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Old 11-17-2011, 04:44 AM   #1
NASCARon
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Where to get upgraded axles

After traveling full-time in our 2008 Montana 3400 for 2 1/2 years we learned that the factory axles and matched wheels and tires are not adequate for the weight ratings given by Keystone.

Our Montana currently has 7,000 lbs axles and load range E tires capable of supporting 3,500 lbs each tire... and one of our spindles bent slightly. We didn't notice until the tire began wearing on the inside edge sharply. We kept the weight on all four RV wheels at just around 12,000 lbs so I can only guess that a pothole bent the axle. Since they are designed to carry 14,000 lbs I was surprised this happened.

We also got 2 blowouts in our time full-timing which we also couldn't figure out why other than just the chinese made tires. I was surprised to find out that the Goodyear trailer tires were made in China. We want to upgrade to load range G american made tires.

The other reason I want to upgrade is to install hydraulic disc brakes.

Does anyone have a link to an online retailer that sells RV axles?
 
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Old 11-17-2011, 05:17 AM   #2
dieselguy
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Someone that has bought new axles will come along in a while with their choice of vendor. I'm curious, why do you think you need in excess of a #7000 axle? Just for round figures, say you weigh in at 13,000# .... subtracting 2000# pin weight, you're well within what 2 7000# axles are rated for. Or ... did I totaly misunderstand your post?
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Old 11-17-2011, 05:48 AM   #3
mhs4771
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Ron, have you considered the MOR/ryde IS System with Disk Brakes? It's probably a little more expensive than just heavier axles with the disk brakes, but lets you actually align the wheels. We had the system installed while at the Rally and love the set-up, we too had a bent spindle and ruined one of our G614s before we even realized it. Not that things moved around much before, doesn't seem that anything moves now.
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Old 11-17-2011, 08:03 AM   #4
MIMF
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NASCARon, you may want to check with your dealer. They should be able to set you up with any size or brand of axle you want. Whether it be Alko-Kolber, Lippert, or Dexter. Personally, I'd go the Dexter route. And, I'd bet that you could get 8k axles, too.
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Old 11-17-2011, 11:25 AM   #5
Tom S.
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I doubt the spindle is bent, it's far more likely the axle is. Unless the spindle wasn't mounted to end of the axle correctly. If the axle is bent, a semi truck frame shop should be able to bend it back and realign both for around $250.
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Old 11-17-2011, 01:52 PM   #6
scductman
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I am in the process of changing mine to 7k axels. mine has 6ks on it now and my dexter dealer said that they were medium wall thickness beams and should be the same as 7ks but he can get a new set of heavy duty beams which will work with my back plates for 145.00 each. the local shop wants 90.00 each to rebend mine. mine did the same thing as yours the back axel lost its camber and eat the inside tread off both tires and the front is doing it alittle so i'm going to replace both. I weighted mine and it has 5650# on each axel and should be great with 7ks on it. JMHO
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Old 11-18-2011, 04:30 PM   #7
mtheo
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I upgradeed to 7000# axles, from dexter for less than $140 including shipping and taxes.
I did the install myself.
I felt it was to spend a little more than rebend and wait for them to go bad again.
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Old 11-19-2011, 10:57 AM   #8
Buckeye Mike
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I have a 2011 3400 with 7000# axles.They were replaced before we used it due to arecall from Dexter. When we got to Az. the left rear tire was wearing on the inside.You can tell the axle is bent just by looking at it. Called Keystone and because the unit is 14 months old they don't know me. Called Dexter,was told to take to Spectrac in Gilbert,Az. to have it checked out.Was told by Dexter that 8000# axles won't work because of the larger brakes,wheels and tires.Going in in the morn. to see what's wrong.Had the unit weighed at the rally and all wheels are well within the limits along with GVW.
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Old 11-22-2011, 02:37 PM   #9
Cal and Glen
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Freedom Axles at Falkville ,Al. Will build any size you want.
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Old 11-22-2011, 05:50 PM   #10
Sinterior
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Is there a recall from Dexter on 2011 models with 7k axles?
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Old 11-23-2011, 05:14 AM   #11
sreigle
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A few years ago we upgraded the 6k axles that came on our 2007 3400 to the Dexter 7k axles with self-adjusting brakes. I talked with Dexter and they recommended MO Trailers in Goshen, IN. I found them easy to work with, reasonable in price, and professional in the quality of work.

That eliminated our tire wear problems but we still had blowouts with the Chinese tires. Eighteen months ago we switched to the Goodyear G614 G-range tires and have had no more tire problems. We went with 5 tires because you do not want to mix load ratings on the same axle. Same for not mixing tire size on the same axle.

I'm sure there are other good shops that can do the axle swap for you but MO Trailers is definitely a good one.
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Old 12-15-2011, 02:20 AM   #12
NASCARon
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dieselguy... yes you misunderstood my post.
mhs4771... thanks for the tip... i will look into that.
MIMF... i want to install them myself... thats why I asked for a link
Tom S... did you examine my coach without me knowing it?
scductman... thats great.
mtheo... thanks.
Buckeye Mike... I want to replace the entire thing so 8000 lbs will work.
sreigle... great info... thanks.
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