Axles on 2008 3400

[skyviewman]

Just picked up the 3400 this afternoon. When we ordered back in March I made sure they wrote into the contract that the 3400 had 7000 lb axles and had the dealer confirm with the factory that it would come that way. I have not crawled under it yet but will do tomorrow but upon reading the documentation it looks as though it might not have Dexter axles but axles from a company called AL-KO. There is a website www.al-kousa.com which I will check out. Maybe they changed because they were having so many problems. I hope they changed because these are better and just not cheaper. Anybody else receive a 2008 with these axles?

[Fire5er]

Look at the label on the driver side of the 3400 to find what axles you have. But beware, we received our 3400RL in April and they had put the wrong label on. The label indicated 14000 lbs for the GVRW and 6000 lbs axles. When I crawled under during the PDI I found the 7000 lbs Dexter axles. I had to have the dealer contact Keystone about the error. Keystone sent out over 1500 trailers with the wrong labels.

[Delaine and Lindy]

I haven't had the Al-Ko and don't think I would want them unless they have been improved. There seems to have been some problems in the past. I'm sure someone on the forum will know more in detail. We have Dexter's 7,000 lbs and wish we had 8,000 lbs we are very heavy and would like to have 17.5 wheels. Oh well just have to live with it for now. GBY......

[bsmeaton]

Skyviewman -

Actually Keystone went to Dexter axles back in -05 or so because of problems with Al-Ko axles. I doubt they would go back to Al-Ko.

If you are reading the literature that came with your Monty - it has been a mystery to all of us as to why they include both the Al-Ko and Dexter axle manuals.

It would be very interesting if it turns out they are Al-Ko. Let us know (metal tag on axle instead of stamped number). It seems it would be a mistake unless they went to the full torsion system by Al-Ko.

[sreigle]

Brad is correct that Keystone switched from Al-Ko to Dexter. I don't know for fact the switch was because of problems with the Al-Ko's but that would be my bet. There were quite a few axle problems when they used Al-KO. If they are going back to Al-Ko my guess would be it's to a stronger axle than they used before.

Congratulations on the new 3400.

[richfaa]

For some reason both manuals are included with stuff you get in the new camper..My bet is you have the Dexter axles.

[noneck]

Your making me nervous here...my 2002 has those Alko Axles. Seems as I read these comments they come true and I end up with more projects.

[Cat320]

Crawl under the rig and look at the axles...each will have a sticker on it with a company name (Dexter most likely), date, order #, and other information.

[skyviewman]

Thanks all. Since the manuals were included I took it for granted that they were Al-Ko axles. I did crawl under it and you are right,they are Dexter axles. Including separate manuals for something I don't even have doesn't make sense but then again I found that the documentation on this unit is very disappointing. I will start another topic regarding the manuals.

[sreigle]

Noneck, it was only a small percentage that had problems.

We also received both Alko and Dexter manuals. No clue as to why.

[Grumpy]

Fire5er

We picked up our 3400 in April, and have already received the new tag changing the numbers.

[Fire5er]

Grumpy,

We too have received new labels, and our friends that purchased a 3400 also just got theirs. I still can't believe Keystone would let that out of the plant like that...those old world craftsmen needs some new glasses so they can do a better job a Quality Control.

Karl