Do axles really go bad? What are the symptoms? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 10-29-2011, 11:31 AM   #1
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Do axles really go bad? What are the symptoms?

DO AXLES REALLY GO BAD? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
I am still new to the world of "egg campers". I frequently read on this site comments regarding the replacement of axles. I am a little confused as to why. My 31 year old tent trailer with approx. 200K miles and 8 inch tires has never needed a new axle. I do repack the wheel bearings every 4-5 thousand miles which is often twice a season and replace the wheel bearings every 8-10 thousand miles. I always keep the tires properly inflated.
Do the axles really go bad on the "egg campers" with proper maintenance and if so what symptoms should I be aware of when an axle is headed south?
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Old 10-29-2011, 11:45 AM   #2
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Probably because your tent trailer had springs and the Egg's have rubber torsion axles. They become less flexible and things start to be bounced around inside and the trailer may look lower also.
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Old 10-29-2011, 04:58 PM   #3
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cpaharley2008 is absolutely right. Look up Dexter torsion axles on the internet to see how they are made. They allow the egg to be lower to the ground than spring type.
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Old 10-31-2011, 07:30 AM   #4
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Springs aren't the end all answer either... they break. All axles of all types eventually die. Springs lose the arch or crack, torsion axles get hard or freeze up. I think spending somewhere around $500 ever 20 years or so isn't so bad.
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Old 10-31-2011, 07:31 AM   #5
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This is a duplicate post. Here's the other: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ers-49018.html
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Old 10-31-2011, 08:01 AM   #6
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I admit that I like the torsion axel if it is "newer" but springs last way longer. If I every need to replace an axel I will install leaf srping suspension.
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Old 10-31-2011, 10:05 AM   #7
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Torsion axles are supported on polyurethane rubber rods in the axle housing. It is the compression of the rubber that gives the wheel it's "suspension". That rubber wll permanently compress over time allowing the trailer to sink and the suspension to bottom over bumps. If the weight is substantially removed from the axle when the trailer is not in use, that axle could last a very long time. The problem is most people just park them and forget them.

There are so many advantages to torsion axles! They allow for greater center axle clearance because they use a swing arm to the wheel. They are also self dampening to a point. They do no not produce the violent rebound after an impact that springs do. They protect the structure of the trailer from shock, as well as the contents. They produce a true independant suspension allowing better control over obstacles.

Leaf springs sag over time as well! As they age they need regular inspection because they can fatigue and crack. A failed leaf spring can result in a serious accident, so I'm not sure I would run a leaf axle any longer than a torsion on something like a travel trailer. I don't even like them on utility trailers because they bounce so badly.

Replacing a torsion axle is barely a sixpack worth of work, and worth the money too IMO.

David
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Old 10-31-2011, 06:27 PM   #8
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Axels

Question Do All Bolers come stock with the Dexter independent suspension or are some built new with the solid axel and springs?
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Old 10-31-2011, 07:08 PM   #9
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Duplicate Posts merged together and moved

Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
This is a duplicate post. Here's the other: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ers-49018.html
I merged both posts into one, and moved to a more appropriate forum.
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Old 10-31-2011, 07:15 PM   #10
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Here's a recent topic about broken leaf springs: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ngs-47192.html
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