W22 Axle

[AvoJim]

I am considering installing a Blue Ox Tru Center on my 2005 National RV Dolphin on W22 chassis. The Blue Ox web site and three dealer sites say the attachment kit for the Tru Center is for a W22 22000# "straight axel". My Workhorse manual says I have a "double drop" axel. I see no mention of a straight axel. The axel on my coach does have two vertical step downs in it although it may be straight from side to side. Does anyone know what they are talking about? Are there two different axels for the W22 series?

[Fred and Bonnie]

Jim, there is only one front axle for the W22. I believe eventhough there is a drop, it's still a straight axle as opposed to IFS.

Fred

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie Jim, there is only one front axle for the W22. I believe eventhough there is a drop, it's still a straight axle as opposed to IFS.

[AvoJim]

Thanks F&B, Driver
I am sure you are correct.... but....I still want to know what Blue Ox was thinking about when they said "straight axel". Of all the motorhomes they list, W22 is the only one that calls for straight axel. I will call them directly and ask the on Tuesday(Mon is labor day).

Jim

[speed racer]

(Sorry but.)If you don't know what a straight axle is you don't need to be trying to install it yourself.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvoJim Thanks F&B, Driver I am sure you are correct.... but....I still want to know what Blue Ox was thinking about when they said "straight axle". Of all the motorhomes they list, W22 is the only one that calls for straight axle. I will call them directly and ask the on Tuesday(Mon is labor day).

Jim, During my lifetime the only straight axle that I recall is a Dexter axle on a trailer.

Most all solid front axles on commercial trucks, RVs and vehicles are what is known as a double drop. One end the axle comes up to fit a king pin and spindle for the wheel and then it drops down to saddle the springs and the same is repeated on the opposite side. Essentially it's a straight axle if you remove the drops.

[AvoJim]

Thanks Driver -- My question came about because Blue Ox lists attachment brackets for W-18, 20, 22 and 24. They list the same part no. for all four models but only on the W22 do they call out straight axel which I found curious. It is like they had specified rear wheel drive for the W22 only. Why bother?. I am now guessing it was some kind copy or transfer of data error. I believe the attachment bracket listed for W22 will fit my coach. I am still going to call them.

Speed Racer -- Thanks for your very illuiminating post. I never took Axels 101 and now realize I must stay out of the water until after I have learned how to swim. More seriously, take a look at the Tru Center installation video on the Blue Ox site and then tell me what you think. By the way you can see that the axel on the coach in the video is a double drop although I don't remember if they identify the make. Also the guy doing the installation has a really nice watch.

Jim