Blueprint, schematic, specs on Lil Bigfoot frame?

[EllPea in CA]

Civil guy, I think that reconfiguring mounting plates is what we are doing (or something similar). DH drew a plan for welder, who agreed this was the way to proceed.

I'm completely stoked as we heard yesterday the AXLE IS HERE. They are able to do the repair this week, but unfortunately we have to travel (not in trailer). Next week is the go time.

While this is being done, DH is having the wheels balanced (Tires and bearings are in great shape). Plus, we will finally have working brakes.

If possible, we'll post some photos of what modifications we do.

(I've also been monitoring that thread from Denabear, who still has not been able to resolve her axle problem -- thank you for posting the link.)


Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Ellpea in CA

Civil guy, I think that reconfiguring mounting plates is what we are doing (or something similar). DH drew a plan for welder, who agreed this was the way to proceed.

If possible, we'll post some photos of what modifications we do.

Please do post photos. I have been pondering adding lift, moving the spare tire from the rear to under the trailer, adding some sort of bumper storage, and lowering the coupler. So, I am all about frame modifications these days!

And please, call me Mike. Civil is just what I try to be.

[CindyL]

I bet we could not get specs for our Silver Cloud either. It developed a water leak under the bathtub at Eggs a la Bourbon last week. Hubby has a plan though, for a work-around.

The paperwork that came with these campers is really generic.

CindyL

[Toykiter]

No specs but I just took my lil Bigfoot of the frame today so if U need anything shoot.

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by Toykiter

No specs but I just took my lil Bigfoot of the frame today so if U need anything shoot.

I hope you'll take photos of the entire process!! Can you describe what was involved to do this? What all did you have to take apart to get it off the frame (and why did you decide to do it)?


Is your axle original, and is it leading arm or trailing arm?

[Toykiter]

Originally Posted by Ellpea in CA

I hope you'll take photos of the entire process!! Can you describe what was involved to do this? What all did you have to take apart to get it off the frame (and why did you decide to do it)?


Is your axle original, and is it leading arm or trailing arm?

I am redoing completely my whole trailer and I decided to powder coat frame as well since next time it will be redone will most likely be in 25 years. Taking shell off was straight forward. 4 large bolts that attach back of the trailer to frame ( u will have to undo nuts from under the trailer, 2 more on front and 6 more that you access from the inside of the trailer on front under bunk bed couch that where small treaded bolts with #2 square head. My floor is out so U could put a wrench on big 6 bolts since they spin out when I tried to undo nuts under the trailer. Than I jacked whole shell up till i could rollout frame with axel and wheels. ME and my friend actually where able to pick up whole shell with interior completely gutted and windows and door removed. Shell is probably about 180lb.

[Toykiter]

Originally Posted by Toykiter

I am redoing completely my whole trailer and I decided to powder coat frame as well since next time it will be redone will most likely be in 25 years. Taking shell off was straight forward. 4 large bolts that attach back of the trailer to frame ( u will have to undo nuts from under the trailer, 2 more on front and 6 more that you access from the inside of the trailer on front under bunk bed couch that where small treaded bolts with #2 square head. My floor is out so U could put a wrench on big 6 bolts since they spin out when I tried to undo nuts under the trailer. Than I jacked whole shell up till i could rollout frame with axel and wheels. ME and my friend actually where able to pick up whole shell with interior completely gutted and windows and door removed. Shell is probably about 180lb.

DO U know how to post pics here?

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by Toykiter

DO U know how to post pics here?

If you look down under your "reply" window, you'll find "additional options." There you can choose to make attachments, and upload those from your computer. If you can reduce the size of your photos, that's helpful.


You can also go to your "profile" area (just click on your own name in the upper right-hand corner, or click the "CP" for "control panel" and look for "albums." I've created several albums for different topics. After you upload photos there, you can view the photo, and BELOW the photo is a link you can copy to post on the forums.


There are also some help files and threads here about photos which might have different or better info... I kind of stumbled my way through this on my own.


Oh, and also, people often use outside sites like Flicker or Photobucket to upload photos and then link to them.


So, you did not have to remove any cabinetry or flooring to get to the bolts? We're getting our axle replaced TOMORROW, and if there's a way to check these bolts (while the guy is under there) without having to demo inside, I'd like to do it!

[Rogue Lady]

I have a 13.5' Lil Bigfoot and am located in Grants Pass, OR. If you are ever up this way, we could take it somewhere to get measurements of my axle if that would help.
Let me know if this would work for you.
Fellow Bigfooter
Eve

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by Rogue Lady

I have a 13.5' Lil Bigfoot and am located in Grants Pass, OR. If you are ever up this way, we could take it somewhere to get measurements of my axle if that would help.
Let me know if this would work for you.
Fellow Bigfooter
Eve

Eve, amazing you should post this right now! At this moment (literally) we are getting a new axle installed. In a day or two, I plan to post the diagrams and order info the repair shop used to organize the new axle.


Do you have your original axle? What year is your Lil Bigfoot? How long have you had it, and how do you like it?


(Thank you so much for your generous offer! We actually purchased this little egg in Grants Pass!)

[Toykiter]

Sorry its to late to give U all the info but for a next person that needs to know what it looks like, here is a pic of frame with original dexter axel and 7inch brakes

[k corbin]

Almost seems like it would be easier to have a new trailer made where the frame was straight at the position the axles mount. Rather goofy not to have designed it that way in the first place. Seeing that photo makes me think they force fed their axle modification to fit onto a little boat trailer frame. Of course I have no real idea what their thinking was all about.

[Bronx Bob]

Originally Posted by Toykiter

Sorry its to late to give U all the info but for a next person that needs to know what it looks like, here is a pic of frame with original dexter axel and 7inch brakes

I'll be checking out a 13' in a few hours. If the starts are ailgned and the frame looks like the one in your photo, I see NO reason why I can't remove the bolts holding the frame, then add a 2" lift kit...

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by k corbin

Almost seems like it would be easier to have a new trailer made where the frame was straight at the position the axles mount. Rather goofy not to have designed it that way in the first place. Seeing that photo makes me think they force fed their axle modification to fit onto a little boat trailer frame. Of course I have no real idea what their thinking was all about.

I think you are right. I think they found a bunch of boat trailers on sale and made the axle work. Then decided that was nutty and should never be done again.

Except, unfortunately, but the people who had to replace the axle in later years.