New axle for 79' Trillium Jubilee

[Livingstone]

I have a 1979 Trillium Jubilee that I am trying to source a new axle for.

Does anyone know the original manufacturer of the axles for these trailers?

The axle maker (standens) seems to be hung up on this question, they can't seem to price one out without knowing who the original was made by.

And while we are on the subject of axles, is switching from an up-trailing to a down-trailing axle as simple as it looks (just buy a new down-trailing axle and install)? or is it a bit more complicated than meets the eye?

[David B.]

I have changed out axles on a Scamp and a Snoozy, to FlexiRide axles. They have splines on the axle on which the “dogleg” slips onto. This allows one to “clock” the axle anywhere from upward to neutral to downward position. I like to adjust the lift to the terrain I will be traveling on.

[Livingstone]

Thanks for the reply David. That could be very convenient, we share the trailer through our family so being able to adjust the ride height for everyone’s different vehicles would be great. I was just trying to land in the sweet spot between a compact SUV and a pickup truck, but, if they’re adjustable even better.

[Livingstone]

How about leaf springs? Anybody have any experience with them?

I got a quote for a new dexter axle @ $1600CAD. I will need to take it to a shop to have the old axle cut off and new one welded on. Starting to get very expensive. Hard to stomach when I can get everything I need for leaf springs for less than half that and do it myself now, AND whenever it wears out in the future.
Most newer trailers I see on the road have leaf spring. Interested to hear what others experience(s) is/are, if there is a huge disadvantage to leafs I will stick with the factory setup.

[AlanKilian]

I got a new flexiride axle built for my 1977 Scamp 13' for CAN$500 from Canadian axle.

Maybe you should check with them. Michaela is wonderful and patiently answered all my questions and guided me through the decisions and measurements I had to make to get the right axle built.

I've attached the invoice so you have their contact information.

[Livingstone]

Since my first post I also got a quote from Canadian axle, it was $995 for the axle with brakes (+$375 to get it to Alberta).
I have also been getting quotes for 3500# axles though, not 2000#.
I determined that the existing is 3500# from posts on this forum. So, not “official” info though usually pretty good.
Maybe I should weigh the trailer, or keep digging for more specs??

I just had a very disappointing adventure last night trying to put on a new weight distributing hitch that I was assured would fit the vehicle and trailer. I was trying to get the trailer to the shop for them to fit it but the salesperson was adamant that he didn’t need to see the trailer. The result was a hitch that hit the ground leaving the alleyway and distributing bars that don’t clear the pavement to even install into the receiver. Now I have to go back today and try return a hitch I dragged across the sidewalk haha.

I think the only real solution here is to start with the axle and get some more clearance on the trailer, and only then start fiddling with the hitch receiver. All while summer slowly drifts by…sigh.

[Mique]

A few years back, I replaced the original axle on our '80 Jubilee with a Dexter made-to-order. This was part of a body-off frame rebuild to strengthen the rear cantilever and upgrade to 14" wheels. The frame was blasted and powder coated and since the torsion rubber in the axle cannot withstand heat from baking the finish I added tabs on the frame to mate with the standard Dexter bolt-on bracket so it could be installed after the frame was finished. In ordering you specify the Dexter axle series, overall width and mount width, mount type, spindle type and brake style. It worked out well.

With regard to rating, I felt 3500 would be too stiff. To match the original axle boxtube dimensions and get the 10" brakes you need to order from the 3500 series axles. HOWEVER you can specify a load rating below 3500 pounds. If I recall, I specified 2500 pounds. So it looks like a 3500 lb axle but is "rubbered" for less load. I think I also specified 10 degree down angle to raise the ground clearance and hitch height and accommodate the larger tires in the wheel well. I also moved the axle back slightly to center it in the opening.

All in all, a lot of geometry and design planning but it was worth it and now "better" than new. I realize this approach is not for everyone but provide my experience in case that it's helpful to others.
Mike in Maine

[Pat Thomson]

Anybody have this information? I need a new axle for my Jubilee as well.