Axle identification

[GordonR]

My 3400RL is probably one of the last 2004 models built and I’ve been following some of the discussions about axles and suspensions. I received maintenance instructions for both Dexter and Alko axles. Is there a way to tell for sure (1) which ones I have and (2) what size (max weight) they are?

Gordon

[H. John Kohl]

GordonR,
My Alko axles have a tag around it near on of the wheels. You have to crawel under as if you were adjusting the brakes. Good luck.

[lightningjack11]

Mine is the same as Gordans. Metal band around each axle gives model an spec.

[Montana_685]

Gordon
My axles also have a band around them 6000 lb this also states it dont include the weight of the wheels and brakes

[Northstar]

Thanks for the above info. I hope Keystone up grades their axles to 8000lbs. Perhaps wishful thinking. happy rving...

[syplace]

Our 3295RK has "Dexter" axels and each read 6000#. So far they look very straight & even. How much more do you think we can add to pull with our 2003 Chev. 3500 dualy 4x4? We were told 15000# by the dealer. And he said we would be hard put to add 3000#!

[GordonR]

Thanks for the info folks. I'll see if I can spot a band on the axles after work today.

John - My 04 is a 4X4. The Chevy dealer has a computer program where they can look up your truck type, year, trim package, etc. and tell you exactly what you can haul. Mine was actually higher than was puiblished in the manual. However, you'll have to watch out for the GCWR. Additionally, the closer you get to the trailer's max weight, the smaller the margin is on capability of the trailer axles.

As a side note, you didn't mention which dealer, the truck or the Montana dealer, told you you could haul 15,000. In this case, because you have the diesel, I think your info is accurate, but consider this general advice: If it was the Chevy dealer, you're ok. If it was the Montana (or any RV) dealer... Well, in the words of Ronald Reagan, "Trust - but verify."

Gordon

[syplace]

Thanks Gordon and yes it was the dealer who told us 15000#. Have gotten to the point that I believe this forum ..over both dealers.

[8.1al]

My 3575 also has Dexter axles. It was manufactured I believe Nov. of last year. I wonder if Montana is switching over to Dexter? That would be nice. I believe Dexter is much better to work with if you are having problems.

[NJ Hillbilly]

The only true way to find what Your truck can pull is to weigh it! Run it across a set of scales with a full tank of fuel and all the gear and passengers You plan to carry. Subtract this actual truck weight from 22,000 lbs(the rated Gross Combined Weight Rating). This will give You the weight that You can tow. My truck scales at about 8,000 lbs which puts me at 14,000lbs that I can tow according to my ratings. The other number to watch is the rear axle weight, take the rated weight of the rear axle and subtract the actual to give the amount of pin weight You can add without overloading the rear axle. I am slightly over on the truck's gvwr but am under on the front and rear axles.

Hope I didn't confuse You too much,

John

[GordonR]

Well, I finally managed to find the small word "Dexter" on the back of the hub. That answers one question. Maybe with some light over the weekend, I'll find the weight rating as well. Thanks for the help.

Gordon

[8.1al]

Gordon,
The backing plate for the brakes will also give you the brake size. If you find the weight rating will you let me know where you found it?

[GordonR]

Sure. It'll be Saturday morning before I have a chance to look though.
Gordon

[GordonR]

Charlie - I can't find anything that specifically says - on the axle - what the weight rating is. However, I did do a little research on-line with Dexter and discovered the 6000 pound rated axles are model D-60. One final look under the Monty and I saw it. Stenciled in about 2 inch leters on the axle itself - a big "D-60-6" - which I'm taking as meaning I've got 6000 pound axles. Hope this helps. Let me know what you find.

Gordon

[8.1al]

Gordon,
Crawled underneath and right about center on the axles on the back side was stamped Dexter Axle Co. and model D60--weight rating 6000lbs. excluding wheels and tires. So it looks like we do have the 6000lb Dexters. Now all I have to find out why my tires show so much wear and cupping on the outside of the tread. I only have 3000 miles on the trailer so there certainly shouldn't be any noticeable wear yet.

[Go Pokes]

Gordon and Charlie,
What brand of tires do you have on your Montana? I am think it may be the tires which are causing the cupping and not the axles My 3400 has Tacoma Tires and they start cupping at around 3000 miles. I believe if you had bent an axle the wear would only be on one tire or one side instead of all the tires.

[GordonR]

Mine are also Tacomas. I only have a couple hundred miles on the trailer though, so I wouldn't expect much wear. The entire discussion about the cupping and the possibility of overloading the axles is what prompted me to find out exactly what axles I have. Even though we don't know what's causing it, the tire problems you and others have described provide motivation to keep it under the gross weight from the beginning. If you do find out what's causing the cupping, I'd like to know. Sorry I can't be more help.

Gordon

[8.1al]

I also have the Tacoma's. I guess I'll have to call the factory and see if they have any ideas.