VanAxle

Vancouver Axle & Frame Ltd

Commercial Vehicle and RV Alignments and Repairs

  Top Quality Since 1959Surry Air Conditioning Service   Surrey BC Job Opportunities
Vancouver Axle & Frame Background
Home » Blog

BC Earlybird RV Show

by

Come see us at the BC Earlybird RV Show! We look forward to meeting you and answering all of your questions.

Show Details:

Event Dates And Hours
Thursday, February 17, 2022 10:00am-9:00pm
Friday, February 18, 2022 10:00am-9:00pm
Saturday, February 19, 2022 10:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, February 20, 2022 10:00am-5:00pm

Event Location
Tradex Trade & Exhibition Center
1190 Cornell Street,
Abbotsford, B.C.

General Admission Cost
Purchase your tickets online & save $1.00.

$10.00 Adult Admission (19 – 59)
$8.00 Senior Admission (60+)
$7.00 Youth Admission (13 – 18)
FREE Child Admission (12 and Under)

Admission Packages & Discounts
Purchase your tickets online & save $2.00.

$26.00 Family Pack (2 Adults and Up To 4 Youths One-Day Pass)
$14.00 Multi-day Pass (Single Adult or Youth)

Buy Tickets Online

Vanaxle is the New Alberta & British Columbia Distributor of Reyco Granning Suspension

by

Reyco Granning Suspensions

We are thrilled to announce that Vancouver Axle and Frame is now a distributor of Reyco Granning suspension parts & systems in both Alberta & British Columbia – including Vancouver, BC.

Reyco Granning is a suspension manufacturer with close to 90 years of proven product quality, durability, and reliability. Not only are their suspension systems widely known for their longevity and safety, but their customization as well. Reyco Granning’s custom-designed suspensions will completely match your vehicle’s application and performance requirements. Additionally, Reyco Granning designs and manufactures air, steel spring, and auxiliary suspensions used by truck, trailer and specialty vehicle OEMs.

When it comes to finding high-quality suspensions in Vancouver for your next truck, trailer or specialty vehicle order, we have you covered. Our mission at Vanaxle is to provide the highest quality repair and fabrication service to our customers. That’s why we are excited to have a strategic partner that shares our commitment to serve our customers and consistently deliver superior performance.

At Vancouver Axle and Frame, we’re proud of our enduring history of professional services to our BC customers. Our knowledgeable, friendly and experienced team of mechanics will go the extra mile for every client that we serve. Contact us to see how we can help!

For more details on the product lines, please visit the Reyco Granning Website.

Thank you Bob!

by

We would like to announce the retirement of Bob Leveque on August 4th.  While it is with great sadness that we say goodbye, Bob will be remembered for his dedication, accomplishments and personal integrity to our company and many customers.  Bob was truly a strength in our workplace.

We want to send our congratulations and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection: What You Should Know

by

Every vehicle owner knows how tempting it can be to put off inspections unless an issue arises. However, a maintained fleet is a safer fleet. No matter what type of vehicle you’re driving, you’ll want to ensure that it runs well for years to come by keeping up with routine car maintenance and inspection. At Vanaxle, we’re proud to work on vehicles from small passenger cars to medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, including RVs, trailers and fifth wheels in the Fraser Valley, BC.

Why Commercial Vehicle Maintenance Is Important

Cars and trucks are intricate machines in need of regular care in order to properly function. This is especially important if you use them as a regular part of your business. After all, the safety of your employees and fleet is of utmost importance. We know that you want your commercial vehicles to perform at their absolute best. Not only will this help extend the life of your fleet, but it reduces the need for expensive vehicle repairs down the road.

Basic Check-Ups You Can Do Yourself

You don’t have to be an auto mechanic to keep your car well-maintained. There are a few regular cleaning and maintenance habits that you can do to keep your trucks looking and running like brand new. Keep these tips in mind as you go through your cleaning and inspection process.

Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection

What to Check Monthly

  • Engine light
  • Headlights and tail lights
  • Clean the interior and exterior

What to Check Every 3 Months/3,000 Miles

  • Windshield washer fluid
  • All lights inside and out
  • Engine oil and filter
  • Power steering fluid
  • Tire pressure and tire treads

What to Check Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles

In addition to the above preventative maintenance, you’ll want to do complete these checks:

  • Windshield wiper blades
  • Car battery and cables
  • Polish the exterior

What to Check Every 12 Months/12,000 Miles

  • Brake system
  • Coolant/antifreeze levels
  • Steering and suspension

Completing Your Fleet Inspection

Taking proper care of your vehicles is essential for managing and maintaining a productive business. A final follow-up inspection afterward will give you peace of mind that you’re ready to hit the road. It will be beneficial to keep your fleet free from garbage and make sure that everything is wiped down. It may also help to regularly pressure wash the exterior of your vehicle to keep up its visual appeal.

When your vehicle isn’t performing as it should, then you know it’s time to schedule an inspection. Issues like a lack of acceleration, wheel misalignment, and other problems are signs you won’t want to ignore. Be sure to keep track of any issues that might need to be addressed by experienced professionals.

Fleet Maintenance Surrey BC

Reliable Service from Experienced Professionals

If you’re overdue for routine maintenance, it might time to schedule an appointment for your commercial vehicle with Vancouver Axle & Frame. We’re proud of our enduring history of quality and professional services for our customers. Our knowledgeable, friendly and experienced team of mechanics will go the extra mile for every client that we serve. We want to be your first call for preventative maintenance and a thorough inspection of your vehicles.

Contact us to book your vehicle maintenance and inspection appointment today >

Or call now (604) 882-5112

Why is Truck Suspension & Wheel Alignment Maintenance Important?

by

As robust as commercial vehicles are, problems are likely to arise over time due to natural wear and tear. If your steering wheel is off center,  you have excessive or uneven tire wear, your vehicle wanders or pulls to the right then you may have problems with your alignment or suspension. That’s why it’s important to invest in routine suspension and wheel alignment maintenance on your fleet vehicles. Visit Vancouver Axle & Frame for preventative maintenance of your vehicles in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley!

Truck maintenance suspension wheel alignment
What is Vehicle Suspension?

A car is suspended by a conglomerate of springs, shocks, and struts. These shock absorbers aid in the control of your vehicle by keeping the tires on the road, and prevent excess bouncing when you hit a bump or drive over a pothole. In a perfect world, the rear wheels are exactly parallel with the center-line of a vehicle. Dog tracking, also known as wandering, involves a defect in the suspension parts or angles of the wheels on a truck. In a vehicle displaying a tendency to wander across the road, the driver has to continually adjust the steering to keep traveling in a straight line. 

Therefore, it’s important to routinely undergo this maintenance on commercial vehicles in order to maximize control and driving efficiency while you’re out on the road. If you’re not sure if your suspension is bad, here are a few signs to look out for:

  • Your vehicle feels like it rolls or sways on turns.
  • You can feel steering wheel vibrations as you gain speed. 
  • The front end of your car or truck dips when braking, or bounces when you stop.

What is Vehicle Alignment?

If your steering wheel is off-center, (the logo is not straight even though your wheels are straight) this is a telltale sign of the need for an alignment. Without a proper alignment or tire balancing, driving can become unsafe and expensive. Vehicle alignment can affect anywhere from the steerability and stability of your vehicle to its performance and safety. You may even find that your vehicle pulls to the right, which can ultimately lead to excessive tire wear and uneven wear on tires. Fortunately, we can get your truck’s wheels and tires back to traveling in the same direction and striking the road at the proper angle in no time.

Wheel Alignment Maintenance

What Causes Wheel Misalignment?

In general, misalignment can be caused by the driver, the road, or the worn components in the vehicle. A vehicle that is misaligned can be more difficult to operate, which can be stressful and fatiguing for the driver. Wheel misalignment occurs due to a number of factors including tough road conditions, large payloads, accidents, and other heavy impacts. Typically, the larger the impact, the higher the potential you have of throwing your vehicle’s alignment out of place.

