2009 DM T@B Bearings, Brakes, Screen Door Kit: nuCamp quote seems high....

Gritty · May 2021

Hello! I'm a longtime lurker posting for the first time. My wife and I just bought a 2009 DM T@B T1 in nice condition.

Given that the tires are original, we are, of course, swapping those out for new as well as replacing bearings and brakes. We would also like to add a screen door (It's blackfly season!). I emailed Elsie, who gave me part numbers.

On the recommendation of someone here in a past post, I contacted Princess Craft to act as the retailer in ordering from nuCamp. (This after trying two somewhat local nuCamp dealers who never replied to my inquiry.) Princess Craft couldn't be nicer. They got pricing from Elsie, and just called me with the following:

Bearings are $141.23, each wheel, so we’d need to double that for a set; the brake jaw set is $476.63; and the accordion screen door kit is $229.35; shipping from nuCamp is $61.30.

I'm not much of a tightwad, but do these parts prices seem inordinately high? If so, I hope I can attribute it to the rampant COVID pricing taking place in most industries these days.

Does anyone have a recent reliable source for the bearings and brakes that might be a squinch less expensive?

Thanks for your time! This forum has proven to be immeasurably helpful already.

tabiphile · May 2021

Hello Gritty...congratulations on the new rig.
Are the brakes and bearings actually in need of replacement? Both should outlast several (if not more) sets of tires.
There would certainly be piece of mind that accompanies replacing them but it may not be necessary.
The DM trailers have sealed bearings that should be maintenance free and only replaced when they are clearly worn. Wear can be checked by spinning the wheels (assuming properly adjusted brakes) and checking for radial play. A road test that causes them to heat up is a sign that they need to go. The brakes can be inspected by pulling the hub.
If these are not things that you are comfortable doing you should consider taking your T@B to a trailer shop for service. They would probably be a place where you could also get your tires replaced.
The cost for sealed bearings and the service (they are pressed in) would be higher than standard roller bearings.

rfuss928 · May 2021

Bearings should be less than $100 for parts for both wheels.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/123679764777?_trkparms=aid=1110006&algo=HOMESPLICE.SIM&ao=1&asc=20201210111314&meid=c555557c30c649b8b361291a318eb277&pid=101195&rk=1&rkt=12&mehot=lo&sd=401908450665&itm=123679764777&pmt=1&noa=0&pg=2047675&algv=SimplAMLv9PairwiseUnbiasedWeb&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851
Brakes about the same as bearings - <$100
https://www.ebay.com/itm/160x35-ALKO-TYPE-TRAILER-CARAVAN-BRAKE-SHOES-1637-1635-1636-384-481-384-296-/191207189685
Screen door might be right $. No personal experience with those.
Good luck, have fun!

Tabaz · May 2021

You can get a Plisse screen door for around $219 with free shipping.
https://www.plissescreen.com/photo-gallery/plisse-retractable-screens-for-rvs-amp-motorhomes/

Gritty · May 2021

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions. They're much appreciated.

The first eBay link led to a bearing set that I don't believe will work (different model numbers), but I'm rooting around there and hope to find something that will do the job.

The trick is to find a set with the circlip, flanged nut, and bearing, and not just the bearing. Piecing the trio together is possible, but becomes prohibitive with separate shipping costs. Onward!

rfuss928 · May 2021

Sorry about the outdated links. The circlips can easily be reused and the nuts can be reused with just a little loctite added to make up for the lower friction fit of the used nut. The complete kits I usually find from the UK seem to all be out of stock.
This is the right bearing dimension- 30mm ID, 60mm OD, 37mm W
Pretty sure this is a good link - https://www.ebay.com/itm/142520158331?epid=574679852&hash=item212edd087b:g:xMQAAOSw~G1Zy5ON

Hutch1 · May 2021

Taunton trailers or swordcaravans,both in UK,may be able to help. Both have websites.
Bearing kits approx 30 pounds each, Drum brakes in the order of 60 pounds.
Look for alko 1637 euro parts,sealed not tapered bearings.
Hub(axle) nuts are one time use.,approximately 4 pounds each.

Gritty · May 2021

Thanks once again, everyone. What a wonderful resource and community. I do believe I'll be placing an order today with one of the UK caravan parts folks mentioned on this thread--waiting to hear back regarding shipping costs. I'll keep you posted....

Gritty · May 2021

Hello again! It's been a few weeks, but I wanted to receive the parts from the UK before I commented. I used a combination of suggestions from rfuss928 and Hutch1, in the form of eBay sellers and Swordcrown Caravans, and it all worked out well.

I can highly recommend the latter (swordcrowncaravans.com). Not only did they have all the parts required, they ship worldwide, were most accommodating and expeditious in their shipping. We bought two sets of bearings and brakes from them, in order to have a spare set on hand.

We mistakenly double-ordered brakes, and ended up with an extra set of brake shoes from e-trailers.co.uk (via eBay). They, too, were great to deal with, answered questions, and shipped quickly. So if anyone with a Dutchmen T@B needs brake shoes, I have a set to sell.

Once again, my thanks for the great advice offered at this forum. We should be ready to camp in a week or so. Can't wait!

jaybo2099 · July 2021

I found that Autozone carries the bearings. They have both the National Bearing 513116 for $50 and the Duralast Bearing DL513116 for $26. The DM T@B's use the same rear bearings as a 1982 Fiat Strada, so you can use that vehicle as a reference at auto part websites. A lot of people have mentioned you can use Yugo's as a reference, but I had better luck using the Fiat.

2009 DM T@B Bearings, Brakes, Screen Door Kit: nuCamp quote seems high....

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