X17z new axle upgrade

[Leedawg84]

This was their response to the frame question, they didn't give me an answer so I email again stating I would do the swap after the warranty, I'll let you know what they send back

Thank you for contacting Jayco customer service. We can not recommend upgrading your axle to something different. The axle that is on your unit now is what we have tested. Any modifications to your unit would not be covered under your Jayco 2yr limited warranty.

[Leedawg84]

I did speak to a tech specialist at dexter awhile back, she said I could definitely swap the torflex axle 3000# for a 3500#. The only difference besides increased weight capacity would be a slightly bigger brake comes on the 3500# but shouldn't be a problem. I could use the same tires she even have me info on a distributor near me where I could get it done.

[Jm9301]

I can totally understand both Jayco's position and yours on this. even with the 16XRB i am wondering about CCC often. I would suggest to swap it out once that warranty is up for peace of mind.

[Leedawg84]

Originally Posted by jsims

Interested to hear Jayco's response to your email, please share when you get an answer back. I went through the CAT scales on my last trip and was exactly at 3000 pounds on the trailer axle fully loaded. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to go back through the CAT scales with my WDH disconnected. I really love this little trailer and it would be pretty sweet to get some more CCC.

So if you don't mind me asking what did you have loaded when you went to scales?

[jsims]

Originally Posted by Leedawg84

So if you don't mind me asking what did you have loaded when you went to scales?

Well, we had enough clothes and food to feed 4 people in the trailer as well as all the standard trailer supplies. Trailer is pretty maxed out on all the upgrades and options. I also had about 5 or 6 gallons of fresh water for the emergency pit stop. I keep the BBQ and Honda generator in the back of the pickup. It would be nice to be able to throw a bit more in the trailer, i.e. bikes, firepit other stuff we really don't need, but the default CCC seems to be good enough. I usually tell the kids to only pack what they can carry as if we were tent camping / hiking.

Edit: Here is the thread that shows my CAT scale results: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...lts-35423.html

[Jm9301]

Curious as to your hitch weight jsims.

[Ronco]

Originally Posted by bankr63

Find it hard to believe it is the same frame. the 17 and 19 are different lengths, different number of axles, and different lines (at least in 2011, the 17 was a Feather Sport and the 19 was Feather Select).

We bought the 19H specifically because of CCC capacity. Our 1007 bent an axle because of the low CCC and one really good road bump (actually threw my bikes out of the carrier). We always ran the pup at the limit, and I can't really blame Jayco. We all want bigger trailers that tow with smaller vehicles. To keep the GTW down, the axles are often kept small, and the frames light weight.

This really struck home for me when I was looking for our 19H Hybrid. I hit my favorite local dealer (non-Jayco) and they had only one tiny hybrid trailer that our Traverse could tow. Why? Bullet proof frames and axles, and reasonable CCC's. Jayco makes a line of really nice lightweight TT's, but light weight comes with trade offs.

With all that said, by all means get the heavier axle. The added weight of the axle will not affect the frame capacity, and if you still keep the cargo reasonable you should be golden. Note: don't know the 17 very well, but my 19H doesn't actually have an axle that you can swap out. it has the Tor-Flex suspension, which is more integrate into the frame. No leaf springs and blocks like a normal TT.

I think what the sales rep should of said is that the frames are made identical and both are welded, I'm not sure if their the same size. When I have some free time I'll look into it. But we're happy with the trailer and with the two of us we can fit a lot in the back of the truck .

[ashmanbrian]

UPDATE NEW AXLE- Just picked up my trailer with the new 3500# axle. It also required that a bigger brake/hub assembly because of the axle spindle. Total cost $710. Feel much better now, with a little wiggle room, and not being right at the axle weight limit of the trailer anymore. Peace of mind! (Jayco should be doing this ....they used to.) Should make my trailer easier to sell too if I want to upgrade.

