Maintenance & Restoration

Tyhee · 05-04-2015, 08:44 PM

Hi all,
After a year hiatus or so, I'm back after searching the forum earlier today for a few hours and reading old threads about replacement of the original torsion axle for trillium 4500. I found a few good threads but they never ended with pics or how the results were?!

Our trillium does not and did not have any electric brakes setup, but the square mounting flanges are there. I'm running new Carilise st175/80/13 tires on the original 5 bolt 4.5" spacing and hope to keep these and get my $$ spent back by wearing them down vs 14". This project requires a weld-on replacement axle.

I'm thoroughly confused about Dexter and Henschen axle replacements based on some old threads.

I could really use knowing the original start angle unloaded, and for those who have opted for a bit more ground / tire clearance, what did you choose for a new start angle (unloaded).?

I have my eye on a Dexter #10 torflex axle because I like the larger 10" electric brakes it can be ordered with. We have 2 kids and that means we don't pack as light as we could and this year we hope to cover some larger distances.

TUG is 2000 4 runner stock height. We do like the remote campsites down gravel roads with washboard potholes etc. Could definitely use a few inches of lift on the trillium (increase start angle to x degrees "down") to get away from gravel rash.

I don't think my current original axle has any travel in it. As it sits now unloaded just sitting on its wheels I have about 3" of clearance between top of tire and wheel well. This distance does not change when loaded. The torsion arms I would estimate currently are 15 degrees up (above the top of mounting bracket face).

I would really like to hear what others have ordered for the start angle for a replacement 4500 torsion axle or another similar (like a #9), and what the results were. Please! I don't have the luxury of having an RV shop anywhere close but can get an axle ordered and delivered to a shop that is 400 Klms away that is very competent. Just want to order the right axle (once)!

Thank you very much for any demystifying on this issue.
Regards,
John

Tyhee · 05-04-2015, 09:16 PM

Sorry, I should have posted in the axle and towing section. Sorry. Mods could you please move this thread over?

On another note I see that Tom Young of Trillium RV. Posted that for a trillium 1300 a replacement axle was 0 degrees start angle. I'd like to think this would be the same for a 4500 but have read in this forum that original 4500 spec was 15 degrees up start angle.

David Tilston · 05-05-2015, 01:52 PM

I am fairly sure that the new axle that Trillium / Outback put on my 4500 was a 0° angle. I asked for a 3500# axle. If I had to do it again, I would go for a 2500# axle.

Dave_L · 05-11-2015, 10:28 PM

I had an adjustable Flexiride axle done through Standens in Edmonton. 3500lb axle derated by 20% (can be derated up to 25%), recommended start angle was -24, which makes for a little higher ride height.

As mentined above, this angle can be set by you to whatever start angle you like in 6* increments to better match your tug.

I left mine at -24* at it provides great clearance and matches the stock height of our Nissan 4x4, making backcountry & deep winter snow access super easy.

Tyhee · 05-22-2015, 10:13 PM

Thank you to both of you for the helpful responses. Both of you used different axles than a Dexter. Did yours come with brakes? What size of trailer tires are you both using?
David T why would you go with a 2500 if you could do things over again if you don't mind me asking.
Dave is your Nissan a titan Pickup? I like the extra lift you describe.
anyways, thanks again sorry it has been ages since I posted. Discovering all sorts of projects around the house and trillium!
cheers,
John
Edit, did you both get weld on versions?

David Tilston · 05-25-2015, 08:45 PM

On the way home from Trillium/Outback, I went over a bumpy train track. In my rear view mirror, I saw the trailer jump up and to the right. When I got home, my dinette table was broken. My suspension is too stiff. Now I make sure that the trailer is loaded heavy before I take it on the road.

Tyhee · 05-26-2015, 10:43 AM

That sounds a lot like our trailer tow characteristics right now with zero travel left in the (original) axle. Tires are the only real give so we are only sticking to pavement or near to it until I can get a new axle ordered...still trying to get my head around that, might call Standens in EDM.

David Tilston · 05-26-2015, 11:28 AM

There is a Standens in Calgary too.

Jack L · 05-26-2015, 11:36 AM

In you earlier post you stated you had 13 inch wheels and wanted to use them. You also stated you wanted to use 10 inch brakes. I'm pretty sure 13 inch wheels will not clear 10 inch drums. I think 10 inch brakes require a 14 inch wheel for clearance.

sokhapkin · 05-26-2015, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack L

In you earlier post you stated you had 13 inch wheels and wanted to use them. You also stated you wanted to use 10 inch brakes. I'm pretty sure 13 inch wheels will not clear 10 inch drums. I think 10 inch brakes require a 14 inch wheel for clearance.

Scamp 16' and 19' come with 13" wheels and 10" brakes.

David Tilston · 05-26-2015, 11:55 AM

I had 13" wheels on my 10" brakes before I switched to 14" wheels.

Dave_L · 05-27-2015, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Tilston

There is a Standens in Calgary too.

When I dealt with Standens, it was the Edmonton facility that makes the Flexirides so that was who I was told to deal with.

Might be cheaper to deal through Escape trailers on the Mainland though? Either that or find a local trailer/suspension shop that deals with Standens and can get your order piggy backed in with theirs to reduce shipping?