Benefits of Suspension & Wheel Alignment Maintenance

The biggest advantages of front-end alignments for heavy-duty vehicles and commercial fleets include better gas mileage and reduced tread wear. Not only does this extend the life of your tires, but it reduces the need for expensive auto repairs. Other benefits include:

  • Better handling
  • Improved vehicle safety
  • Less damage to other vehicle components

When it comes to your vehicle, you can pay less now for preventive maintenance, or you can pay more—often much more–later for repairs resulting from ignoring a maintenance schedule. At Vancouver Axle & Frame, we’re proud of our enduring history of quality and professional services for our customers. Our knowledgeable, friendly and experienced team of mechanics will go the extra mile for every client that we serve. We want to be your first call for your commercial vehicle repairs and maintenance. 

Contact us to book your preventative maintenance appointment today >

Or call now (604) 882-5112

commercial vehicle suspension and alignment

RV Maintenance & Travel in BC

by

COVID-19 has affected the world around us in more ways than anyone could have imagined. To limit the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada advises that you avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice. But, that doesn’t mean that you and your family can’t take a little break to enjoy the great outdoors. Now is the perfect time to camp and travel around BC by RV this summer.

With so many grounded flights and advisories dictating what to do when crossing international borders, many of us are dreaming of escape. Traveling by RV allows you to bring the comforts of home into the wild nature of BC. Thanks to camping options that range from full-service camping sites to rustic, natural retreats, there’s truly something for everyone.

RV Traveling in Canada

RV Maintenance
British Columbia’s vast mountain ranges, miles of beaches, sparkling lakes, flowing rivers and lush, green forests offer the ultimate experience. Immerse yourself in nature and spend days enjoying the carefree camping lifestyle while sleeping under the stars. Whether you’re traveling in an RV or pitching a tent, the Camping and RVing BC Coalition can help you find your temporary home.

RVers are a friendly group by nature, and might crave human contact now more than ever. But until the quarantine has officially ended, it’s important to do everything possible to avoid being around people. British Columbia’s backyard provides campers and RVers with numerous choices of camping sweet spots to maintain social distancing. With over 1,700 campgrounds located throughout the province’s pristine outdoors, you can exit the confinement of a scheduled day and instead embrace nature’s tranquility.

Where to Camp with an RV

Depending on your route, driving from Vancouver to the Rockies is approximately 800 km (500 mi) – 8 to 10 hours driving time – up and over several mountain passes. Whether your route is via the Trans-Canada Highway or Highway 3 and the Kootenays, you’ll pass through both provincial and national parks. Give yourself time to stop, stay, and explore along the way.

Explore BC by RV

Here are a few places to visit:

  • Mount Robson Park off Highway 16 (from Highway 5). Here, you’ll see the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and the view of Mount Robson does not disappoint.
  • Glacier National Park off the Trans Canada Highway. Home to glaciers, old-growth forest, alpine meadows, and Rogers Pass, it’s the final link in Canada’s national railway.
  • Manning Park off Highway 3. Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Manning is an all-season recreation destination.
  • Wells Gray Park off Highway 5. This is one of BC’s larger parks and it’s full of natural wonders like volcanoes, waterfalls, mineral springs, and glaciers

RV MaintenanceRecreational Vehicle Maintenance for a Safe Trip

Whether RVing is your hobby or your way of life, repairs are inevitable. Before you set off in your RV to explore British Columpia and camp under the stars with your family, plan to see us first for a pre-trip inspection. We’ll conduct a 58-point inspection and diagnostic road test for your RV.

Our Technicians will test drive your RV over a variety of road surfaces to help reveal any potential steering, brake, and suspension problems, as well as their causes. All of our vehicle and truck inspections include full multi-point inspection in accordance with all provincial regulations to give you peace of mind before you hit the road.

RV Services from Vanaxle

At VanAxle, RV safety is our priority. Although recreational vehicles have changed since we opened for business in 1959, what hasn’t changed is our dedication to high quality, affordable service. As proud members of the RV Owner’s Association of British Columbia, we help carry out the RVOABC mission to “promote safety standards and devices for RV travelers.” Make Vancouver Axle and Frame your RV, truck, and trailer service provider in the Fraser Valley, BC. Contact us now to get started!

