Changing Axles
Been told that the reason one of the tires on my TT is wearing badly is because of a bent axle or spindle. So has anyone ever replaced the axles on a TT? If one axle needs to be replaced, then why...
Forum Discussion
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
