I just got off the phone with Jason Wright at Henschen [ (937)-596-5138 or (937)-596-6125-X119 , [EMAIL PROTECTED] ], having purchased a Henschen Dura-Flex (what they're calling the Dura-Torque, now) 3500#-rated axle, complete with 10" Dexter electric brakes, shock absorber and mounting kits, for around $380.00 (plus freight, which won't be cheap). This is essentially the same setup used on the new Bambi. Heavier axles are available, of course, and the price seems to go up about $15 per 1,000 lbs of rated capacity. They camber and caster the axle at the factory, included in the price. They do sell directly to individual customers from the QDS/Henschen factory. The principal advantages (factors that influenced my decision) include: 1) the simplicity/elegance of the design [see: http://www.mobilexhibit.com/suspen.html ] 2) that Airstream switched to this axle some forty years ago, and is still using it 3) that the suspension is encased and protected inside the axle tube 4) that it obviates the need for a leaf-spring type suspension 5) that one can opt for a different wheel bolt pattern (i'm going with the almost universal 5 x 5.5"), making wheel replacement much easier 6) true independent suspension 7) and lastly (but by no means leastly) that two folks whose opinions i value most highly in this regard - Bud Cooper and Bill Scott - favored the Henschen. 8) i think there are a couple of other advantages, but can't think of them at the moment... (heavily-medicated following extensive dental work) Also, I'm using the old funky 'truck' with Dexter axle/brakes/leaf-springs to make up a really heavy-duty utility trailer for next to no cost. I know of no disadvantages to using the Dura-Flex, nor do a growing number of OEM trailer manufacturers. I'm posting this to both lists, since similar discussions are occurring in both places. Tuna '48 Trailwind '50 Jeepster WBCCI #8862/VAC Reno, NV ----- Original Message ----- From: Toby Folwick To: Multiple recipients of VACList <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 10:11 AM Subject: [VAC] Replacing suspension Henschen v. Dexter > Can anyone explain the drawbacks/benefits between the > Henschen DuraTorque, and a standard Dexter axle? I've > got the dexter on mine, and was planning on replacing > it entirely since it's cheaper to do (for me) than > refurbushing the old one. I'm just curious to know > why/if I should change to Henschen? > > Toby 2029 To unsubscribe or to change to a daily Digest, please go to http://www.airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html If replying back to this message, please delete all the unnecessary original text from your reply.
