Hello from Oklahoma, Burro 13

[Faye J.]

After looking off and on for a couple of years, I found my little Burro in Utah and it's traveling from Utah to Oklahoma over the Thanksgiving break. My brother (this is the kind of brother to have!) helped me find and buy a 1982 in good condition and he's towing it back for me in a couple of weeks. I have a question: the trailer is about half an inch lower on one side. I'm anticipating having to replace the axle, but would it be safe for him to tow it across the country as it is and me replace it once it's back in Oklahoma, or should I have him replace it before he takes the trip? I'm really looking forward to getting the trailer, but I want it in one piece when it gets here. I can't wait to start refurbishing the interior and making travel plans. Or even just sitting in it in the driveway and reading a book!

[Donna D.]

Hi Faye, welcome to FiberglassRV, we're glad you're here.

Question, are you certain it's the axle or is it possible the frame is broken? I'd crawl under and check the frame thoroughly first....

[Faye J.]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Hi Faye, welcome to FiberglassRV, we're glad you're here.

Question, are you certain it's the axle or is it possible the frame is broken? I'd crawl under and check the frame thoroughly first....

My brother crawled under and gave it a good look. The frame looks fine, and he's really good at this stuff, so I'd trust him to know what to look for. I guess I just don't want him to have to deal with something major on the trip so I'm trying to anticipate any problems.

[Lil M.]

Are the tires the same size?

[Faye J.]

Originally Posted by Lil M.

Are the tires the same size?

I would think so. I don't think it's a tire size or inflation difference. That would be too easy! Do you think the suspension could be worn out on one side? Or should I even worry about it?

[Lil M.]

Being pretty ignorant on automotive workings, that was the first thing that came to my mind, kinda like if the fridge or whatever isn't working then it might not be plugged in.

[Roger C H]

What is inside? Did a FO leave an anvil on one side?

Welcome to our little forum.

[Donna D.]

If it's not the frame and the tires are the same size, look at the axle and make certain the angle is the same on both sides. One side may be up the other side level or down.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Faye J.

I have a question: the trailer is about half an inch lower on one side. I'm anticipating having to replace the axle, but would it be safe for him to tow it across the country as it is and me replace it once it's back in Oklahoma, or should I have him replace it before he takes the trip?

You can detect a 1/2 inch rise over a 7 foot run? Your eyes are better than mine! That doesn't seem problematic to me. With what I've learned about the Burro company, quality control was not their strong suit.

The body of my Fiber Stream has a 1-1/2 inch lean to starboard in relation to the frame that I've come to accept over time as I'm not prepared to do a frame-off rebuild to fix. One Lego brick under the tires on that side corrects it at a level campsite.

[Charley]

My Burro's floor had rotted on the driver side and collapsed a half inch on that side. I noticed it where the shell sits on the frame at the rear. It had actually broken down the f'glass. If that is what you see it should not affect towing.

[Green Frog]

Originally Posted by Charley

My Burro's floor had rotted on the driver side and collapsed a half inch on that side. I noticed it where the shell sits on the frame at the rear. It had actually broken down the f'glass. If that is what you see it should not affect towing.

If the OP's "new" '82 Burro has that much damage, I hope there is an appropriate adjustment to the purchase price. That is going to be a major repair with predictably high cost. Best case scenario is that suggested by DonnaD where you just need to adjust the axle, but be sure of what you are getting into! Regardless, welcome to the wonderful world of the wild Burro!

Froggie

[Mike Magee]

I think the 'rule of thumb' is that if you can make a fist (sideways) between the top of the tire and the wheel well above it, there's enough room for the axle to flex in travel. If there is less room than that above the tire, it could hit and rub the wheel well as the trailer bumps along the road.

[ThomasE]

Half an inch difference is very little. My Burro is lower on the driver's side, all the heavy stuff is on that side, water heater, furnace, stove, refrigerator...

[Faye J.]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

I think the 'rule of thumb' is that if you can make a fist (sideways) between the top of the tire and the wheel well above it, there's enough room for the axle to flex in travel. If there is less room than that above the tire, it could hit and rub the wheel well as the trailer bumps along the road.

Thanks Mike. That's helpful info and I'll pass it on to my brother. Since I havent seen the trailer in person it's all second-hand observation. This sounds like good advice!

[Faye J.]

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Half an inch difference is very little. My Burro is lower on the driver's side, all the heavy stuff is on that side, water heater, furnace, stove, refrigerator...

Hi Thomas,

That makes absolute sense to me. After I move that anvil . . .

[Faye J.]

Originally Posted by Roger C H

What is inside? Did a FO leave an anvil on one side?

Welcome to our little forum.

Ha! But you never know . . .

Glad to be here!

[Faye J.]

Originally Posted by Lil M.

Being pretty ignorant on automotive workings, that was the first thing that came to my mind, kinda like if the fridge or whatever isn't working then it might not be plugged in.

Hi Lil,

Sometimes that's the kind of answer that makes the most sense. I'm not all that great at mechanical details either, so I know where you're coming from. I have admiration for the people who are doing complete off-trailer restorations with all sorts of engineering and practical knowledge, but at this point I just don't have enough experience to go there. (Or the time, tools, or muscle.) I just want things to hang together long enough to get from point A to point B!