Forum Discussion

Cyclops69's avatar
Cyclops69
Explorer
Dec 17, 2013

Axle upgrade?

New to this forum and joined because I am going to upgrade the axles, rims and tires. I am in the research part of this project and am looking for any info that may help. I use my 28 grand surveyor about 8 months out of the year for work all over the nation. I am on my second bent axle and am tired of buying tires . Took the rig to a scale and she weighs 7400 pounds minus about 550 of tongue weight. This puts me right at the capacity of the 3500 pound axles that came on the trailer. Looking for maybe 5000 pound axles or 4500 pounds with 6 lugs hubs so I can also go to a higher load range tire on a bigger rim. This is the first of many upgrades I have planned and arguably the most important so any help as far as type or manufacture or deal to buy from will be helpful

Thanks in advance

Sorry forgot to mention the TT currently has AL-KO torsion axles
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Dec 17, 2013
    If your using it that much you might consider upgrading the entire package to a morride suspension system. Far superior components that you currently have.
    If not, go with 5500 pound axles and the. You could install a decent LT tire to boot.
  • Cyclops69's avatar
    Cyclops69
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2013
    ThAnks for the info I will look that up. I tow about 10 to 15 thousand miles a year and live in it for about eight months of the year. I'm sure that the road conditions are what is bending my axles. I 95 through NYC is horrible and I 10 through Louisiana is a rotten stretch with some bad freeway hop so some sort of upgrade is needed badly. Again thanks for the help
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Dec 17, 2013
    My TT weighs the same as yours but has 5200# Alko axles. They have performed great over about 50K miles and I would suggest them as an upgrade.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2013
    if you don't have shocks, that would be advisable as they really help cushion the blows.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Dec 17, 2013
    Don't forget new springs. I moved from 1750# to 2200# springs on my 3500# axles and it rides way better.

    As long as you are getting complete new I would opt for disc brakes for just a little more. Dexter will set you up.

    On edit:

    Looks like you will need to weld on some spring hangers if you intend to go to a spring suspension.
  • NYCFive1's avatar
    NYCFive1
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2013
    Travel advice. You could avoid the Cross Bronx Expressway (I95) going through NYC.
  • Cyclops69's avatar
    Cyclops69
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2013
    NYCFive1 wrote:
    Travel advice. You could avoid the Cross Bronx Expressway (I95) going through NYC.


    Lol yeah unfortunately I learned that lesson the hard way. Not to mention the unbelievable high tolls for the Delaware memorial bridge the jersey turnpike and th GW. Now I go around on the way to and from Connecticut.
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Dec 17, 2013
    smkettner wrote:
    Don't forget new springs. I moved from 1750# to 2200# springs on my 3500# axles and it rides way better.

    As long as you are getting complete new I would opt for disc brakes for just a little more. Dexter will set you up.
    Torsion axles don't use springs.

    B.O.
  • 69_Avion's avatar
    69_Avion
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2013
    You may want to consider Flexiride Axles from:

    http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-2313-5200-lb-flexiride-torsion-axle.aspx

    The prices are decent and the Flexiride axles use and adjustable splined torsion arm. Whatever you use, you need to make sure all the measurements are correct for the mounting system.

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