Newbie (maybe) R23 - Need Advice - pictures

[DrFred]

Thanks Silverloaf I appreciate that info. I will look into that right now.

[Razorback]

Congratulations on getting the Avion!

The adventure begins!!

[DrFred]

Thanks Razorback!

[DrFred]

Today I ran into the first hurdle. I was trying to get the wheels off so I could put new ones on for the 2.5 Mile trek home and I snapped 3 lugs off. My question is how easy is it to replace the lugs? A couple nuts are also stripped so I was thinking of drilling the bolts out pull the wheels and replace the lugs. Is that an easy task? I am trying to avoid a flatbed and the costs associated with towing.

[DrFred]

If I do need to have a flatbed tow it home are there any concerns I need be aware of pulling the trailer onto the flatbed with flat tires. After speaking to the current owners they think the trailer has been up on blocks since the late 60’s. Such a shame such a cool trailer never got to experience the open road

[silverloaf]

All of the wheel lugs I've seen are pressed into either the axle hub flange or brake drum/caliper. They are high-grade steel and not something you can just beat out with a hammer or drill out.

So far as towing with a flatbed, I suggest taking some pics and discussing your options with a few towing outfits. I would think a low-profile trailer with a winch rather would be preferred. Some heavy equipment haulers might have the right trailer for the job.

I wouldn't worry about the tires or wheels. Your objective is to just get the home.

[DrFred]

Thanks Silverloaf! I was re thinking replacing the lugs while it is still on site in the woods. I was worried if I get the hub/flange off and I can't fix then I am stuck without wheels to pull onto trailer. The trailer has settled into the ground over the years and the springs have been touching the dirt for who knows how long. Are new axles and leaf spring easy to acquire? Or do people usually rebuild? Thanks for all the advice!

[silverloaf]

Dexter Axle (https://www.dexteraxle.com/) is a major supplier of suspension, bearing and brake components. Many manufacturers used Dexter components. I was able to most everything I needed through their suppliers. You will need to measure certain key dimensions (e.g.: brakes, bearings, lug spacing, etc.) to order the correct parts.

The axles are a different story. The ones for our '88 are no longer made. Discuss with a axle and suspension shop on feasibility of rebuild. If yours are bad, you might have to shop around for salvage parts.

I suggest putting some type of skid/drag plates (2x10s, etc.) under the wheels immediately after getting the trailer out of the ditch. These will help protecting the axles and spring perches from damage when dragged toward the flatbed.

[DrFred]

So, when I went to try and spin/free-up the wheels on July 27 I heard a very loud pop, and then a shooting pain. I had popped my distal bicep tendon right off the bone in my right arm. Surgery was 8/3 and I start PT Tuesday but I’m still in a brace with limited movement and absolutely no weight bearing tasks with that arm. I ended up paying to flatbed the trailer home a few days after the incident and it is home in the driveway.

[DrFred]

Needless to say the progress on the trailer has been much slower than we had hoped. The only thing we’ve been able to do is start stripping the paint. It comes off pretty easily with a thick coat of Citrisolve.