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01-04-2020, 06:33 PM
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#1
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New Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Tx
Posts: 7
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Axle upgrade
I have a 2011 STS26BH. On recent trip to Big Bend NP, I noticed at the beginning of the trip that my Goodyear Endurances where wearing very bad on the inside of all 4 tires. They wore even more that to the point that I was worried they would not make it back home without changing. Well, after inspecting the axles, I believe they are bent. I want to upgrade them from the Lippert #3500 with 14" wheels to something heavier. Obviously I am putting a good load on these inadequate axles. Anyone done this themselves? Is there any pitfalls to watch for? Do I have to do anything to the Secure Stance Springs? Let me know. Thanks.
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01-05-2020, 10:53 AM
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#2
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Belle River , Ontario
Posts: 1,753
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I had the crappy 3500# axles replaced with 4400# axles after the first 3 weeks of a trip. Both axles straightened out thus wearing the insides of the tires. Was done under warranty and had 4 new tires also and wet bolts installed. I was 600 lbs under the max weight and it still happened. Works great now, no problem after 6 yrs.
__________________
It was a rainy few days at Algonquin Prov park...tarps kept us dry.
Wayne --Belle River (Windsor), Ontario
2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB..(just sold it)
2015 White Chev Silverado 2500HD 4x4 (6.0 l gasser)
2003 Mountain Star 890SBRX Truck Camper
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01-05-2020, 03:34 PM
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#3
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New Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Tx
Posts: 7
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Thanks harley. Wish mine would have done this 8 or 9 years ago. Sounds like something I will do myself. I did already check for axles. I don't seem to find any 4400# on any sites. Guess nobody makes them.
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01-07-2020, 04:17 PM
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#4
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Belle River , Ontario
Posts: 1,753
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The 4400 lbs is a 5200 axle with 2200lb springsx2 so 4400 lbs springs ,you will need bigger ubolts as axle is thicker and bigger diameter.
__________________
It was a rainy few days at Algonquin Prov park...tarps kept us dry.
Wayne --Belle River (Windsor), Ontario
2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB..(just sold it)
2015 White Chev Silverado 2500HD 4x4 (6.0 l gasser)
2003 Mountain Star 890SBRX Truck Camper
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01-08-2020, 11:49 AM
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#5
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New Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Tx
Posts: 7
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Makes sense, harley.
I went by my dealership to talk axles with the service department. They recommended going back with Lippert #3500s. They said their shop would only do remove and replace with Lippert #3500s. I am definitely not doing that. It would not be "if" this happens again, but "when".
Do I need to replace the springs too when I do this job? Just asking because an axle place I am looking at has packages that include axles, u-bolts, hangers, springs (3000#), and tires all for one reasonable price.
https://trailerpartsunlimited.com/ax...l-trailer-kit/
I have the Secure Stance by the way.
Thanks for your help.
Also, I will have to order the axles overslung. Just show underslung in the website.
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01-08-2020, 11:58 AM
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#6
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Belle River , Ontario
Posts: 1,753
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I forgot to add that the 5200 lb axles combined with my factory brakes (10",I think) make it a 4400 lb axle. The new brakes on the 5200 lb axles are bigger(12",if I remember) so would be a true 5200 lb.
I went with the 4400lb spring pair instead of the 3500 pair cause I was bottoming out tires to trailer floor..
__________________
It was a rainy few days at Algonquin Prov park...tarps kept us dry.
Wayne --Belle River (Windsor), Ontario
2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB..(just sold it)
2015 White Chev Silverado 2500HD 4x4 (6.0 l gasser)
2003 Mountain Star 890SBRX Truck Camper
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01-12-2020, 03:06 PM
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#7
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Alberta
Posts: 134
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I had the same problem. Axles were so bent that tires wore out (2 blew out). Dealer nor Lippert would do anything. I went to a frame shop and bought the next size up axles (4000lbs, I think) making use of brakes and existing springs etc. Didnt really research it well enough, but moving up to 5500lb axels would be my choice.
Frame shop explained that the manufacturers put the minimum rating of running gear (axles, tires etc) to save money. They also said that Lippert axels are so thin on the side walls of the axel that they can not be straightened or aligned. I had Dexter axels recommended and that is what I went with.