[Greg02280]

It’s been over a year, but I am getting an axle upgrade too this week. I noticed on the 2018 x17z that it has a higher payload. I am wondering if Jayco started to put a better axle on. The frame and everything else appears to be the same.

[ashmanbrian]

you’ll be happy you did. Tires will wear better.

[Tacoma2016]

Originally Posted by Greg02280

It’s been over a year, but I am getting an axle upgrade too this week. I noticed on the 2018 x17z that it has a higher payload. I am wondering if Jayco started to put a better axle on. The frame and everything else appears to be the same.

Did you get this upgrade done through Jayco or an axle shop? Would you have the part number of the axle? My Jayco dealer is being a pain.

[Greg02280]

I got it done at a place where they built and sold utility trailers. On another forum, it was suggested over an rv place because it’s cheaper and they generally do better work in a quicker time frame. Plus when I called the rv places they didn’t seem knowledgeable. So, I called around the local utility places. They all had similar pricing and I picked the one that I felt was more experienced.
I had everything replaced. I went up to a 5000# axle and put 15” rims with new tires too. Also bigger brakes. It took them two days to do.
There was a slight problem with the bigger spare tire fitting because the brackets for my wdh were in the way. It was a tight fit. However, the trunnion on a spring bar for the wdh cracked (not because of the spare, it was too light duty). With the fastway E2 there is no interference and the tire goes up smoothly.
I’m not sure the part number, it’s a dexter though. The shop positioned the springs and everything. It did not come fully put together like some of the kits.
I’m very satisfied with the work the shop did. They are Faria Trailers in Tulare, CA if you want an example of where I took mine.

[Tacoma2016]

When you have some free time can you post some pictures? I would like to see the height difference with the 15". So i guess with the switch over you probably never going to overload your X17z

[ashmanbrian]

Originally Posted by Tacoma2016

Did you get this upgrade done through Jayco or an axle shop? Would you have the part number of the axle? My Jayco dealer is being a pain.

I don’t have part number. I just went to trailer/auto shop and they ordered what was needed to fit. They know how to make sure it fits/works for the trailer.

[Greg02280]

Hopefully the posted and help. I will not be able to get a full side pic until later this month.
We don’t go crazy in putting things in, but I don’t worry about it either.

[Tacoma2016]

That is AWESOME mine is a 2013 hopefully i can get this done with the scissor jacks too.

[d.p.reilly]

d.p.reilly
I have a 2014 jayfeather 23b I bought it new. It has 2200 pound axles and 7 in brakes. The unloaded gross weight is 3955 lbs. so it is very close to max. plus the 7 in brakes are very weak. Prior to 2014 and after 2015 they used 3500 lb. axles with 10 in brakes. I contacted jayco and was told I was on my own for replacement. I am very uncomfortable driving it because of the week bearing. I took it to the dealer and the brakes checked ok they thought 7 in brakes where too small which is why they went back to heavier axles and brakes. I think this a safety issue so l will looking for an axle shop for an upgrade

[d.p.reilly]

d.p.reilly
I have a 2014 jayfeather 23b I bought it new. It has 2200 pound axles and 7 in brakes. The unloaded gross weight is 3955 lbs. so it is very close to max. plus the 7 in brakes are very weak. Prior to 2014 and after 2015 they used 3500 lb. axles with 10 in brakes. I contacted jayco and was told I was on my own for replacement. I am very uncomfortable driving it because of the week bearing. I took it to the dealer and the brakes checked ok they thought 7 in brakes where too small which is why they went back to heavier axles and brakes. I think this a safety issue so l will looking for an axle shop for an upgrade

[Tacoma2016]

So my Jayco dealer got back to me $1199.95 for the axle and $390.00 for labour but they weren't specific on which axle either the 3000lb or 5000lb . Still waiting for another quote from a axle shop.

[Tacoma2016]

So my axle shop got back to me and to switch over to a 5200 lb axle and go to a 15 inch tires total cost parts labour and taxes $2200. I am going to get this done then I will have more clearance for the scissor jacks and for dumping my tanks.