Contact us to book your preventative maintenance appointment today >

Or call now (604) 882-5112

 

SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch

by

Blue Ox Tow BarsTrailer sway is a common cause of accidents involving trailers. This occurs when a force from the side of the trailer – such as strong wind – causes it to move side to side or “fishtail” behind the tow vehicle. If you’ve ever experienced this swaying when you pass a vehicle, then you know how scary it can be and that maintaining control can be quite difficult. Having full control over your trailer and vehicle is imperative for any towing setup. With a SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch, you can enjoy your road trips with peace of mind knowing that your hitch provides you with both sway control and weight distribution. SwayPro ensures a smooth, level ride with superior safety features and unmatched confidence. 

What is a Weight Distribution Hitch?

A weight distribution hitch is designed to create a stable ride as you tow a trailer. By keeping your towing setup level, a weight distributing hitch can ensure that the weight of your trailer doesn’t exceed that of your vehicle. Without a proper hitch, the additional weight of a trailer can potentially cause the vehicles back end to sag and the front end to point upward. Furthermore, the lessened weight on the front axle can reduce your steering, traction, and braking power.

Signs You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Not only does it give you a better ride and increased driving visibility, but it can also improve your ability to steer and brake. Trailer swaying is typically caused by uneven roads, high winds, and various other factors. However, if you’re still not sure if this is a necessary addition for you, here are a few more signs to look out for:

  • Your tow vehicle’s headlights point upward.
  • You find it difficult to steer or stop your rig.
  • Your trailers weight is more than half of your vehicle’s weight.

SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch 2

What Makes SwayPro the Best?

With SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch, you get the best of both weight distribution and sway control. SwayPro works by using tension on the spring bars to keep them tight. The attached brackets ensure that the trailer remains aligned with the towing vehicle. This unique design features self-locking spring bars that flex for optimal weight distribution and clearance. But before you can determine which SwayPro model is right for you, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

  • Determine Your Hitch Shank Height – SwayPro works with almost any tow vehicle. You simply need to determine the hitch ball height installed on your vehicle’s bumper.
  • Consider What Trailer Coupler to Use – A standard hitch head and clamp-on latch is included with most SwayPro models. However, if your trailer has a coupler welded underneath the frame, you will need to replace the hitch head with the Underslung Hitch Head.
  • Assess Your Tongue Weight – Before you purchase a SwayPro, you should determine the tongue weight of your trailer after it is loaded, so that the weight is realistic to what you will be towing.

How SwayPro Can Help

SwayPro is designed with you in mind, making it the most user-friendly trailer sway prevention system on the market today. You’ll certainly enjoy the ease of quickly hooking up and disconnecting the trailer with no need to disconnect prior to backing up. Not to mention, you won’t need friction pads to enjoy a smooth and quiet ride. There are no additional clips or pins due to the self-locking spring bars that automatically lock into place by simply rotating the bar 90 degrees. In addition, the spring steel bars are able to flex for optimal sway prevention and weight distribution. The SwayPro hitch is compatible with a variety of towing vehicles from minivans to large ¾ ton pickups. Simply determine what type of vehicle and hitch head you will be using, the type of trailer coupler your travel trailer is equipped with, and select the appropriate tongue weight. 

Ready to Try SwayPro for Yourself?

Safety is so important when driving, especially with a trailer in tow. Whether you’re pulling a trailer with horses, or a travel trailer for a family vacation, you need sway prevention you can trust. Join the other 65% of vehicles on the road who trust the safety, quality, and durability of Blue Ox products. For questions about ordering a SwayPro or any other Blue Ox products, please contact our Customer Care team.

 

 

 

RV Safety: How to Match Your Truck to Your Trailer

by

When it comes to towing an RV Trailer, safety is paramount. Beyond mitigating sway by choosing a proper stabilizer, and buying the best brake controller for your vehicle, determining what size trailer you can tow is perhaps the most critical component in maximizing your safety on the open road. We are going to give you the basics on how to match your truck to your trailer.

