Bend in axle...

[TheBlacksmith]

Hi all,

I've got a '95 Jayco 1207 and like so many others, I'm not satisfied with the low ground clearance. I just finished reinstalling the axle, after doing the modification to raise the camper, which by the way is a Dexter TorFlex axle. In researching what others did, I noticed that several had stated that their axle had a slight bend in it. Also, there were several posts stating that on some straight axle applications, the manufacturer put this bend in there for camber compensation. At the same time there have been those that state that this bend was caused at some time by a misplaced jack.

Prior to remounting my axle (new brake parts should arrive this week) I was contemplating straightening... not straightening... so I called Dexter's Service and was told that this bend was indeed for camber compensation.

Thought that some of you would be interested.

Danny

[AustinBoston]

Hi all,

I've got a '95 Jayco 1207 and like so many others, I'm not satisfied with the low ground clearance. I just finished reinstalling the axle, after doing the modification to raise the camper, which by the way is a Dexter TorFlex axle. In researching what others did, I noticed that several had stated that their axle had a slight bend in it. Also, there were several posts stating that on some straight axle applications, the manufacturer put this bend in there for camber compensation. At the same time there have been those that state that this bend was caused at some time by a misplaced jack.

Prior to remounting my axle (new brake parts should arrive this week) I was contemplating straightening... not straightening... so I called Dexter's Service and was told that this bend was indeed for camber compensation.

Thought that some of you would be interested.

Danny

Thanks.  I read the subject, and was ready to reply and say "That bend is supposed to be there," so I'm glad Dexter say's I'm right.

Austin

[wavery]

This may need a little clarification......I'm not sure but I think what Dexter may have meant was that the bend "Could" be from them adjusting the alignment. There has been many a PU axle bent from placing a jack under it, over loading the trailer or hitting something.

I'm not saying that is the case with yours, I just want to make it clear that the axle is not the place to put your jack.  

[fleagalbaum]

maybe I shouldnt have straightened mine out.

Oh well, It is still bent a bit and I will find out in a few months when the tires wear unevenly.

[TheBlacksmith]

This may need a little clarification......I'm not sure but I think what Dexter may have meant was that the bend "Could" be from them adjusting the alignment. There has been many a PU axle bent from placing a jack under it, over loading the trailer or hitting something.

I'm not saying that is the case with yours, I just want to make it clear that the axle is not the place to put your jack.  

I agree that the axle is not a lifting point. If one has a manual, and one reads it it will state this as well. My point is this: If your axle does have a bend in it, that doesn't mean that someone put it there by accident. Call the manufacturer for input. Note that I said manufacturer... the Jayco dealer didn't know. They called a frame company (instead of Dexter) and were told that 'it probably needs to be brought in and straightened'.

Dexter said that they did put a bend in it. That doesn't necessarily mean that MORE bend wasn't added by user error.