I hope somebody can help me out with one heck of a problem. I have a 2008 Dutchmen 18' TT. A wheel came off while making a turn in a parking lot, just a normal 90 degree turn. It was towed to a big truck and trailer service shop, who inspected the wheel and sxle and determined that the axle would have to be replaced. It's been 4 days now, they have yet to find a replacement axle. The shop says that there is usually a manufacturer's name on the axle, which they haven't found. There were some numbers they were able to read, but they weren't sure what all of them meant. The shop then contacted another parts source and they have yet to find a replacement axle. Can anyone provide any advice at all? I hate to think that a nice camper is totaled because of a wheel falling off. Thanks for any help.

By big truck, do you mean a large business, or just one that deals with medium/heavy duty commercial rigs and trailers? Seems odd this would be a problem for them.Are you filing an insurance claim, is that why it has to be an exact replacement?Otherwise it's just a matter of ordering the proper diameter and width and either drop or straight, with or without brakes and hubs matching your wheels (probably with?) More than likely it's a Dexter axle?

Sometimes a TT is built with unusual specs for the axles. If that is the case, then it is unlikely that a parts supplier will have it on the shelf. That has happened to me twice. It would need to be ordered from the manufacturer. I have waited as long as a month for one.

Huntindog wrote:Sometimes a TT is built with unusual specs for the axles. If that is the case, then it is unlikely that a parts supplier will have it on the shelf. That has happened to me twice. It would need to be ordered from the manufacturer. I have waited as long as a month for one.I had the same experience, twice and both times when someone else packed the bearings but that is another story.

This isn't rocket science. From the 2008 Dutchman brochure, you have dual 3500 lb axles on a leaf spring suspension. They just need to make measurements of the existing axle (hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center), then order a new one - it doesn't have to be the same manufacturer. They should be able to move the brakes from the old to the new, and they'll probably need to weld the spring mounts in the right place.But 99% they're Lippert or Dexter, so they should be able to get one from the same manufacturer. Lippert powder coats their axles, Dexter paints. There are certainly other ways to tell them apart, perhaps looking at the brakes (assuming Dutchmen used Dexter brakes on Dexter axles, etc.). But Dexters seem much more readily available in the aftermarket - Lippert focuses on OEM sales.I'd question the competence of that shop. "Big truck and trailer" sounds like they may not be knowledgeable about RV and small trailer stuff. That they - don't know how to/can't find a - replacement would make me worry.

I agree with Mike-s. Sounds like they're not familiar with the RV world.My old trailer similar to yours had dual 3500 lb Dexter axles. Trailer was 5800 lbs gross weight. They were painted with no tag or easy to find identification.

axle replacement issue | Good Sam Community

mike-s
Explorer
Oct 17, 2017
Huntindog wrote:
Good advice Mike. It sounds to me like you have actually done this yourself a time or two.
I've done both types. I also should have said "spring seats," not "hangers," although the measurement would be the same. The equivalent thing is called a mounting bracket on a torsion axle.
Huntindog
Explorer
Oct 17, 2017
mike-s wrote:
arkie guide wrote:
I did not say there was not different wall thickness on pipe I am in the business, I only ask where it was written on the axle are hub. I have built and rebuilt many trailers and buy axles according to weight carrying and spring hanger distance. If you need the very same axle add the hub measurements.I would not wait a long time for an axle - just order what yopu need on line and get it in a few days.
If you don't spec a hub face measurement, you'll likely end up with tires not fitting in the wheel wells, or poking out well beyond them. Hub face and weight rating are the most important spec when ordering, since hangers are usually welded on after purchase.

