Axle Replacement Questions - Boler 13

[glamourpets]

I am looking for a new axle for my Boler 13. The old axle was bolted on to the frame. I was able to get the bolts loose without any significant drama. I expected at least one of the bolts to be rusted solid, but they all came apart without any problems. My electric impact wrench was able to take these apart with minimal effort. The frame has been removed from the trailer, and now the axle has been removed from the frame. Now its time to find a new axle. The old axle sags, and my tow vehicle requires brakes (which the old axle does not have). Since the old axle was bolted on, I should be able to get something that matches and bolt it together.

I have the order from Cerka, who appears to be the local Dexter supplier. No firm decisions have been made yet. I do have a couple questions.
http://www.cerka.ca/Torflex_order_form.pdf

I notice that the axle pictured on Paul Neumeister's website have a bend at the center of the main shaft of the axle. My axle had a straight main shaft. What is the advantage to the bend?
Fibreglass RV Parts, Repairs, and Service by Paul Neumeister

What is the correct start angle for the arm? My old axle was saggy enough that I don't trust using it to the old axle.

I plan to add electric brakes this time. Does this typically create any clearance issues?

Are there any other issues I should be aware of?

Derek

[Perry J]

I would discuss it with the axle supplier.
The different angles will change the ground clearance of your trailer.
Figure out how much clearance you need and let the supplier figure it out for you.
Brakes will not have any effect on your clearances.
Good luck with your project.

John

[Steve Hammel]

Make sure that the axle you order can have brakes added. Not all 2000 lb axles can be fitted with brakes.

[glamourpets]

Originally Posted by Perry J

I would discuss it with the axle supplier.
The different angles will change the ground clearance of your trailer.
Figure out how much clearance you need and let the supplier figure it out for you.

Yes, I have been pondering taking the old axle out to the distributor to have them come up with their own measurements. Will they be able to figure out the start arm angle from an old saggy axle? Its tough to measure clearance with an egg on blocks/frame removed.

Derek

[ruscal]

Derek,
They may have to take a guess at the starting angle of your old axle. I'm told that around 23 degrees down is near optimal for ride quality. Your trailer will likely gain some height with a new axle. If the new height is a problem you could opt for a Flexiride axle that has splined trailing arms which provides for height adjustment. They can be made to any length you desire to achieve tire/fender clearance. Your fabricator / installer would have to provide dimensions for the mounting brackets to the Flexiride dealer.
Russ

[Perry J]

Derek, the axels come in several angles and can be customized.
I just had a new Dexter axel installed on my little Lil Bigfoot.
I told him what I wanted and let the experts figure it out.
I'm satisfied.
Give him the weight of your trailer and the clearance you would like and let him and Dexter figure it out.
John

[Byron Kinnaman]

There's another thing that hasn't been mentioned which could impact the installation of a new axle. Some of the older trailers used a leading arm, meaning the spindle was in front of the axle. When you add brakes a trailing arm is needed, the spindle behind the axle. Some people have gotten away with a leading arm and brakes, but I believe that life of the axle is reduced. Plus when you brake with a leading arm there's tendency for the trailer to lift, which doesn't happen with a trailing arm.

[glamourpets]

Originally Posted by Byron Kinnaman

There's another thing that hasn't been mentioned which could impact the installation of a new axle. Some of the older trailers used a leading arm, meaning the spindle was in front of the axle. When you add brakes a trailing arm is needed, the spindle behind the axle. Some people have gotten away with a leading arm and brakes, but I believe that life of the axle is reduced. Plus when you brake with a leading arm there's tendency for the trailer to lift, which doesn't happen with a trailing arm.

This is a valid point. It seems to me that this is going to mean repositioning the mounting brackets. Replacing the axle is nolonger an unbolt the old, bolt on the new procedure. Perhaps there is a "work around" to the problem? Or has a trip to the welding shop become necessary?

Derek

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by glamourpets

This is a valid point. It seems to me that this is going to mean repositioning the mounting brackets. Replacing the axle is nolonger an unbolt the old, bolt on the new procedure. Perhaps there is a "work around" to the problem? Or has a trip to the welding shop become necessary?

Derek

This guy says Dexter told him brakes were OK with a leading arm. You might discuss it with him and ask Dexter as well.

Decided to keep the leading arm after Dexter told me it would be OK to add brakes to a leading arm axle.

[Andrew Gibbens]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

This guy says Dexter told him brakes were OK with a leading arm.

That's the same information I've received from someone using one of my designs. The one warning he got was that Dexter only manufacture in trailing arm configuration so, although the axle is good to use the other way around, after delivery he had to swap the brake assemblies from side to side so that they were on the correct side in leading arm orientation.

