Hudson
Labrador City, Newfoundland
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I have a 31 foot 1987 Wilderness Travel Trailer that had factory 3500# axles. I have since modernized the interior, added oodles of new "things" inside, replaced flooring from carpet to wood laminate, added wainscotting in the dining area + more. I have just picked out a new set of 6000# axles, springs,etc. from Dexter and will be installing them complete with a shock kit. Will raise the trailer by about 8 inches and should be much better than before. Hoping this will help us when we tow it out west this summer to the Rockies. This baby weighs in at 7200# loaded. Love the trailer, hated the ride. Anybody out there ever cross this path before? Always interested in knowing if there was (is) someone as insane as I. Comments welcome (good or bad!).
*This Message was edited on 16-Feb-03 05:47 PM by Hudson *
*This Message was edited on 16-Feb-03 05:49 PM by Hudson*
Hudson & Patricia Vallieres
2002 FORD F250 XLT SD(6.8L) + 1987 31Z (Modified)Wilderness Travel Trailer
Three Boys - Julian6, Denis7, Nick10 and one dog (Buddy) and the cat (Olive)
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mhweb
Cleveland, OH
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Joined: 06/18/2002
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Why? Cause you live in Newfoundland? 
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rvlady
Sublimity, Oregon
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Joined: 09/09/2001
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Our Arctic Fox came with two 5,000# axles. Our loaded weight (on the axles, hooked up) is 7200#. No way we could ever cram in enough stuff in this fairly short trailer (under 27') to hit it's GVW. We run nearly 1200# on the hitch. It does not ride as well as our 1996 Nash did--it's loaded axle weight was about 6000# with two 3500# axles. I've heard that having axles that are much higer rated than you need makes for a rough ride. Is the figure you gave for weight the "before" trailer or the "after?" Be sure to upgrade your tires!
Linda and husband Dave (retired US Army) W7DDW
Jake, the 86# Black Lab "kid"
2002 Arctic Fox 25R, Honda 2000i
2003 DODGE 3500 SLT Quad Cab, 4x4, SRW, HO CTD, 3.73, 48RE, Jake Brake
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C Schomer
Buckeye, Az.
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Joined: 12/26/2000
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Hudson, why not keep your 3500lb springs and just switch axles and you'll get the bigger brakes. Yes, I'm also insane! I've been looking into the same thing to get bigger brakes and better ride. The wheels on my 3500 axles would have to go too - they have the smallest lug pattern and won't fit any other size hub. Morryde makes a retrofit for the Dexter leaf and equalizer bar. $452 for the 3500lb setup. It's still an equalizer but has their rubber blocks also - 30% better ride and more travel. Craig
2003 Dodge HO CTD, NV5600, 4.10. Real 1Ton - pregnant with twin spare tires, 4WD - all on the rear. Aurora 2000 turbo, Diablo Predator, 4" muffler. 98 Sunnybrook 30RLFS 5th wh. WHOEVER INVENTED WORK DIDN'T HAVE AN RV!
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Hudson
Labrador City, Newfoundland
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In response to mhweb
No, because I live in Labrador.
*This Message was edited on 17-Feb-03 05:34 AM by Hudson*
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mhweb
Cleveland, OH
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Actually, what you did or are doing makes sense to me. I would rather be at the high end of the ratings than just making it.
As a aside, was stationed at Goose Bay AFB near Happy Valley. Your post bought back memories of being cold,lots of snow, and nothern lights. You are about as far north if I remember. Never got over in that direction.
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Jack B. Nimble
San Francisco Bay Area
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Joined: 11/28/2002
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I had to replace a D35 axle (long story) and in the process learned more than I wanted to know about Dexter axles (mostly good things).
You said your rig weighs 7200 lbs, is that the weight on the axles or the total weight? Even if it is only the axles, you are only a little overweight. I would think a pair of D50 axles would be a better choice than D60s if you wanted to upgrade.
You said you hated the ride, but what does that mean? Did it bounce too much or not enough, bottom out on the dips, sway side to side???? A pair of 6000 lb axles are going to make it bounce more than it did before (stiffer springs). Shocks are a good idea, they will help dampen the bounce but will not eliminate it.
The mechanic who replaced my D35, said the spring perches were part of the suspension system. One of mine was bent, so a new one had to come from Dexter (not the TT mfg, nor the chassis maker). They are matched to the axle, he said. So if you change from D35s to D60s, are you going to weld on new spring perches too? Just thought I should mention this as a possible problem.
Jack
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tanyandavid
Goshen, In
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Joined: 01/27/2003
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Changed my 3500# axles out for 5200# on my 28"TT, made big difference towing. Better braking too 'cause of the larger brakes.
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C Schomer
Buckeye, Az.
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Sounds like one change leads to another! If you can't bolt the 6k tubes to the 3500lb springs and you're stuck using the 6k springs for a 3500lb job, maybe take out some leaves. Craig
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Hudson
Labrador City, Newfoundland
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I am going with Tanyandavid on this one. I checked again with Dexter about the "stiffness" of the ride and they said that a set of 5200# axles, bigger brakes and better springs with the quality equalizer kit (including shocks!) would be my best dollar spent on my trailer. The shop down the street is going to weld on everything I need, line it up and reinforce as per Dexter standards and I'm slapping on a set of brand spanking new heavier rated trailer tires and keeping the two best for spares. So that's the plan for now, I'm going with 5200# axles. For those of you that are wondering why, it's because I travel the back roads up here and it's all dirt and rough with no asphalt paving (ask mhweb, he knows!). I also need the 8-inch lift for those low boondocking parties up at the lakes and also when I get on the ferries, I won't be dragging the tail end anymore.
The trailer weighs in at 8600# fully loaded with all liquids (beer), the wife and kids (3) clothes, food, water,etc. So if I went with the larger axles & bigger brakes, I will feel much better driving out to see my brother in Alberta this summer! I need better brakes, safer ride and a higher profile. I am really excited about seeing the 35 foot snowbank behind my trailer melt down come May!
*This Message was edited on 17-Feb-03 06:03 PM by Hudson*
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