Dexter Axle upgrade 3500 to 5200

[Highway_4x4]

I have Dexter neverlube 3500 pound axles on my 6400 pound TT, D rated tires and 6 lug rims. I have had one bearing failure and now it is almost time to replace the cartridge bearings again. The bearings are about $80 each + press old out and new in. If I have it done that is about $400-$500. The bearings on the 3500 pound axles are kind a small. I am thinking of going to 5200 pound axles and wondering if anyone has done it. I know I would have to replace just about everything but it would be nice to just do the axles and bearings. I am a do it yourself guy and installed the Dexter E-Z flex myself. Any advice other than sell the TT and get a new one?

[Still_Searchin_]

FWIW, my OEM 3500# axles were causing TT tires to wear excessively on the inside due to those light weight axles bowing under axle weights just under their 3500 GAWR. Dexter sent me 5000# axles and the shop replaced them without upgrading either the springs or drums, just an axle swap out. Tires wearing much more evenly now.

[Highway_4x4]

It's been a great TT and has many years left but before I get into mods I am going to look at some new units. Had this one for 10 years now and the next one will be my last, unless I keep this one.

[Huntindog]

I love my Never Lube system. No annual maintenance and the cost/hassle associated with that. The ease of checking the brakes without messing with the bearings, and the lower risk of improper greasing adjusting causing problems such as grease on the brakes, or premature bearing failure.

If one decides to go with prevenative bearing replacement at 5 years, I believe that the math works out favorably cost wise as well.

I intend to look into this when 5 years rolls around, and see if I can as I suspect replace a bearing without a press. I have done quite a bit of this sort of thing in the past, so it may be doable.
If it can, then I will just carry extras with me in the unlikely event of a on the road failure.... I have the 5200# axles which use the same bearing size as the 6000#s, just with 5200# springs. This gives me some extra capacity bearing wise.

[69_Avion]

Highway 4x4 wrote:
Mine are leaf springs with the Dexter EZ ride rubber thing on the rocker. I just wonder how the 5200 axles will bolt up to my 3500 springs or will I need new springs and are the 5200 springs the same size. The TT towes so smooth and straight now, hate to risk messing things up. The next question would be easy lube or never lube bearings.

The reason that I was asking is because you can use the lighter springs to give you a good ride with the heavier axles. I have done it before with 8,000# axles (with wide brakes and oil bearings) and lighter springs (7,000#) to get a better ride with a heavier axle.
The other reason is that with rubber torsion tandem axles you don't have an equalizer and some manufacturers recommend a 1.25 Ratio for the weight since one axle may carry most of the weight when going over large bumps.

[time2roll]

I would do that change in a heartbeat. If the neverlube does not hold up you need new axles afaik so may as well go up in rating for very little more. Yes they should be a bolt on swap with new U-bolts etc.

[Highway_4x4]

I made a few calls today. I can get 5200 pound axles with brakes and springs. They will bolt right up and my 6x 5.5 rims will also bolt up to them. E-Z flex system also stays. Cost would be about $900. To R&R my never lube bearings when due will be about $400. I will go with the standard bearings next time.
With my TT at 6400 bare total, add water and gear it will be close to 7500. 700 on the hitch leaves a good 6700 or more on two 3500 axles. Add a little shock load or other load adding things and we easy go over the limit. 5200 axles will put me at about 65% loaded limit. Plus bigger brakes. Outdoor RV uses 5200 on all their TT's. Sunnybrook!!! what were you thinking. It didn't save you enough money to keep from being eaten by Winny.

[Lynnmor]

goducks10 wrote:
Just wondering what your TT weighs? Not all the weight is on the axles, you need to subtract the tongue weight as that is setting on the truck. 5200lb might be way overkill as they make a 4400lb axle too. I had 4400lb'ers on my last TT. It weighed 72-7300lbs with 900+/- on the tongue giving me about 6200lbs on the axles. I was basically 2600lbs under max axle capacity. Just something to think about.

My AlKo "3500 lb." axles went negative camber at 2800 lb. Just because they stamp numbers on them doesn't make it carry the load. Remember that there are dynamics to consider such as hills, curves, bumps and braking. I, for one, don't need any more marginal bent axles.

[goducks10]

Just wondering what your TT weighs? Not all the weight is on the axles, you need to subtract the tongue weight as that is setting on the truck. 5200lb might be way overkill as they make a 4400lb axle too. I had 4400lb'ers on my last TT. It weighed 72-7300lbs with 900+/- on the tongue giving me about 6200lbs on the axles. I was basically 2600lbs under max axle capacity. Just something to think about.

[Lynnmor]

Highway 4x4 wrote:
Mine are leaf springs with the Dexter EZ ride rubber thing on the rocker. I just wonder how the 5200 axles will bolt up to my 3500 springs or will I need new springs and are the 5200 springs the same size. The TT towes so smooth and straight now, hate to risk messing things up. The next question would be easy lube or never lube bearings.

You can use the old springs, again, call Dexter. I would skip the easy/never lube bearings.

[Highway_4x4]

Mine are leaf springs with the Dexter EZ ride rubber thing on the rocker. I just wonder how the 5200 axles will bolt up to my 3500 springs or will I need new springs and are the 5200 springs the same size. The TT towes so smooth and straight now, hate to risk messing things up. The next question would be easy lube or never lube bearings.

[byways]

I changed 4K Lippert axles (after blowing two bearings). I replaced with 6,000 pound Henderson (UT) axles and Maxxis E range tires. Overkill? Maybe, but I have no stress flying down the road! About $2500 plus tires.

[69_Avion]

Are your axles Rubber torsion or leaf spring? Either way I wouldn't hesitate changing the axles, but you need to consider the "ride" with the heavier axles. Rubber torsions start to ride real good after they are loaded to 50- or 60%. Leaf springs ride better when loaded toward the heavy side, but they also have an equalizer on the tandem axles.

[spike99]

.

Yes. Replacing "at max weight edge" 3500 lbs axles with higher rated axles is a great idea. Actually, it's a very smart idea. Remember to measure Hub Fact to Hub face and if needed, order axle 1" longer (giving 1/2" wider on each side). If wondering, my one trailer's factory axle tires would rub. I replaced axle with higher rated axle that was 1" longer and it worked great. No more rubbing (because the factory axle was too short).

For hub face to hub face measuring, surf: - click here -

Also remember that going up size axle haz stronger electric brakes as well. Having more brakes than needed is a great thing as well.

Hope this helps.

[Lynnmor]

Highway 4x4 wrote:
I have Dexter neverlube 3500 pound axles on my 6400 pound TT, D rated tires and 6 lug rims. I have had one bearing failure and now it is almost time to replace the cartridge bearings again. The bearings are about $80 each + press old out and new in. If I have it done that is about $400-$500. The bearings on the 3500 pound axles are kind a small. I am thinking of going to 5200 pound axles and wondering if anyone has done it. I know I would have to replace just about everything but it would be nice to just do the axles and bearings. I am a do it yourself guy and installed the Dexter E-Z flex myself. Any advice other than sell the TT and get a new one?

Yes, I've done it. Take all the measurements and then give Dexter a call. They made custom axles for me for little more than the stocked items.