Axel replacement - Mesa Arizona

[kathytony1985]

Can anyone recommend a trailer shop in Mesa, Arizona that can install our replacement Dexter Axel? I need to contact them for delivery and installation, per Dexter Warranty Dept. Or is this something my husband can do? Dexter says we need a forklift to lift the axel off the Freight Truck, thus my reason for seeking a Trailer shop that can receive and install the axel.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by kathytony1985

Or is this something my husband can do? Dexter says we need a forklift to lift the axel off the Freight Truck, thus my reason for seeking a Trailer shop that can receive and install the axel.

I didn't need a forklift to get my axle off the truck. Two guys in reasonable health can move it.

As far as handling it goes using a couple of dollies make it easy.

To lift it into place and not have to struggle to get the mounting brackets level with the trailer frame I built a center lift point. Notice that the jack isn't directly under the axle but off center. This is the balance point that keeps the brackets level.

Four bolts and reconnecting the brake wires. Not a major job despite the size of the axle.

Ron

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by kathytony1985

Can anyone recommend a trailer shop in Mesa, Arizona that can install our replacement Dexter Axel? I need to contact them for delivery and installation, per Dexter Warranty Dept. Or is this something my husband can do? Dexter says we need a forklift to lift the axel off the Freight Truck, thus my reason for seeking a Trailer shop that can receive and install the axel.

I have not been there personally but from all the 5 star reviews it sounds like the go-to place in Mesa is Rucker Trailer Works. They have handled all kinds of projects from frame repairs to custom trailer builds. These are the kind of guys you want working on your trailer.

[kathytony1985]

Thank you for your quick and detailed response Ron! Sounds like something he and a friend could do in the driveway.

[kathytony1985]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

I have not been there personally but from all the 5 star reviews it sounds like the go-to place in Mesa is Rucker Trailer Works. They have handled all kinds of projects from frame repairs to custom trailer builds. These are the kind of guys you want working on your trailer.

Thank you for your response. I was looking at them and will give them a call to see what they say.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by kathytony1985

Thank you for your response. I was looking at them and will give them a call to see what they say.

If that doesn't work out another place that looks like they do great work in your area is Wrangler Trailers.

[MVA]

We replaced the front axle on our E19. When I called Dexter, they were only willing to replace it; not pay for installation. The axle was delivered with the brake assembles attached. SInce the old axle was bend, it required a 5 lb mallet and a block of wood to ease it off of the axle mounts which are welded to the frame. I installed the new axle slightly differently than Ron. I had a stack of lumber on each end and slowly raised each side, working side to side to raise the new axle into position.

If I have to do it again, I would remove the brake assemblies from the axle (4 bolts each side) before attaching the axle to the mounting flanges. That way, I could much more easily torque the axle mounting bolts to spec. Ask Dexter to ship new mounting bolts. The mounting bolts have "limited" reuse. Afterword, reattach the brake assembles and splice wires.

Can you do this yourself? Personal decision based on desire and previous experience with mechanical assembles.

YMMV

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by MVA

I installed the new axle slightly differently than Ron. I had a stack of lumber on each end and slowly raised each side, working side to side to raise the new axle into position.

That works also. But if a hydraulic jack is available it makes the job pretty effortless.

Ron

[MVA]

Ron - you are corect; I was not clear. I used a bottle jack alternating on each side to slowly raise the axle into position.

[Sean Murry]

Interesting. I recently had my front axle replaced and Dexter shipped the axle to a local axle repair shop and paid for the freight, installation and a new tire that was worn on the inside due to the bent axle.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

That works also. But if a hydraulic jack is available it makes the job pretty effortless.

Ron

Ron- is there any alignment to be done? I’ve done some work with trailer axles but never a full replacement.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Ron- is there any alignment to be done? I’ve done some work with trailer axles but never a full replacement.

The bolt holes are a bit elongated so there's a bit of adjustment possible.

I measured from the center of the hitch to the center of the front axle on both sides. They were eqi-distant. I made up a simple trammel and measured the c/c distance to the rear axle. One thump and they were equal and I torqued the bolts down.

In the past I've used lasers to play around checking things but they're not really necessary.

Ron

[kathytony1985]

Sean,
Dexter is paying for everything, as was your situation. The only difference is they asked us for an address to ship the Axle. That is my reason for asking for shop recommendations here.
My husband and his friend, where we are currently moochdocking, are lifelong career mechanics. They see no problem with installing the new Axle.
Thanks everyone for your responses. This forum is the best!

[Sean Murry]

I was referring to MVA, when he said Dexter was replacing the axle but not the installation.

[MVA]

Apparently I got the bad deal!

[Drives1937]

If you haven't gotten it installed yet let me know I might be of some assistance with the task at hand. I am planning on putting a lift kit on my Escape 19 in a couple of weeks. I do have a utility trailer if you need to transport the axel somewhere. Ken

[kathytony1985]

Ken, Thank you so much! The Axle is being delivered Friday, Oct 13th ETA 3-6 pm., to the house we are parked at here in East Mesa. We have the lift on our trailer already. My husband is going to work on it Saturday a.m. You can call my husband, Tony, 623-334-6927 to discuss helping.

[Ron in BC]

So I'm wondering about the differences between having an RV place install the axle and DIY.

My axle was delivered directly to my house and I installed it. Dexter didn't request that the old axle be shipped back. So I now have my original axle with good brakes etc. for spare parts. It has a bit of toe in but could still be used on a single axle utility trailer.

I'm wondering what the outcome has been for those that had the axle shipped directly to an RV place for installation. Did the RV place keep the axle, ship it back or offer it to the trailer owner?

Ron

[Randy in Maine]

I had it shipped to my regular mechanic shop guy and they installed it in 3 hours = $406 and Dexter sent me a check to pay for it. I also just bought 5 new goodyear tires and steel stems and everything is good.