Do All Vintage Airstreams Need New Axles?

[Mintage Airstream]

At least once every month I have a vintage Airstream owner come into our shop that is convinced they need all new axle's and/or supspension. While this is definetely a good idea it's not always the case (especially if you can't afford it.) Here's what to look for: check to see if the middle of your axle is pointing toward the ground, that's not good: time for a new axle. One great way to check your axle is take it to a good tire shop and have them put your trailers axle on a micrometer, this will check to make sure the spindle is still the correct round shape.
Always, always, always replace bearings and seals if it hasn't been done recently and keep your bearings packed. I'm suprised at the amount of Airstreamers that don't do this, it's very important. I recommend doing it every spring or at the least every other year. You can also add a bearring buddy to the hub: this makes for a very simple easy way to grease your bearrings. Most axle accidents happen because of seized bearings so it's important to do this, if you don't know then you should do it to be safe.

[cortés]

At least once every month I have a vintage Airstream owner come into our shop that is convinced they need all new axle's and/or supspension. While this is definetely a good idea it's not always the case (especially if you can't afford it.) Here's what to look for: check to see if the middle of your axle is pointing toward the ground, that's not good: time for a new axle. One great way to check your axle is take it to a good tire shop and have them put your trailers axle on a micrometer, this will check to make sure the spindle is still the correct round shape.
Always, always, always replace bearings and seals if it hasn't been done recently and keep your bearings packed. I'm suprised at the amount of Airstreamers that don't do this, it's very important. I recommend doing it every spring or at the least every other year. You can also add a bearring buddy to the hub: this makes for a very simple easy way to grease your bearrings. Most axle accidents happen because of seized bearings so it's important to do this, if you don't know then you should do it to be safe.

Good information.
In the event that someone needs axle replacement they may want to check this brand:
Flexiride Torsion Axle

They have been mentioned here before some time ago:
Flexiride Rubber Torsion Axles

They are manufactured in Lubbock, TX.

When I first discovered this product it puzzled me why I wasnt seeing it mentioned anywhere else.
After extensive research & investigation [and application] I discovered not only that the product is
superior in many ways, but that there is an awful lot of misinformation floating around about axle
products [known for a long time].

Advantages this product has over its competitors:

[1] Spindles are replaceable. When you snap a spindle on another brand
axle you must replace the entire axle. With Flexiride, you only buy a new spindle.

[2] Ride height is adjustable. You can set/adjust to your liking. Not available on other brands.

Flexiride Torsion Axle Spec Sheet

This axle can be fitted to any size Airstream travel trailer. For the airstream
owner that desires an accurate education on axles or requires more information
on using the Flexiride replacement product on an Airstream contact Pat at:

North Dallas RV - Authorized Airstream Service Center

We are an Airstream Certified Service Center, our employees are factory trained and certified, and have
been servicing the North Texas market for over 28 years. Our services include factory repair work, restoration
projects, aluminum repairs and general RV maintenance and repairs. If you live in the North Texas Region, find out
what the buzz is about and bring your Airstream to North Dallas RV!

Here are a few of the services we offer:
■ Airstream Certified Technicians
■ Polishing, Chemical Sensitivity & Aluminum Specialists
■ Restoration Services (small and large)
■ Great prices on parts - we ship anywhere in the USA!

Our Address & Phone Info:
2630 N Interstate 35E
(Intersection of 35E & President George Bush Turnpike)
Carrollton, TX 75007 USA
Phone: [972] 242-0404

[Mintage Airstream]

Interesting post on the flexiride torsion axles. After looking into it and talking to a few folks, I would recomend them over any axle, less expensive than other axles on the market, and by far more superior. Strange that I haven't heard much about them in the Airstream community. They have my vote.

[cortés]

Strange that I haven't heard much about them in the Airstream community.

That is a story worth telling one day.
Pat at North Dallas RV has the equipment to balance them as well.