3.5k axles to 5.2k lbs axles

bono · 08-21-2019, 10:10 AM

Hi Guys,

I am planning to change the Lippert 3.5k lbs axles to 5.2k lbs Dexter axles. I am planning to buy complete axles with new spring leafs. I am changing the wheels as well (5 bolts to 6 bolts).

Anything to consider (apart from the cost)? I am considering changing the wheel bearings to Timken as the same time. Does it make sense?

It appears that shops would charge $600-700 to change the axles. Does it sound reasonable?

Thanks!

eow · 08-21-2019, 10:25 AM

If your trailer is not heavy enough to “bend” the axles, the outside of the tires will wear faster than the balance of the tire. Had this issue with 4400 lb axles (8800 combined capacity) with only 4700 lbs (2350 lb each) on them. Also made for a rough trailer ride.

bono · 08-21-2019, 10:36 AM

Thanks! The issue is that 3.5k lbs axles are marginal capacity for my trailer.

Then maybe the question should be - 4.4k lbs axles instead of 5.2k lbs?

eow · 08-21-2019, 11:16 AM

If you know your loaded ready to camp weights on the axles from the CAT scales, that plus 25% to 30% may be a good guide for selecting a new axle pair.

**Midnightmoon** · 08-21-2019, 06:25 PM

If you are going to 5.2K axles, I'd go with 16" wheels in the process.

bono · 08-21-2019, 06:27 PM

I do not think I have space for 16'' wheels.

**Midnightmoon** · 08-21-2019, 06:44 PM

Back when I was heavily in to the Airstream, that was the go to combo for those units. 16" wheels and Michelin XPS rib tires. Everyone that I know that made the conversion, including us, were very happy with the combination. It is too bad you don't have the clearance.

bono · 08-21-2019, 07:26 PM

No slide, no problem with 16''.

bono · 09-06-2019, 02:26 PM

To the point that the trailer may be too light for 5,200 lbs axles... I found out that Winnebago puts 5,200 lbs axles on the trailer which is 6,600 lbs dry (max weight 9,995). If they are fine with this, I do not think there should be a problem with this upgrade on Jayco.

https://winnebagoind.com/products/tr...lus/floorplans

ttavasc · 09-06-2019, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bono

To the point that the trailer may be too light for 5,200 lbs axles... I found out that Winnebago puts 5,200 lbs axles on the trailer which is 6,600 lbs dry (max weight 9,995). If they are fine with this, I do not think there should be a problem with this upgrade on Jayco.

https://winnebagoind.com/products/tr...lus/floorplans

Our new ORV which also has a 9995 GVWR has the 5200lb axles though our as-delivered "dry" weight per the sticker is ~7250, so a little bit heavier empty than the Winnebago.

bono · 12-14-2019, 01:27 PM

The upgrade is finally done. I ordered everything online from www.bendtrailers.com. They had the best prices I found online.

Dexter 6k lbs axles
Nev-R-Adjust brakes
Nev-R-Lube bearings
Half camber
Tubing Options:
3” OD x Medium Wall
Springs 5.2k lbs

I needed to upgrade the wheels from 14 inches to 15. I experienced the problem with too small center whole in the rims - they did not fit on the hubs, however the vendor (ecustomhitch.com) assisted with the replacement and it did not cost me $0.01. Excellent service!

Tires - Goodyear Endurance 225/75/15

I towed the trailer only from the shop, maybe 20 miles. The difference is that the trailer is less bouncy (I believe due to the tires and the leaf springs). Other than that I am more confident about the suspension now. It looks good. Even the tires look so much more robust than the China bombs!

**Midnightmoon** · 12-14-2019, 01:30 PM

Very Nice Bono. Congratulations on a job well done.

bono · 12-15-2019, 10:52 PM

After 20-30 miles or so I noticed that I cannot lock up the wheels with the brake controller on max. I hope this is just the result of the brakes being new and adjusting.

Is this something expected that the new brakes are not 100% efficient? I recall that I had similar problem with the brakes 1 or 2 years ago. Also self-adjusting brakes. It turned out that there was grease in the drums after bearings services. Is it possible that the new hubs are not properly assembles by Dexter?

mokurt · 12-18-2019, 11:07 AM

Yes it is possible there could be contamination in the drums.
I would try adjusting them first .

Check with dexter about brake break in procedures.

dave3010 · 05-17-2022, 08:45 AM

Hi Bono, i know this is a older thread. I have the same travel trailer as you 2017 DSBH. I have a bent rear axle (2 3/8” 3500 lb.) Working with lippert now to get it replaced under warranty, but think I’ll just be in the same situation in the future.

Are you glad you did the 6K axle with 5200 lb leaf spring upgrade? Are the bigger springs too stiff in your opinion?

Thanks for putting your info out there.

bono · 05-17-2022, 10:04 AM

I am happy with the setup. Just one of the things to worry less about. I did not notice any issues related to stiffer springs.

Please let us know what lippert says. In my case it was a fairly quick discussion - you are out of warranty, you are on your own. However, I did not try to push at all, given that I had this mod in my mind already.

GL!

dave3010 · 05-22-2022, 07:38 AM

Hey Bono, Lippert is covering the repair under warranty. They would have sent me the parts, but that would have taken too long. I was able to get an axle locally and I will send in the invoices for reimbursement which Lippert suggested. I replaced the axle yesterday and got my camper back home. Not sure if I’ll do the upgraded 6K axles, I will definitely keep an eye on the rear tire tread now. Thank you.

bono · 05-22-2022, 04:18 PM

That's great to hear! Happy camping!

Smokey85 · 05-24-2022, 04:53 PM

Bono -Do you feel like you’d have clearance for 16” wheels?

bono · 05-24-2022, 06:15 PM

I think this would be pushing it...

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