Newbie help, 1970'ish Holiday Rambler

[MeanDean]

Hi. My wife and I have been taking many camping trips this year with our 3 kiddos. We have enjoyed it so much that when my grandfather offered to give us his "fixer upper" travel trailer we jumped on it. We spent the weekend end cleaning, checking stuff over and got the exterior partially painted.
When I inspected the brakes and bearings I found most of the drum brake springs were broke and shocks are no good. I'm having a hard time finding parts for this 1970'ish Holiday Rambler and hoping the Vintage owners on here could point me in the right direction.

[DieselTech39]

Glad you're aboard. Congrats on the new to you rig. Best of luck in finding the info on the brakes. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

[CLIFFTALL]

Welcome. You've come to the right place. Good luck.
Cliff

[MeanDean]

Thanks guys. Ya, We are very excited to get it on the road for family fun time and NO vidoe games, ipads or laptos! Haha

[ahicks]

Re: the brakes, a lot of times you're further ahead buying a backing plate assembly vs. buying the individual components.

Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies at Trailer Parts Superstore

[Kurmudgeon]

They're Dexter axles, and almost certainly the 3500# axle with a #84 spindle. They are pretty much the industry standard. All parts are still available in spite of their age. They use the same parts as an axle that was made last week. You can buy a complete brake assembly, including shoes, springs, backing plate, the whole works for less than $50 each. It comes completely assembled, so bolt it in place and hook up two wires, you're done. To confirm which axle you have measure the diameter of the axle tube. A 3500# axle tube is 2-3/8" and a 5200# axle tube is 3".

My favorite go-to place for axle and suspension parts is etrailer.com They have a staff of experts to answer any questions you have either by phone or email, and their service and prices are great. They're very nice people to deal with. I have also bought axle components from Amazon. Sometimes an even better price that etrailer.

[Kurmudgeon]

Here's another suggestion for you. If you have a Facebook account, look up the "Vintage Holiday Rambler Owners" group and join. Nice people and a lot of good information.

[MeanDean]

Originally Posted by Kurmudgeon

They're Dexter axles, and almost certainly the 3500# axle with a #84 spindle. They are pretty much the industry standard. All parts are still available in spite of their age. They use the same parts as an axle that was made last week. You can buy a complete brake assembly, including shoes, springs, backing plate, the whole works for less than $50 each. It comes completely assembled, so bolt it in place and hook up two wires, you're done. To confirm which axle you have measure the diameter of the axle tube. A 3500# axle tube is 2-3/8" and a 5200# axle tube is 3".

My favorite go-to place for axle and suspension parts is etrailer.com They have a staff of experts to answer any questions you have either by phone or email, and their service and prices are great. They're very nice people to deal with. I have also bought axle components from Amazon. Sometimes an even better price that etrailer.

Hey thanks Jim. This helps alot! Glad I found this forum.

[guitarman023]

what painting method did you use? turned out really nice

[MeanDean]

Thanks, industrial enamel tractor paint with a foam roller. Only $75 for the whole paint job.