Montana Axle Change - Easy or Not?

[djgodden]

My 2005 Montana 2955RL has 2 Dexter D52-8 (5,200lb 8 lug) axles. Given it's dry weight of 9,200lbs, this puts them right at the edge. I'm considering changing the axles to either 6k or 7k rated ones.

So... can I simply change the axles and use the same hub/brakes or would those have to be changed as well?

[djgodden]

Rvpapa wrote:
Do a bit of research and I think that you will find they are the same as 7000lb axles. The only difference is the spring packs. Manufacturer put on the proper size for the unit weight. Put on heavier rated and all you do it hammer the s+++ out of the trailer on rough roads.
Art.

Aha... I followed your advice and went digging. The three axles we're discussing (D52, D60, and D70) are essentially identical. The only differences are the springs and the magnets. The larger weighted axles having heavier springs and larger magnets to stop heavier loads. Sounds like a brake upgrade is all I need to enhance safety a bit.

[rhagfo]

tvman44 wrote:
As BB said axles not carrying all of that, & yes they should be easy to change if you desire.

We the RV has a GVWR of 12,220# * 20 percent = 2,440# leaves about 9,800# on the axles rated for 10,400#.

Yes just safely block up your 5er with cribbing. This is our 32' 12,360# GVWR sitting on cribbing and LG and jack stands.

[WeBeFulltimers]

tvman44 wrote:
As BB said axles not carrying all of that, & yes they should be easy to change if you desire.

I agree but why waste the time and money?

If you REALLY want to spend some money on something worthwhile do a disk brake conversion.

[mapguy]

djgodden wrote:
My 2005 Montana 2955RL has 2 Dexter D52-8 (5,200lb 8 lug) axles. Given it's dry weight of 9,200lbs, this puts them right at the edge. I'm considering changing the axles to either 6k or 7k rated ones.

So... can I simply change the axles and use the same hub/brakes or would those have to be changed as well?

Really not enough info to analyze the overall reason for axle upgrade.
Do you have any weight data for the trailer loaded for a trip? Dry weight data is fairly useless for the analysis necessary to make an informed decision.
I will say that this era/brand trailer was minimum built to meet the factory stated GVWR and would probably be easily loaded to GVWR for full timing or dry camping situations.

[mapguy]

corvettekent wrote:

djgodden wrote:

So... can I simply change the axles and use the same hub/brakes or would those have to be changed as well?

No you can't use the same hubs.

Yes, 8 lug hubs from D52 axle are usable to D60 & D70 axles. Might need to upgrade the brake backing plate assembly depending on final axle capacity choice though. Disc brake upgrade time if really want to increase overall safety -which seems to be OP's intent.

Research at dexteraxle.com will verify my comments.

[Rvpapa]

Do a bit of research and I think that you will find they are the same as 7000lb axles. The only difference is the spring packs. Manufacturer put on the proper size for the unit weight. Put on heavier rated and all you do it hammer the s+++ out of the trailer on rough roads.
Art.

[MudChucker]

Im a huge fan of upgrading and customizing stuff... more like an addict... changing the axles not likely going to win you anything. If you want to do some mods tho, add shocks and disk brakes 🙂

[phillyg]

Mechanically it's simply a parts swap. Unbolt and remove, install and bolt up. But, it would be easier with two people, and you need to ensure the axles are aligned relative to each other and the frame. Upgrade the hubs and brakes while you're at it; they're no all that expensive. OTOH, I agree you're probably not overweight and you probably don't need to upgrade at all, but that's your choice.

[the_bear_II]

I haven't changed my axles but I did replace all of the springs which is basically the same process.

I used a bottle jack and a floor jack plus jack stands and lots of 2X4 & 2X6s as stacks for the jack stands. Get the trailer up on to the jack stands, then remove the tires, support the first axle and remove the springs and shackles. I was able to complete the 4 spring change in a weekend working by myself.

You'll need help with the axles.

[corvettekent]

djgodden wrote:

So... can I simply change the axles and use the same hub/brakes or would those have to be changed as well?

No you can't use the same hubs.

[tvman44]

As BB said axles not carrying all of that, & yes they should be easy to change if you desire.

[BB_TX]

First off consider that you have 2,000 lbs or more dry sitting on the hitch pin. That means you only have 7,000 lbs or so sitting on the axles. So you are not "at the edge" as you think.

But if you want more info about the Montana, try the Montana Owners Club forum for lots of Montana experience and help.