That's for spring axles. Torsion axles are different since welding needs to be done before the rubber suspension is inserted, so those need to be spec'd more fully when ordering.
Good advice Mike. It sounds to me like you have actually done this yourself a time or two.
mike-s
Explorer
Oct 17, 2017
arkie guide wrote:
I did not say there was not different wall thickness on pipe I am in the business, I only ask where it was written on the axle are hub. I have built and rebuilt many trailers and buy axles according to weight carrying and spring hanger distance. If you need the very same axle add the hub measurements.I would not wait a long time for an axle - just order what yopu need on line and get it in a few days.
If you don't spec a hub face measurement, you'll likely end up with tires not fitting in the wheel wells, or poking out well beyond them. Hub face and weight rating are the most important spec when ordering, since hangers are usually welded on after purchase.

That's for spring axles. Torsion axles are different since welding needs to be done before the rubber suspension is inserted, so those need to be spec'd more fully when ordering.
theczar
Explorer
Oct 17, 2017
campigloo wrote:
I had problems finding parts for mine. It's an Al-Ko 4400# setup that had every supplier confused. They all swore it was a 3500# axle. I finally was referred to Axle Inc. in Elkhart In. They knew all about it and overnighted the CORRECT parts on the first try. I really liked them??!

I was excited when I read this. I am having a similar issue. 4400# axle by Al-Ko. 545 hubs and 10" brakes. Everyone swears it is 3500 axle but it is clearly labelled 4400. I need a new one since it is bent and certainly don't want to go down to a 3500 but also do not want to get new brakes and wheels going to a heavier axle. I called Axle Inc and they insisted I could not get a 4400 with 545 hubs. Curious if you have the 655 hubs on yours. Thanks
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Oct 17, 2017
Ya! I get sick of some people. They don't want an answer or just stirring the pot.
arkie_guide
Explorer
Oct 16, 2017
I did not say there was not different wall thickness on pipe I am in the business, I only ask where it was written on the axle are hub. I have built and rebuilt many trailers and buy axles according to weight carrying and spring hanger distance. If you need the very same axle add the hub measurements.I would not wait a long time for an axle - just order what yopu need on line and get it in a few days.
spike99
Explorer
Oct 16, 2017
When I replace axles, I measure HUB face too Hub Face. I tell the seller what axle weight size and also buy new U-Bolts to match as well. And where possible, I "up size +1 as well. re: If warped or broken axle is 3500 lbs axle, I ask for 3800 lbs axle and I "up size" +1 its new leaf spring packs as well. When I get the axle and springs, I then measure my leaf spring saddles location myself and get my local welder guy to weld them on. When replacing axles, don't over think it. Just +1 up size and mount the leaf spring saddles yourself. It's that easy...
mike-s
Explorer
Oct 15, 2017
The OP was a drive-by one poster. No reason to think they're still around.
Huntindog
Explorer
Oct 15, 2017
Passin thru wrote:
You don't need to measure hub face as you are using your old bearing and wheel hub
WRONG.

Do some research on just what the hub face measurement is.

Hint: It has to do with the spindle. which the wheel hub attaches to.

When ordering from Dexter, they will REQUIRE this measurement.
The times I have ordered from them (bare axles) the spring hanger measurement was NOT needed. They came loose and I welded them in place.

There should be a sticker or stamp with this info. Mine had listed as HF****

To the OP, I am not positive that Lippert components will bolt onto Dexter axles. It looks like they will, but I have never done it.
To be positive, I would order the same brand that you now have when ordering a bare axle. If ordering a complete axle (not that much more $$) then the brand won't be a factor.

If you have Lippert, the sticker will have a serial number. If you give them that number, they will know exactly what you have, and can match it perfectly. BTDT.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Oct 15, 2017
Do it yourself. What a load of ****. Measure the axle, dia total L, distance between hangars, distance end to end and dia of wheel bearings. You don't need to measure hub face as you are using your old bearing and wheel hub. Call Dexter and order it. It's simple and I'm a mechanic but I recommend you do it. Take the GVWR of your trailer, divide by 2 and go with it as you usually load 700 lb or more on the tongue.It usually takes 2 weeks anywhere.

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