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Topic ClosedReplacement axle?
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Jul 2018
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Replacement axle?
    Posted: 19 Sep 2018 at 7:13am
I too like the idea of a Dexter 4200 lb axle keeping my existing wheels. I have the same (I think) setup as StephenH, 14 inch wheels, 3500 lb Lippert axle. But, and pardon the dumb questions, do the tires and wheels also need to be upgraded to get a 4200 lb rating? Is it possible to swap the brakes from a Lippert axle to the Dexter? Is the Dexter axle a bolt up replacement or is some welding required?

Also, has anyone ever weighed the individual wheels on their trailer? It seems to me it may not be a coincidence that the drivers side tends to fail more than the passenger side, at least in the 179. That side has all the heavy appliances as well as the slide, it has to be carrying more weight.

Thanks!
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
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Joined: 18 Sep 2018
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Posts: 2 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2018 at 10:21pm
Are you getting your replacement axle from Dexter directly or through a middle man?  Mine is definitely not right on the passenger side of the camper.  For an exact replacement Dexter 3500lb #10 Torflex, I was quoted $425 plus about $150 to ship it to me from Indiana by the OEM Parts Store.  Three week turnaround.  

However, I would think 4200lb axle would be an improvement and could still run the same wheels.  

 Brake swap should be breeze.
Matt
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2018 at 2:07pm
No, we have the Midwest edition since we live in NC. It came with 14" wheels/tires although it does have the risers that earlier model years didn't.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
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Joined: 15 May 2017
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Posts: 2629 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2018 at 12:37pm
StephenH, I thought you had a HRE? Our HRE 179 has 15" wheels/tires. 
bp
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2018 at 11:36am
Originally posted by StephenH

We've done two trips to AZ and NV, one trip from NC to AZ, NV, ID, MT, WY, SD, and returning through IL. Additionally, we've done three trips from NC to VT with side trips to NY, NJ, and PA before returning. One trip to the factory in Goshen, IN and return, and some shorter local trips both for camping and for service. A rough estimate is that we have over 25,000 miles on the axle. We have hit some significant potholes and a couple of curbs (low speed). When it is light, I will try to get some pictures of the axle and the tire wear.


I truly respect you for this post.  Several others have said that the axle was not suitable from the factory, including the poder that bumped ,over a curb at 40 MPH and wondered why it bent.

Fact is that roads are getting in worse shape every year.  People usig their Pods will eventually have this trouble.
Keith-N-Dar
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2018 at 10:17am
Thanks offgrid, I will check it out.
Mike Carter
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" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Jul 2018
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2018 at 9:53am
mccarter, you might want to check out this wdh calculator. I also recently posted on an experiment I did with my rig and wdh that you might want to look at. With my loading and tow vehicle I need a wdh for sure, but the point is to be sure you know how you're setting it up and what its impact is on your your trailer axle and TV receiver. 

https://www.ajdesigner.com/apptrailertow/weightdistributionhitch.php
1994 Chinook Concourse
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2018 at 7:23pm
We've done two trips to AZ and NV, one trip from NC to AZ, NV, ID, MT, WY, SD, and returning through IL. Additionally, we've done three trips from NC to VT with side trips to NY, NJ, and PA before returning. One trip to the factory in Goshen, IN and return, and some shorter local trips both for camping and for service. A rough estimate is that we have over 25,000 miles on the axle. We have hit some significant potholes and a couple of curbs (low speed). When it is light, I will try to get some pictures of the axle and the tire wear.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2018 at 2:01pm
They use the same style/type/brands of axle, as do many others, in fact, 4 TT's so far, we have never had a leaf spring axle.

Now, this particular Bambi was 30 years old and had logged almost 100K miles when it was decided the axle was about finished..
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2018 at 1:35pm
Okay. It is interesting to know that even Airstreams have some of the same problems.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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