Burro Axle Sanity Check

[samuelm]

I am in the process of finalizing an order for a '79 13' Burro Axle and wanted to run the numbers I have against the community as a sanity check.

- Outside frame width: 49.5"
- Frame to hub face (i.e. center of tire): 7"
- 4 lug on 4" (keeping the factory (are these factory?) 14" wheels with baby moons)
- 22.5 degree down angle (will raise the height a little) switching to trailing from leading.
- Having the axle tuned to 1600 lbs.

I plan to leave the old leading axle center bar intact (cut it off at the frame mount) for a little structural in case it was important in that position.

What do you think?
Does anyone else here have their measurements/order info for a sanity check?
Based on real-world weights, am I choosing the right weight tuning? I would imagine you would need to subtract the weight of the axle/wheels itself when factoring this - as well as the harsh ride/durability/etc. factors.

One last question - am I better off ordering from a local dealer or Dexter themselves?

[samuelm]

Has anybody replaced their Burro axle?


'79 Burro, Rochester NY

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by samuelm

I am in the process of finalizing an order for a '79 13' Burro Axle and wanted to run the numbers I have against the community as a sanity check.

- Outside frame width: 49.5"
- Frame to hub face (i.e. center of tire): 7"
- 4 lug on 4" (keeping the factory (are these factory?) 14" wheels with baby moons)
- 22.5 degree down angle (will raise the height a little) switching to trailing from leading.
- Having the axle tuned to 1600 lbs.

I plan to leave the old leading axle center bar intact (cut it off at the frame mount) for a little structural in case it was important in that position.

What do you think?
Does anyone else here have their measurements/order info for a sanity check?
Based on real-world weights, am I choosing the right weight tuning? I would imagine you would need to subtract the weight of the axle/wheels itself when factoring this - as well as the harsh ride/durability/etc. factors.

One last question - am I better off ordering from a local dealer or Dexter themselves?

The best sanity check would be to take the trailer to the local dexter dealer and have them confirm the measuements we have seen more than a few people here ordered the wrong axle for various brands of trailers doing the measuring themselves. That way if the what they order in for it is incorrect its there problem not yours.

BTW to me 1600lbs sounds like it could be a little light for a 13' trailer. Take a look at the Trailer Weights in The real World Thread.

There are 3 Burro 13' loaded weights: 808lbs, 1300lbs and 1520lbs.

[samuelm]

What should the target rate be? How many pounds below the rated axle rating?


'79 Burro, Rochester NY

[samuelm]

Thought you guys might want to see what I ended up ordering. These docs are a PDF sent to me from Dexter that were extremely helpful. I filled out what I needed for my '79 Burro. Still waiting for the axle... I'll let you know how it fits when I get it.


'79 Burro, Rochester NY

[samuelm]

The docs... Forgot to attach them.


'79 Burro, Rochester NY

[samuelm]

i installed the new axle yesterday. It went smoothly, but served to demonstrate how crookedly things were put together. Almost an inch difference in the two halves of the Burro.


'79 Burro, Rochester NY

[Alan C.]

Hi,

I read your thread with interest because I'm on the verge of replacing the axle in my '83 13-ft Burro. Since you have worked through your project, I thought you would know the answer to this question:

What is the original unloaded angle of your torsion axle? I'm assuming the axle is the same for your model year as mine.

If you can give any insight, it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Alan C.

[samuelm]

The truth is I'm not sure of the angle. Remember that I replaced a leading with a trailing. If I had to guess, I would say 10 degrees.


'79 Burro, Rochester NY