I am rebuilding my pop up and will be lifting it with new leaf springs, larger tires, beefier axle, and I'll be adding shocks also... I am planning to swap out my axle for one that will handle more weight and off-road situations. I've decided to get a 3500 lb. axle probably with elec. brakes. My questions is: Where should I purchase my axle from? Any recommendations? Check out my build thread here: http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=51875.0
I'm starting a similar rebuild and have done some shopping around. Northern tool http://www.northerntool.com/ Dexter axle http://www.dexteraxle.com/resource_library_ and ABC Trailer parts http://abctrailerparts.com/ All have them. Unfortunately, the shipping is murder. I called around to local RV shops and fabricators and there are a number of local options! You'll probably find something similar in your area.
Your Coleman has a Dexter axle, why not consider another ...? http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/6-8k_cat_10-10/2300-3500_Lbs_12-10.pdf
Thanks for the advice folks! I have been researching more and found exactly what I'd like online. Now I'm gonna search for a local source... I'll let ya'all know what I end up with!
Just found out about Six Robblees. They are in the Pacific NW and they supply most of the axles for RV manufacturers. At least that's what the guys at the fabrication shop down the road told me. They have 3 locations in Oregon
ordering directly from dexter is usually the cheapest and best option. i do recall when i was looking for new axle that northern and local places it was going to be well over $1000. when i called dexter: they were going to build me a custom axle to my specs, and have it shipped to me with 7-10 days for something like $6-700. hubs and all, ready to mount.
http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=33547.msg224071#msg224071 heres my thread. just read through it again. apparently WAY cheaper than $600.