Full Axle vs Spindle Replacement for 2012 Forest River Stealth Toy Hauler

Updated 05/31/2018 | Published 05/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(791)

$222.73

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2099)

$20.76

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149

(2099)

$11.61

Question:

I need help with either a replacement axle beam or welding on a new spindle on my 2012 Forest River Stealth toyhauler. Ive attached a picture of the tag on my Lippert 3500# axle. I had the wheel bearings fail on one wheel and had emergency service to try to smooth out the spindle and replace the brake assembly, drum, and wheel bearing. It was enough to get me home but on inspection, there are deep grooves in the spindle. Is my only option to replace the axle beam with a Lippert custom one? Are there after market ones that would fit? Is it safe to just have a new spindle welded on?

asked by: Jim S

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photo of your Stealth toy hauler trailer's damaged spindle. Based on the deep scoring on the spindle it certainly does appear that this hub suffered a catastrophic bearing failure that in turn took out your spindle.

You can replace your 3500-lb Lippert axle with another brand or you can have new spindles welded on.

If you prefer a new 3500-lb axle you can refer to the linked page that displays our available options such as # T3584F-EZ-8974. This is a Dexter axle with spindles that take inner bearing # L68149 and outer bearing # L44649. You will need to ensure that the spindles on the replacement axle match the originals (meaning that they use the same set of bearings and seals) since this will ensure your existing hub/drums will fit. This axle has a hub-face spacing of 89-inches and a spring center spacing of 74-inches.

If you prefer to have new spindles welded on you can refer to the linked page that displays all spindles for 3500-lb axles. Please note that spindle replacement is definitely NOT a do-it-yourself project. Special jigs are required to ensure the new spindle is welded on perfectly straight and perfectly concentric. There is no margin for error here so you'll want to find an experienced certified welder to do this spindle work. By the time you factor in that person's labor time a whole axle may be more cost-effective.

expert reply by: Adam R