__________________
2012 Sunset Trail by Crossroads
29BH
2016 F150 Lariat
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01-12-2020, 03:19 PM
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#8
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: AB
Posts: 14
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Axle upgrade
Hi, I wouldn't personally deal with the RV dealer(unless a warranty issue), I would go with a professional spring shop and get the job done right, and usually cheaper. Have a look at something like this- https://thetrailerpartsoutlet.com/5-...0-lb-capacity/
You want a little more capacity but not enough to cause a rough ride for your unit.
Check out local spring and axle shops. We are lucky here to have a manufacturer in town so its easy.
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01-14-2020, 02:11 PM
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#9
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New Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Tx
Posts: 7
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I am definitely not going to my dealership. That link is for a trailer parts supply not far from me. I will probably go with some package like that and add a spare. I will be so glad to get this upgrade completed.
Thanks for everyone's input!
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01-26-2020, 12:35 PM
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#10
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New Camper
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: ca
Posts: 2
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Hey Harley, Do you know the part number or where I can get those springs. My trailer has no fender clearance and rubs badly.
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01-26-2020, 12:53 PM
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#11
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Belle River , Ontario
Posts: 1,753
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andezio
Hey Harley, Do you know the part number or where I can get those springs. My trailer has no fender clearance and rubs badly.
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All I know is that they were 2200# springs each side. So 2 per axle is 4400 lb.
Originals were 1750 lbs each and were bottoming out. That was done in Aug of 2013 so hard to remember.lol.. still satisfied.
__________________
It was a rainy few days at Algonquin Prov park...tarps kept us dry.
Wayne --Belle River (Windsor), Ontario
2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB..(just sold it)
2015 White Chev Silverado 2500HD 4x4 (6.0 l gasser)
2003 Mountain Star 890SBRX Truck Camper
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01-26-2020, 05:55 PM
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#12
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New Camper
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: ca
Posts: 2
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Thanks, it’s hard to find information on the stock spring specs. That helps. It’s strange this trailer comes spring over axle but rides so low. Mines a 24bh btw 5500# weight unloaded so I bet I have those 1750# springs and need to upgrade
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01-27-2020, 02:11 PM
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#13
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New Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Tx
Posts: 7
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By 26BH rides very high. I still have not done the axle upgrade. Will do it this spring. I did notice on my welded brackets for the springs that there is another hole that is below the current hole the spring is mounted to. I wonder if I can also drop down to that hole when I go from 14" tires to 15" tires.
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01-27-2020, 04:31 PM
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#14
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Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Florida
Posts: 389
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So, can anyone please tell me what axles I have on my Zinger 291RL Z-1 ?
Whatever they are they're factory original, and have six lug nuts if that's a clue.
I'm sure I can find out if I crawl underneath tomorrow, but it's dark right now and I just wondered if anyone knows offhand.
Thanks in advance.
__________________
Biggles
2015 Toyota Tundra Dbl Cab 5.7 V8
2017 Zinger Z-1 291RL "Harvey'
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01-28-2020, 12:21 PM
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#15
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: VA
Posts: 1,729
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CyrpressTxAg
By 26BH rides very high. I still have not done the axle upgrade. Will do it this spring. I did notice on my welded brackets for the springs that there is another hole that is below the current hole the spring is mounted to. I wonder if I can also drop down to that hole when I go from 14" tires to 15" tires.
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When I replaced the shackles and put wet bolts on my suspension, I reassembled the axles in the lower holes in the hangers. The shackles were originally in the upper holes. That raised the trailer about 1.5". The previous year I replaced my 15" wheels and ST tires with 16" wheels and LT tires.
__________________
2013 Silverado 2500HD LTZ CC 6.6L Duramax Diesel
2023 Rockwood 2445WS
Buster, miniature Dachshund
2024: 3 trips, 30 nights in 9 states, 5421 miles
2023: 9 trips, 48 nights in 12 states, 2 provinces, 8120 miles
2019: 7 trips, 43 nights in 6 states, 3904 miles
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01-28-2020, 04:20 PM
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#16
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New Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Tx
Posts: 7
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That sounds like a plan Davisk. I am going to take a look at doing that when I upgrade.
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