[VAC] Re: Buying Axles

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

RJ wrote:" On pre 1961 trailers there were 5 different axle manufacturers.
Don't
 get fixated on just one.  Shoot, even my favorite axle maker Dexter
 makes a Dura-torque equivalent, the Torflex.
http://www.dexteraxle.com/product_literature/ .  .  .  .   Here in the Bay
area, I send people over to Oakland Rim & Wheel, a
 Dexter dealer.  There are many places like this all over the US.

Hi RJ,

As you noted, my present communication with a Dexter plant was a bit
frustrating.  The representative wanted to talk about a carload of axles.
:(  The dexteraxle website explains a lot about the Torflex and the
available brackets.  Unfortunately, the bracket kit for the Torflex requires
welding.  This preliminary discussion also leaned toward the unavailability
of 6 stud/5.5 inch stud pattern.

Seems to me that Airstream would use nearly identical mounting brackets for
many of the vintage dura torque axles.  I mentioned to the Dexter
representative that there would be a huge market for their axles if the cost
were more in line with those used for horse trailers, boat trailers, etc.  I
still have additional measurements to provide to Dexter in order to get an
estimate of the cost of such a replacement.  Even if it requires welding of
a new bracket and the associated removal of part of the belly -
floor/furniture, etc.  I can weld with TIG, MIG, and Stick; however, with
something as critical as a bracket assembly for the axles .  .  .

The Dexter "Applications Manual" can be downloaded and shows their standard
installation bracket kits.  What would be helpful to all of us is a VAClist
data base with the
specifications for the axles.  Something that anyone could access, compare
the cost of an alternate axle assembly, and finally make the choice of the
manufacturer/supplier.  If there are enough similarities among the
fasteners, possibly there could be a Torflex bracket specifically for
Airstream and Argosy replacement axles.  Possibly the engineers/design
experts among VAClist participants can help with engineering drawings, etc.

For example, the frame channel over the axles for my Argosy is 5 inches.
The axle bracket is welded to the outside of the frame channel and the dura
torque center of axle is 2-3/4 inches below the frame.  The axle mounting
brackets are 61 - 5/16 inches from the inside-inside of the frame mounting
bracket.  The arch of the axle is 1.5 inches.  No toe-in that I can measure.
The 20 degree negative angle, load range, and 42.5 degree max travel stop
are specifications easily met.  Lots of other measurements to get yet to be
sure that the replacement axles will replicate the dura torque.  May even
remove an axle to be sure I get the "exact" measurements.  Even the strength
and size of the mounting bolts are important criteria.

Cost, fit, and ease of installation (not necessarily in order of preference)
will be the determining factors.

Sure appreciate help with measurements from any and all VAClist
participants.  Possibly RJ, you could get information from the Oakland Rim
& Wheel that could help other Dexter dealers fit axles to vintage trailers?

If my reading is correct, Dexter has 30 plus years proven torque axle
experience and should be with us for many years to come.

                            Regards, '74 (tired axles) Argosy 22
                                   '69 (suspected tired axle) Safari 23
                                                         Joy