New axle for 16' Scamp - Fiberglass RV
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Old 05-23-2013, 10:23 PM   #1
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Name: Bill
Trailer: 1987 Scamp 16'
Minnesota
Posts: 11
New axle for 16' Scamp

I am the new owner of a 1987 16' Scamp. I knew the brakes were not working when I bought it. Figured out pretty quickly that one side had a cut wire and was a simple fix. One the other side the magnet was beeing held toward the inside by the bearing housing, so it could not make contact with the outside face of the drum. It was a simple fix to twist the actuator arm that the magnet hangs on. Simple once I had spent six hours figuring out that was the problem!!!

Anyway, the brakes now work, but are have seen a lot of use. The torsion bars have about a 5 degree upward cant, so they are shot too. I want to make one week long trip with the rig to kind of feel it out, and am assuming I will keep it. If so, I want to replace the axle assembly. I live in Minnesota, so I could take it up to Scamp and have it done, but that is a 300 mile round trip and I assume I would have to take it up, leave it, and come back for it, so would like to have it done locally. I have a good welding shop close by, but is pretty reasonable, if I can procure an axle. I am hoping for some input from folks with experience with axle replacement. Are there better and/or more cost effective options than Scamp. I have 13 inch, four hole rimes. Should I stay with these or change. Also, the current axle is welded on. I have read some posts suggesting adding a spacer so the new axle can be bolted on, to make replacement easier, but can't imagine I would ever replace again. Also, a spacer means raising the overall height, which I do not see as an advantage.

Your inputs and suggestions will be welcomed.
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Old 05-23-2013, 11:18 PM   #2
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Trailer: Boler (B1700RGH) 1979
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackpine View Post
Also, the current axle is welded on. I have read some posts suggesting adding a spacer so the new axle can be bolted on, to make replacement easier, but can't imagine I would ever replace again. Also, a spacer means raising the overall height, which I do not see as an advantage.
Assuming this is a Torflex, Dexter Axle's part for this purpose - the side mounting hanger - adds only a small fraction of an inch to the height (it looks like 1/4" or less)
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Old 05-23-2013, 11:47 PM   #3
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Name: Russ
Trailer: Scamp 16' side dinette, Airstream Safari 19'
California
Posts: 588
Bill,
Your trailer will gain a few inches when installing the new axle even without spacers. If you like the ride height as is I would suggest a Flexiride adjustable trailing arm axle. It would give you some options if you switch tow vehicles or wish to traverse some more aggressive terrain in the future. The trailing arms are splined and can be positioned at several angles. My 16' Scamp is working great with the Flexiride. I'm not sure whether Flexiride offers the side mount brackets similar to what Brian is referring to, so you would have to check with them or fab some up.
Russ
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Old 05-24-2013, 06:35 AM   #4
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Trailer: 1988 16 ft Scamp Deluxe
Posts: 25,697
Several members have had an axle swap done at Scamp. By making an appointment, it takes them less than four hours. Within that timeframe, you may NOT need to leave the trailer. Call them and ask...
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Old 05-24-2013, 07:31 AM   #5
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Trailer: Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel
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I had Scamp change an axle on one of my trailers while on vacation. I think they schedule only two changes per day. It only took them about two hours to swap mine out. Just make an appointment. When mine was changed they only welded the new axles on. If you have someone else replace the axle the bolt on plates cost about $50. from Dexter.
Scamp sells the axle alone for about as cheap as I can find one and their install rate is very reasonable. If I lived within 500 miles of Scamp I would get them do to do all my axle Swaps.
Your only issue is Scamp is installing 3500lb axels with 5X4.5 lug patterns so you need to have new wheels. If your tires are old you might be able to get wheel and tires from Scamp just as cheap as anywhere. Just ask them for a price when you call. Even if your tread is good on your tires if they are over 5 years old I would replace them. (Check date stamp on tire.)
Eddie
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Old 05-24-2013, 05:04 PM   #6
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Name: Bill
Trailer: 1987 Scamp 16'
Minnesota
Posts: 11
Thanks for the responses.

The height is not a critical thing. I would just like to keep it as low as practical for purposes of entering and towing.

I may end up having it done by Scamp. I called them and they do not offer tires, just bare rims.

I am still interested in any other axles sources that people have actually used, if anyone out there has any experience.

Thanks,

Jackpine
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Old 05-24-2013, 06:50 PM   #7
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Name: Tom
Trailer: none
Minnesota
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Bill, do you have a Tool and More shop near you? They sell trailer parts and torsion axles,or Redneck trailer out of St. cloud. Tools and More (Alexandria) quoted me a replacement axle (dexter) about 60 bucks cheaper than Scamps pricing (3500 pound w/brakes). Of course that was uninstalled
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Old 05-24-2013, 07:22 PM   #8
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Name: Steve
Trailer: 2018, 21ft escape— 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie
NW Wisconsin
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Appointment

Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
Several members have had an axle swap done at Scamp. By making an appointment, it takes them less than four hours. Within that timeframe, you may NOT need to leave the trailer. Call them and ask...
I had my axle changed out and a 4" raise installed at Scamp last April , Made an appointment for 8:30 AM was out the door by noon
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Old 05-25-2013, 07:54 PM   #9
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Name: Bill
Trailer: 1987 Scamp 16'
Minnesota
Posts: 11
Thanks for the replies,

Steve, I assume when you say a 4" raise, you mean they added 4" between the frame and axle, using steel blocks or channel or tubing, or am I misunderstanding. If this is correct, was required to install the new axle or did you want this and if so why?

Hambone, a search brought up quite a few Tools and More stores around the country, but I didn't find anything that indicated that the one in Alexandria was connected with a chain, but instead, an independent store. Am I missing something. I will be going thru Alexandria on the way to North Dakota in a few weeks, so may give them a call. A friend of mine had suggested Redneck and I will also call them, but was hoping to find someone that had actual experience with suppliers.

Thanks again,

Jackpine
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Old 05-25-2013, 08:38 PM   #10
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Name: Tom
Trailer: none
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Bill
Tools and More in Alex might be a independent store but I think he also has one in Detroit Lakes, We have bought two torsion axles from them. used for 6x8 utility atv trailers. Ordered them and took about two weeks (any size, any degree we wanted) I also inquired about a 3500 pound axle with brakes for my Scamp last fall, and actually (but dont quote me)I think he gets them from Redneck out of St.Cloud
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Old 05-25-2013, 08:41 PM   #11
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Name: Steve
Trailer: 2018, 21ft escape— 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie
NW Wisconsin
Posts: 4,500
Axle option

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackpine View Post
Thanks for the replies,

Steve, I assume when you say a 4" raise, you mean they added 4" between the frame and axle, using steel blocks or channel or tubing, or am I misunderstanding. If this is correct, was required to install the new axle or did you want this and if so why?

Hambone, a search brought up quite a few Tools and More stores around the country, but I didn't find anything that indicated that the one in Alexandria was connected with a chain, but instead, an independent store. Am I missing something. I will be going thru Alexandria on the way to North Dakota in a few weeks, so may give them a call. A friend of mine had suggested Redneck and I will also call them, but was hoping to find someone that had actual experience with suppliers.

Thanks again,

Jackpine
Yes they added steel tubing between the frame and the axle at my request and at an additional cost I wanted to go to 14" LT tires and the raise gave me the necessary clearance. The 4" raise was NOT required to install a new axle . Scamp installed brackets to mount the axle so next time it's easier to do an axle change out. I believe the axle with brakes (No raise) was around $600.00 (Labor & Material) (16 ft Scamp & 3500 Lb axle)
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