Axle upgrade

[DDD]

I have a 2017 keystone Bullet BL30RIPR with Dexter 4400 lb axles which are no longer available. Can I upgrade with Dexter 5200 lb axles? I read that the Keystone Bullet may not weigh enough to make the 5200 lb axles level out to keep the tires from wearing prematurely. The front 4400 lb axle tire on the passenger side is wearing on the outside edge. All other tires are wearing normally. So I’m thinking of upgrading the axles to fix the ptoblem.

[Lee]

Hi,

As long as the hub-to-hub and the spring perch-to-spring perch measurements match the measurements on your current axle it should work.

Also insure that the lug pattern and number of lugs match so you don't have to buy new wheels.

I just replaced my AL-KO 4400lb axles (due to AL-KO going out of business) with Lippert 4400lb axles and they were a direct replacement.

I also considered upgrading to 5200lb axles but I would have had to have the spring perches custom $welded$ to match my old axles. The 4400lb axles were direct replacements and much cheaper.

[ljdriscoll]

I just had my 4400# axles replaced with 5200# axles from Dexter. The RV dealer would only do a complete assembly so I got the hubs included. With traveling out east I bent my rear axle which was causing the tires to wear on the inside. I decided since the 4400# axles were so close to max weight to upgrade.

[JRTJH]

Several years ago I replaced my Lippert 4400 pound axles (actually they were 5200 pound beams that were "derated by Keystone to 4400 pounds"). I replaced them with Dexter 6000 pound, 6 lug hub axles and upgraded springs.

The trailer tracks better, rides smoother (no more broken dishes in the rear kitchen cupboards) and is overall much easier to tow.

I think your overall concern, if I read into your post what you intended to ask, is whether the axle beam camber will cause increased tire wear because the trailer is too light and can't "push the axle beam flat so the tire tread rides flat". From my experience with a "two level axle upgrade", I have had no issues with uneven tire wear and I don't think you will either.

The benefits, for my upgrade, far outweighed the potential issues.

[PappyD]

Late reply to your situation -

I have a 2017 Passport 23RB. Bent the trailing axle and broke both hangers while driving the baaad Mass Pike.

Replaced the Dexter 4400# with Dexter 5200#. New hangers, wet bolts, along with the new axles, hubs, and bearings. Down in FL right now. Made the 800mile trip with no issues. Everything looks good underneath. Brand new Carlisle HD Trail E rated tires too. (Had Goodyear Endurance before and don't think they wore very well. Could have been the axles....)

Very reputable trailer shop (Northside Trailer, Zionsville, IN) felt like "all the RV bumper pulls and 5th wheels are marginal" with regards to the specs on the OE axles. According to the Dexter specs the 4400# axle should be enough for the 23RB trailer I had.

I don't see any reason not to use the heavier axle if available.