Changing Axles

I went to an auto wrecker and looked under trucks and vans until I saw something that would work. On old Dodge vans it's a simple U, which was perfect. I fabricated a cross member and clamps for the axel. If you ask Heliwig , they would likely jump at the chance for a new market. The cross member you'll likely have to have made, as each trailer may be different. But the axel clamps would be pretty standard.

Downwindtracker2 wrote:
I then mounted a 48"x16"x1" sway bar on the front axel which solved the handling problem.

Had not heard of a sway bar made for trailer axles...
Do you have any more info? Source?

One of our 3500# axels bent, so I replaced them with 5200# . To get them to fit I had to go under the spring resulting in a lift. I also had to replace the 15" 5bolt with 16" 6bolt wheels, but got bigger brakes and E range truck tires in the deal. The lift raised the center of gravity. Fearing that I added a leaf, but it wasn't enough. I then mounted a 48"x16"x1" sway bar on the front axel which solved the handling problem.

I replaced my axle, leaf springs, and installed wet bolts 2 yrs ago,made a world of difference.

Yes, the axles are 3,500 pound units for a trailer with UVW 6250 pounds(loaded was just under 7,000 pounds). If I change out the axles I'm also planning on going to 15" tires.

Though I'm starting to think, maybe just have the existing axle fix (if possible)and sell the trailer and get a fifth wheel with bigger everything.

Thanks for all the suggestions,
Craig

Whoa! Stop! Did you have the suspension checked? Are the spring hangar plates and bushings worn?

This can do the same thing and is MUCH more common than a bent spindle.

I would have the suspension checked.

One easy test to see if your spindle is bent is to jack up the axle in question stand something up that has a straight edge against the tire and rotate the tire/wheel. A bent spindle will result in the outer diameter of the tire to scribe an elliptical course and hit the straight edge.

With the weight off the suspension a bad suspension will not affect this.

Be sure you arent spending a lot of money where a $100 fix will do it.

My in laws had new axles put on their Cougar 5er. They also had bent axles, and felt that they were undersized for what they wanted.

It isn't the cheapest option, but I do think if you already have a bent axle, it is the best. Manufactures are notorious for putting undersized component on RVs.

In Lippert land a 4400 axle compared to 3500 comes with bigger tube, heavier springs, and a 6 lug 10" hub. The 10" hub never got the job done on braking on 9400 lb. fifth wheel. If braking on OP's trailer is fine I'd look for a shop that will bend axle into alignment. Had that done on our previous trailer. The skill can be a little hard to find and officially Lippert does not recommend it.

Calicajun wrote:
Been told that the reason one of the tires on my TT is wearing badly is because of a bent axle or spindle.
Thanks,
Craig

Curious who told you this, a dealer, RV repair shop, neighbor or someone you met in a CG? I would highly recommend going to a frame & axle shop with travel trailer experience to get an accurate diagnosis that you can trust. Won't cost much and could save you a lot of unnecessary expense. You could have a number of different things causing the tire problems such as bent axle(s), worn bushings, spring hangers welded in wrong locations or loose wheel bearings.

The axle tubing on 3500 lb ones is paper thin. You can order new axle assemblies with 3" dia. tubing rather than 2 3/8". That way you will get stronger axles and can use the brakes & wheels you have now. I would think re-using the bearings would depend on what they look like when you remove them. Might be an opportune time to replace the offshore bearings in there now with some quality ones like US-made Timkens. If they are 3500 lb axles now and you go to 4000 lbs or greater, then the 5-lug wheels will need replacing with 6-lug. If it is of help, Alko has info. on 3500 and 4000-4400 lb axles in the links below. Not sure what Dexter has for info. Alko is now part of Dexter. I believe the heavier axles can be ordered with 10" or 12" brakes.

3500 lb axles
4000 - 4400 lb axles

Look on the axles there will be a tag. You can order the correct axles on line and have them delivered to your home. The only thing they'll ask you is what side the spring bracket is on. They should bolt up with the same bearing, hubs, etc.. Just get the same exact axles. Your local selection will be much more limited then ordering them online and normally 2-3 times the cost. Been there done that and used all the same hardware.