Quote:
Originally Posted by RLP
I bought a 1972 13' Boler about a year ago but have not had it on the road yet other than bringing it home (15kms). I suspect it has the original torsion axle. Looking at pics of other Bolers, mine sits low as well.
Is there a way to check the condition of the axle? Are there clearance specs available (frame to ground maybe)? When I bounce on the rear bumper the trailer bounces correspondingly and nothing 'bottoms out' but I don't know what's 'normal'.
I intend to travel some back country Forest roads with it and need more clearance so I will likely raise the body 2 to 3 inches. If its determined that the axle needs replacing, that alone might give me some additional height.
Your thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated.
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The primary indicators of axle wear are tire related..
As a torsion axle wears it will develope more negative camber and toe-out. The result is tire wear on the inside edge of the
tires.
The "Fist test" is silly on it's face, since fist size varies , tire sizes get changed over time,weight of cargo and mods differ and wheel wells vary, not only from trailer to trailer but from side to side.
A Dexter axle will take a few degrees of "set" within the first few hundred miles, when new. It will then stabilize for a long period of time. Additional
weight will increase the angle as well, of course.
Your trailer likely has a 1200# leading arm axle,
Boler people here might know it's original set angle.
If you are not experiencing excessive tire wear as described above, then you probably don't need a new axle.
If you want more ground clearance and more cargo and accessory capacity, the conversion to a 2200# trailing arm axle would accomplish both and would be the best choice. If you would like even more ride height increase you could add a length of tubing between the frame and axle mount.
These mods would allow larger
tires the possibility of adding
brakes which would be a great addition to just about any trailer.
Here is a photo of a brand new 1981
Scamp to compare ride height....