Looking for an Axle and Spring company--UPDATE

[Rondo]

We need to find an Axle and Spring company down in the tip of Texas--Rio Grand City to Brownsville. Got the tire wear on the rear axle(see other post) and have a feeling it is the camber but need to find a company that can be trusted and can do the work on the Monte even to the possibility of changing out the axles. Does anyone down there know of such a company? Thanks in advance!

UPDATE-- 2/25/13-- The axle finally came in and will be installed tomarrow(Tuesday) then will hit the road heading for Houston when it is done. They are putting two new tires on also since the axle ate up the insides of the ones on. Hoping to make it to Corpus Christi tomarrow afternoon so I can check torques on U bolts and etc. Will be checking the torque on the lugnuts along the way before getting to CC. Total cost should be between $6-800 when all done. Paid the campground here up through tonight and will be packed up and all before heading to the axle shop!

[Countryfolks]

We thought we had a similar problem several years ago. Ron Hoover RV sales recommended [and use] a place called Camco Wheel and Axle in Pharr [next to McAllen]. The address is: 1105 West Ferguson Ave. Pharr, Tx Phone 956-781-4800. We took our Montana there and they seem to know what they're doing, They also custom built farm trailers when we were there.

[Montana3800RE]

South West Wheel in Dallas might be able to give you info on a dealear they supply parts to where you are. They handle the Dexter axel that is probably on your unit.......

[CRUZIN 2]

Rondo

The info. from Countryfolks is what we received from the park owner. We called CAMCO and they could do it next week Ron.

Here is there web http://www.camcowheelandaxle.com/

[Rondo]

Thanks Larry (I presume it was Larry that answered this and not LaVonne )! We just arrived in Pharr tonight and will be checking in with Camco tomarrow to see what they think. I won't take the Monte yet but will see what they think by my discription. I located a Wheel and Axle place in McAllen also but since Camco has been recommended I'll be checking with them first!

[CRUZIN 2]

Rondo

Keep us informed on the out come on what you decide tomorrow, so we can plan a get together. (BTW.......we do a team effort Ron , it's actually both of us

[Rondo]

My apology to you LaVonne. I will include you in all things from this point on! We're going over to Camco this morning to see if they are open and talk to them and we'll let you know the outcome.

[sailer]

Rondo; I just had our's done here in Ft Myers ,FL they alienged the unit as the axels were 5/8" dif from side to side on distance apart. The unit also hung 2" low on the left side so they added a spring to that side and put in a correct track track kit which raised the unit 2" and made it more level with the truck . reset the camber on both axels so its better than new now. I added G614 the day before so now I should be good for a long time I hope.
sailer

[Rondo]

Well the verdict is in from Camco. It is not good! I went and talked to them this morning. James, the owner, of Camco actually came out to the campground and checked out the rear axle. He said it will need replacing. He was hoping it was only the camber but after crawling in under the Monte and looking at both sides he said it was not the camber but the axle is bent and there is possibly a bad bearing on the passenger side. He said he has had to replace quite a few Montana axles and does not know why they have gone bad. He said the rear tire may have caught a curb or something but it shouldn't have done what it did if I did. Estimated cost of axle and about three hours of labor will be about $400. Well I guess there goes Mary's gift from the Southwest! Yah right!!! It was tires last trip to Florida and now it is an axle and two tires on this trip. Maybe we'll have to stop taking trips in the winter! LOL

[CRUZIN 2]

Holly crap man! Did he show you your problem, and you could see what he was talking about? If you get lonesome give us a call, I would call you but, lost your number (phone crashed) new phone. Keep in touch.

Larry & LaVonne

[worknomore]

Ron - hope things go ok w/the repairs & we can get together while ur in the RGV...

[Art-n-Marge]

Normally, I like to crawl under there and see what they're talking about but in this case, his story and what's he's saying sure to seem to match what's wrong. I don't think this person is trying to take advantage, otherwise I do advise everyone that you request to see what they are talking about. Even if you are not an expert, they don't know that and they believe the "I would rather pay someone to do the work, but I sure wanna see what I am gonna pay for". It also help you confirm that what you expect to be replaced are replaced.

My sister paid for shocks and struts all around a long time ago and knowing my sister I crawled under her car and found the rear shocks did NOT get replaced (and didn't need it either). She was able to go back and get that refund of labor and shocks. She still goes back to them for work because she believes she'll never get screwed again and best I can tell they haven't since she "caught them". She's wierd like that and she says they treat her very well. I will always wonder.

[Rondo]

Well another problem has crept into the story. They told me it would be 4-5 days for the axle to come in. Just checked with the company today and now it is going to be 8-10 days. We were planning on heading up to the Houston area this weekend but I guess we have to delay that trip and hope we can leave by next Wednesday. Guess it's OK because really didn't want to head into any rain or snow up north further anyway so we'll suffer down here with 70 to 90* temps and wait till the axle comes in. Heck it's still 73* and it's 1 AM on Thursday morning now, can't beat that. Maybe we can down to Mexico one more time to check it out across the border here too!

[capn chris]

Thanks for the update, Ron. Patience is a virtue. Glad you don't HAVE to be anywhere. Good luck, my friend.

[Jay Bird]

I hope all went well today with the axle install and you two can be on your way Wednesday. Safe travels and enjoy.

[Leaseit]

Rondo,

If you have to replace that axle, make sure its the 7,000 lb and not the 6,750 one. See the post link for info so you get the better axle.

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...83&whichpage=2

Randy

[DQDick]

quote:Originally posted by Jay Bird

I hope all went well today with the axle install and you two can be on your way Wednesday. Safe travels and enjoy.

Times two. What an experience!

[Art-n-Marge]

Shouldn't the new axle match the rating of the other one that is already there?

[jimcol]

Art, Educate me. Why would that make any difference? Jim

quote:Originally posted by Art-n-Marge

Shouldn't the new axle match the rating of the other one that is already there?