How do you know if your axle is "flat"...

[Berthaduniverse]

Good morning all...

I'm wondering how to tell if a Scamp 13 axle has flattened out. I see trailers with torsion axles that look about the same as ours (a 2014 with about 20k miles), but the deep fender well seems to hide whats really happening.

If the trailer is empty, is there a point of measure to check the condition of the axle?

I'm considering a lift for the trailer, so if I must replace the axle, I'd like to do it at the same time, but only if it's necessary.

TIA...

[gordon2]

See: https://www.boler.ca/2017/05/19/torsion-axle/
Which says in part"

The first test is to jack up each side of the trailer and watch to see if the wheel moves down as weight is removed from that side, if on either side the wheel does not drop at least 1½” the axle needs replacing.

For the second test, adjust numbers as needed for your axle angle.

I doubt you would need to replace a ~six-year-old axle.

[steve dunham]

We decided to have our 1999 Scamp lifted . We took it to the Scamp factory
( Best price ) and they lifted the trailer and installed a new axle for under $600
Trailer rode a lot better and the cost was minor .

We also upgraded to 14” tires

[floyd]

When a torsion axle wears it develops negative camber and some tow out.
These conditions result in excessive wear to the inside edge of the tires.
I just switched out my axle after 16 years and well over 80000 miles.
I seldom bothered to lift it for storage even though doing so is a good thing.
That axle was in good shape , but I wanted 10" brakes and a zero angle.


When new... a torsion axle will take a set within the first < 1000 miles, dropping the height 1/2"-3/4" with a near rating load.
Subsequent drop is gradual and associated with normal wear as mentioned above.
Of course damage, constant overloading, or manufacturing defects can be exceptions.

[brendadave]

In my 44 year old Trillium I had three clues, first was that when we would travel and get to our stop, everything inside was tossed around. Second was that it was riding lower on one side...it used to ride level side to side in rear view mirror, the drivers side was now riding lower.

Then the last clue was going over a washboard section of highway, it wasn't absorbing the bumps, but was bouncing around like a beach ball filled with helium.

Changed it, all is well again.

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by Berthaduniverse

I'm considering a lift for the trailer, so if I must replace the axle, I'd like to do it at the same time, but only if it's necessary.TIA...

Yours is too new to need replacement. if I looked at the correct picture yours is already higher than the old 13' Scamps of years ago. I like to see all of the wheel showing and your has that and all of the tire showing.
Still want a lift? Etrailer sells a lift kit, I used one on my 16' when I changed to 14" tires. Look at the mount of your axle and call etrailer to get the correct one.