3500 pound versus 5200 pound axles on a LE2

[MobileJoy]

Regarding price.... We just had 5200 lbs Nev-R-Lube axles and 5-leaf springs installed by ALCAN. Total price was $3,928.28, and that included $141.99 in convenience fee for using a credit card (3.75%). They only accept the equivalent of wire transfers to avoid the convenience fee. They do not accept checks (I didn't ask about cash).

Regarding the functionality...

Larger brakes did not cause me to reduce the brake controller gain on my OEM controller (2020 F250). I had to increase it initially, but as the brakes adjusted I decreased it back to roughly where it was initially (+5). Braking is MUCH better.

The first two tows were 50 miles each, and ALCAN re-torqued the U-bolts each time. Both times the TV had come down, but nothing else was disturbed. We then towed about 237 miles and then 170 miles, and the TV has not come down again.

I usually use the stabilizer jacks to take out less than 2" of height on the low side for leveling. When I first tried to take out 1.75", the wheels lifted off the ground. I had to use the Andersen leveling wedges, and found that anything more than 1/2" would cause the wheels to lift off the ground. As we relocated, this improved somewhat, and Tanner said it would improve more as the springs break in.

I expect it will be even better riding when I get new shocks. Two of them were blown, and one of these was broken as well. ALCAN fixed it up the best they could, and we ordered Monroe shocks to replace all four. I would have ordered the Bulldog shocks, but the stories on availability had me concerned in the timeframe in which I needed them. They will be installed this coming Monday.

[jd1923]

On 3/8/2025 at 5:04 AM, katanapilot said:

I’m curious if the never lube axles have high quality (US or Japan made) bearings or if they are “blessed” with Chinese bearings.  While I get the appeal of not having to repack bearings every 12k miles - at least you can fairly easily replace the roller bearings if they exhibit signs of wear or if they fail on the road.  Can you do that with the sealed bearings or do you just carry a spare hub? 

I just ran across this older post...

You'll be happy to know they are NTN brand made in Japan! More info here:

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/11020-dexter-nev-r-lubetm-bearings-–-will-bearing-replacement-be-necessary-on-the-road/#comment-119901

[mountainoliver]

To add to the braking and bearing conversation:

About the difference in braking ability: A couple of weeks ago when John received his new axles from Dexter he disassembled one spindle in order to make some bearing, drum, brake measurements. I measured one of my old 3500 pound axle 10 inch x 2 1/4 inch brake assemblies and John measured one of his new 5200 pound axle 12 inch x 2 inch brake assemblies. In comparing the square inch surfaces between the two assemblies, there is about 5 more square inches of brake lining surface area per wheel. Also the 12 inch drums are heavier (34 pounds vs 24 pounds) and the 12 inch drums have deeper cooling fins around the outside so should be able to absorb and radiate more heat, which will aid in braking performance. Once the brakes are fully seated we should see better performance and I imagine that it will take quite a few miles of actual braking to fully seat the brakes.

Also concerning the bearings:

I went to my go to auto parts store and purchased a couple new wheel bearings to have on hand spares while traveling. They are standard front wheel bearings for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser and apparently several other vehicles as well. The actual brand that my auto parts store carries is the exact NTN (ET-CRI-0846) bearing that John found in his Dexter axle! The Timken Set 49 bearing is also the same. The NTN (made in Japan) bearings were less than $50 each and can be purchased from any auto parts store and are much, much, much less expensive than the exact same brand from Dexter! With the Harbor Freight (or similar bearing press kits from many other sources) and spare bearings, the Nev-R-Lube hubs can easily be repaired on the road. Please use this information for reference and do your own research and bearing cross references.

[MAX Burner]

@mountainoliver:  FYI, We definitely noticed a more efficient braking performance after upgrading to the NeveRlube D52's w/12" drums after the brake shoes settled in.  Backed off the brake controller a few volts so as not to lock them up using the 10" BC setting.

You'll not be disappointed with the 12" drum upgrade, IMO.

[Mike and Carol]

57 minutes ago, MAX Burner said:

You'll not be disappointed with the 12" drum upgrade, IMO.

We have an appointment on Sept 19 at ALCAN for new axles.  Looking forward to the upgrade. 

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, MAX Burner said:

You'll not be disappointed with the 12" drum upgrade, IMO.

1 hour ago, Mike and Carol said:

We have an appointment on Sept 19 at ALCAN for new axles.  Looking forward to the upgrade.

I'm installing ours this weekend (more info soon)...
Out with the old and soon in with the new D52 axles and Alcan leaf springs! 😂