would do it because of the liability issues which i can understand being a travel trailer....

also checked with sd trucking and another flexiride axles but they only carried the 1/2 axles by flexiride which are about a 100.00 cheaper but than i would have to hire someone to weld and modify the frame to accept the 1/2 axles. so by the time i pay for that it will probably cost much more than the 100.00. so maybe stay with the dexters...

but thanks for the suggestions and thanks to all for the help...
The reason you were turned down due to liability issues is that such work is beyond the skill/ability of the shops employees. It has nothing to do with it being a TT. Doing a job they are not capable of doing properly would indeed make them liable if it failed in use.
There is no reason that your TT cannot be converted to a leaf spring setup. In fact most TTs use leaf springs.
You just need to find a shop that is capable of doing it.

It is not all that hard. I can do it in my driveway.

But most shops nowadays don't have skilled workers. They are mostly just parts changers.

I am sure that there is a shop in your area, that is capable and willing to do this simple welding job. You just need to look harder.

Torsion axles have their benefits. They also as you have found out have their downsides.

Rubber decomposes at a much higher rate than spring steel.
Even just sitting there not in use, rubber is deteriorating. (so does steel, but it would take so long as to be a non issue)
If you go with torsion replacements, be sure to sell it before they go bad again.:B
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Aug 24, 2017
joelyn wrote:
CALLED DEXTER about the axle's and gave me a price of 521.00 per for just the axle and 739.00 for the complete set up, brakes drums etc.. plus 150.00 shipping.so we checked the backing plate and mag, drums etc on the old ones and they are really very good still. no grooves nothing so will just go for the axle for 521.00 per,'did ask about upgrading to a bigger weight capacity but they said that will than change all the mounting holes etc... so these are rated at 3007 lbs each so should be good just will not overload.
thanks for all the help,,,,,,,again, lol

Try here
mapguy
Explorer
Aug 24, 2017
Flexiride axles are available at these places:
Flexiride axle dealers

24 hour turnaround at this place on custom Flexiride torsion axles:
Arizona Axle

These axles are a superior product- 5 year warranty, axle angle is adjustable and rebuildable.
Huntindog
Explorer
Aug 24, 2017
I know several people, most with horse trailers that have had to replace their torsion axles due to the rubber degrading. Some went for a more durable leaf spring setup while they were at it. Some of the others wish they had, as they are needing to do it again.
joelyn
Explorer
Aug 24, 2017
rexlion wrote:
Flexiride also makes torsion axles, and they are angle-adjustable.

You could also have a shop convert your trailer to spring axles, and it would probably save you a bundle. Spring axles are cheap and springs are cheap, if they can weld some new mount points onto your frame. I had my cargo trailer converted like this (I damaged the torsion axle, it would have taken 3 weeks or more to get a replacement in, but the shop put on a spring axle in 2 days for 1/3 the cost.)

i had thought about trying to switch over to springs and called a couple of truck and spring dealers around and no one said that they would do it because of the liability issues which i can understand being a travel trailer....

also checked with sd trucking and another flexiride axles but they only carried the 1/2 axles by flexiride which are about a 100.00 cheaper but than i would have to hire someone to weld and modify the frame to accept the 1/2 axles. so by the time i pay for that it will probably cost much more than the 100.00. so maybe stay with the dexters...

but thanks for the suggestions and thanks to all for the help...
rexlion
Explorer
Aug 23, 2017
Flexiride also makes torsion axles, and they are angle-adjustable.

You could also have a shop convert your trailer to spring axles, and it would probably save you a bundle. Spring axles are cheap and springs are cheap, if they can weld some new mount points onto your frame. I had my cargo trailer converted like this (I damaged the torsion axle, it would have taken 3 weeks or more to get a replacement in, but the shop put on a spring axle in 2 days for 1/3 the cost.)
joelyn
Explorer
Aug 23, 2017
CALLED DEXTER about the axle's and gave me a price of 521.00 per for just the axle and 739.00 for the complete set up, brakes drums etc.. plus 150.00 shipping.so we checked the backing plate and mag, drums etc on the old ones and they are really very good still. no grooves nothing so will just go for the axle for 521.00 per,'did ask about upgrading to a bigger weight capacity but they said that will than change all the mounting holes etc... so these are rated at 3007 lbs each so should be good just will not overload.
thanks for all the help,,,,,,,again, lol
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2017
Some technology goes backwards.
I did own 50 years old Airstream with torsion axle and in fully serviceable condition.
The trailer was standing on jacks most of it life.
From what I remember the production of axle involves cooling down some parts to negative 300F. Not something any trailer shop can do.
eHoefler
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2017
Weigh your trailer, you may be overloaded. I have/do own several torsion axle trailers and never had one wear out. I currently work out of a enclosed trailer that weighs in at 6,500 pound+ all the time with 2 3500 pound axles. It has over 400,000 miles on it, no issues.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Aug 23, 2017
Replace with axles rated higher than what you have...minimum 500+ although I'd go 1000+ each.