Did that make sense? It does to me writing it, but it could be confusing to read!

[Darwin Maring]

Byron is correct in pointing out the leading arm with brakes to think about. Remember this, Someone will always tell you they have seen it done, have done it or heard of it being done.

I would not use brakes on a leading arm. A Hard brake will lift the camper and it could start hopping.

I would be certain to make it a BOLT on because the owner can replace the axle them self in just a couple of hours in the future. This is also the time to raise the camper if so desired.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

..... Remember this, Someone will always tell you they have seen it done, have done it or heard of it being done.
.........

True, all opinions are not equal, but I'd give more credence to the axle manufacturer, Dexter.

[Darwin Maring]

Tom, If I were selling axles I would say you could mount it on anything.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

Tom, If I were selling axles I would say you could mount it on anything.

I wouldn't, because it would sully my reputation and cause legal liabilities that would never make up for a few extra sales. Dexter seems to have a pretty competent engineering staff based on what I've seen of their product line.

My advice to the OP is to call Dexter, talk to someone there that is well versed in the issue and decide for yourself.

For product information or service & warranty:
Contact us from 8am-5pm EST (Monday-Friday)
(574) 295-7888

[Roger Kimble]

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

Byron is correct in pointing out the leading arm with brakes to think about. Remember this, Someone will always tell you they have seen it done, have done it or heard of it being done.

I would not use brakes on a leading arm. A Hard brake will lift the camper and it could start hopping.

I would be certain to make it a BOLT on because the owner can replace the axle them self in just a couple of hours in the future. This is also the time to raise the camper if so desired.

Save your self some time and money and grief, do not put brakes on a leading arm, you will not like it!

[Perry J]

Derek, If you have a leading axle your in much better shape than I was.
The frame rails are not paralell at the point the axel is attached to the frame on my trailer.
My frame needed to be modified to install a new axel.
Instead of modifying the original area to add an axel he just moved the attachment point forward so I now have a trailing axel.
If the frame is out your installer can just turn it upside down in his shop and do the job with ease.

[glamourpets]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I can understand why a leading axle with brakes would be unadviseable. I wouldn't have even thought of it but its simple physics really. In moderate stops, leading brakes is probably OK but in a more aggressive stop situation it could be an underpants filling situation.

I had originally planned on this swap being a simple bolt off bolt on type situation. Sadly, it appears not so.

Derek

[Perry J]

Your trailer is 39 years old, let them weld it on it should be less expensive especially if you can take the frame to the shop.
The trailer probably will not need another axel for 20 or 25 years.

[Harvey]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

This guy says Dexter told him brakes were OK with a leading arm. You might discuss it with him and ask Dexter as well.

Originally Posted by Andrew Gibbens

That's the same information I've received from someone using one of my designs. The one warning he got was that Dexter only manufacture in trailing arm configuration so, although the axle is good to use the other way around, after delivery he had to swap the brake assemblies from side to side so that they were on the correct side in leading arm orientation.

Did that make sense? It does to me writing it, but it could be confusing to read!

I'm 'this guy'. After discovering that my original leading arm Al-Ko(?) axle on my '85 Scamp 13 had absolutely no flex in the torsion arms (& was 'permanently' setting at approx 15-20* up angle) I began looking for a replacement axle. Talked to 'engineering' at Dexter about the leading arm configuration with brakes. He told me that Dexter no longer mfg's leading arm axles as a standard offering but they would mfg it to my specs (w/brakes) & he'd have no hesitation using such on a 1000/2000# trailer.

I also talked to Trent Fisher at Scamp & he told me that my trailer should have been delivered with leading torsion arms at 22.5* down angle (I can't believe that my axle had gone from 22.5* down to more'n 10* up thru normal wear, but that's another ??). I did want more ground clearance so I ordered a Dexter #9. 2.2K axle (de-rated to 2K) with 7" elect brakes, 22.5* down start angle. They DID mfg the axle with leading arms & the correct orientation for the brakes. I didn't have to reverse anything. I was told that ALL Dester axles are mfg'd to end user specs; none are 'off the shelf' inventory unless not accepted by the original consignee...

My grandson & I installed the axle last August. I've not used it enough to give a thorough test but it tows wonderfully & stops easily. No 'panic' stops thus far but have made a couple of 'quick' stops from street (not highway) speeds with no feeling of less than optimal control. I too trust the Dexter engineers to not steer me wrong. They're not in the 'sales' end of the business so I value their professional opinion.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Harvey

I'm 'this guy'. ........

Thanks for weighing in Harvey. Nothing like the voice of experience.