Weight Ratings: GCWR and GVWR

So what size RV trailer can you tow? It all comes down to weight.Typically found on a federal compliance label, the following weight ratings all play an important role in helping you determine what size trailer your vehicle you can safely tow.

  • GCWR or Gross Combined Weight Rating is the overall combined weight of both the truck and trailer. Typically, only vehicles that tow or are expected to tow will have a GCWR.
  • GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum operating weight of the vehicle, or the distinct and maximum weight of each vehicle when loaded with “stuff”. Every vehicle in operation will have a GVWR.

Determining Maximum Trailer Weight

Knowing the weight ratings for both your towing vehicle and trailer is the first step in determining viable weight measures. Next, look at your towing or trailering guide. Find the GCWR of your vehicle as well as the maximum loaded trailer weight. Subtract the maximum loaded trailer weight from the GCWR of your truck or vehicle to determine the maximum amount your truck can weigh in order to haul a certain trailer.

It’s important to note that ratings provided on federal compliance labels apply to base models only. To get the most accurate maximum loaded trailer weight, ensure that you account for added vehicle weigh. You can stop by any weigh station, recycling center or grainery to determine the true weight of your truck. Additional factors that affect weight in your truck or trailer include, but are no limited to:

  • Option weight (e.g. power seats)
  • Passengers
  • Hitch
  • Pin or tongue weight
  • Cargo (e.g. coolers, bikes, firewood, luggage, etc)

Then, once you’ve determined your “true truck weight”, subtract that number from the GCWR originally found on your truck’s federal compliance label and you will get the maximum weight of trailer that you can tow with your towing vehicle.

Other Important Weight Ratings

There are other important weight ratings to consider when matching your towing vehicle to a trailer. These include:

  • Fifth Wheel Hitch
  • Brake controller
  • Sway Controller

These critical components of trailering all come with their unique and distinct weight maximums that should be considered in the overall GCWR.

RV Safety - Tow Vehicle

Key Takeaways

In summary, here are the four critical steps in determining whether or not your towing vehicle can safely tow a trailer.

  • Look at the Federal Compliance Label – Get information about your truck and trailer from the federal compliance labels on both vehicles. Note GCWR, GVWR and GAWR
  • Look at your Towing or Trailering Guide – Look closely at your tow vehicle’s towing or trailering guide to determine the GCWR and trailer’s maximum loaded trailer weight
  • Get the True Weight – Determine your towing vehicle’s true weight by taking it to a weigh station or recycling center with all desired cargo inside and all extra options accounted for.
  • Other Factors that Affect Weight – The fifth wheel hitch, brake controller and sway controller all play a role in both weight and safety.
    Keep This In Mind – Remember that as weight is added to your towing vehicle, the weight of the trailer must decrease to stay within the safety limit.

Finally, remember that weight ratings are safety ratings. Always plan ahead to ensure that you stay within the recommended weight ratings. Doing so will ensure a smooth ride for you and all of your passengers and others on the road.

RV Safety Is Priority at VanAxle

At VanAxle, RV safety is our priority. Whether you need help choosing a tow bar or would like consultation on trailer weight safety relative to your towing vehicle, we’re here to help. Stop in soon or contact us at 604-882-5112.

Blue Ox Tow Bars
View the RV Parts that we stock:  Tow Bars, Hitches & Stabilizers, Shocks & Springs.

 

 

 

TRUSTED MEMBERS OF:

Associations & Memberships Click for the BBB Business Review of this Wheel Align, Frame & Axle Service Equipment & Supplies in Surrey BC



Hours of Operation:


5pm – Midnight By Appointment Only
Saturday & Sunday Closed

Follow Us:

Youtube twitter facebook

PH: (604) 882-5112

19548 96th Ave

Surrey, BC,V4N 4C3
Canada

Fax: 604 882-5113

 

Email Us »

Vancouver Axle & Frame is Open 24 Hours