PJ trailer axles

[JR]

Does anyone have any experience with Rockwell American axles good or bad?

Looking to upgrade from my tired 22 ft 14K GVW Branson trailer, I came across a gently used 24 ft PJ. Essentially the same trailer but this is a hydraulic tilt vs mine being a gravity tilt which is one of the things I want. And it's alot less used than mine . I've heard of these axles but no real experience with them. I didn't know PJ even used Rockwell's, a friend has a similar year PJ with Dexter axles.

Thanks!

 

[NIsaacs]

It appears that Rockwell American bought out Quality Running Gear and Dexter bought out Al-Ko. PJ's parts page show they sell all 4 brands.

Here is Rockwell's link.http://rockwellamerican.com/

Nick

 

[JR]

Thanks Nick, I never put it together it was the same Rockwell that built the military truck axles.

Per your link I ran across this

http://l.b5z.net/i/u/6149609/f/2016.08.31_Dexter_Acquires_Rockwell_American.pdf

So it appears Dexter acquired Rockwell. I wonder going forward if the axles will all be common.

 

[jhenderson]

My PJ has Quality axles. As you know Rockwell bought them. PJ now seems to be all Dexter. The only downfall of any of the brands you mentioned is buying odds and ends. My Quality axles are oil bath. The hub caps and rubber plugs are slightly different than the other brands and when I broke one it took me 2 try's with PJ to get the proper parts. Same with brakes. My Qualitys use an oddball width shoe. That being said, I haven't touched them for anything other than the hub cap I broke on a stone in my landing. That's 4 years hard service. I would advise checking the spring u bolts on a used trailer before use sense mine loosened after the first year.

 

[JR]

One of my concerns was buying replacement parts, I've never had any problems sourcing bearings or brakes locally for Dexters but wasnt sure about the Rockwell's. It doesn't matter now, went and looked at the trailer last night. This guy is delusional to say the least. The rear axle is bent and the inside of the right rear tire is scrubbed. When I pointed it out he got argumentative saying there's no way it could be bent as he never hauled anything heavy enough. Looking underneath from the rear its obvious to me. I'm almost tempted to flag his post on Craigslist.

My trailer has leaf spring axles but I'm really leaning toward torsion axles. Less maintenance and they supposedly ride better empty/lightly loaded. I pulled mine 350 miles empty down I80 a few weeks ago. It pulls rougher empty then it does loaded. I even dropped 10psi in the tires.

 

[NIsaacs]

If the price and overall condition of the trailer is right you might just replace the axle, they are only about $200 bare. I do like the torsion axles for ride and low deck height but off highway they are too low and drag easy. Even the small dip at McDonalds I have to come in at an angle

I am going to add side extensions to my new dump today, gotta haul more

Nick

 

[mwilson]

JR, as stated above don't let a bent axle hold you back if the trailer is a good deal. Don't cost much and I'll post the order matrix if needed to assist in getting the correct specs.

Both of the axles on the Cougar were bent at 1 year old when I bought it. They won't bend now with the thicker wall axles I installed. Tires have worn perfectly ever since plus it tows better.

 

[JR]

I believe it was a fair deal minus the axle and tire. Alot of my towing is at extended highway speed and the one tire is scrubbed enough I would probably replace it rather than chance having a blow out far from home base. Aside from being on the arrogant side he wouldn't come off his asking price and to be honest I'm more or less put off by it. The trailer wasn't really what I'm looking for either it's a low pro with leaf spring axles. Another strike against the seller, his ad states deck over. I tried educating him on the difference. He didn't appreciate it. Did I say I'm still thinking about flagging his ad?

Hey Nick, what trailer are you referring to when you say you have to be careful pulling into McDonald's? What configuration is it? Deck, axles, etc.

 

[NIsaacs]

Hey Nick, what trailer are you referring to when you say you have to be careful pulling into McDonald's? What configuration is it? Deck, axles, etc.

I didn't realize you were specifically looking for a deck over trailer, even with torsion axles you should be fine with clearance. Especially in a tilt bed as they typically have a straight deck without a beaver tail. My deck over trailer with springs and 5' beaver tail still requires careful crossings of dips. My low deck car hauler types can be a pain off highway.

This is my lowest deck trailer and one I have to be extra careful with, it's only 14' with a short overhang but with torsion axles and 14" tires it is really low, nice for loading my little Bobcat tho.

Nick