16' Scamp: Axle sagging?

[Steebe]

1982 16'. Axle is welded in. 1st picture is under no load (swing arm hanging free, and NOT touching the floor jack even though it looks like it!)
2nd picture is with scissors jack under hub, lifting trailer off the floor jack.
Unloaded, the top of the swing arm is parallel with the frame member. Loaded, the swing arm is slightly angled upwards in relation to the frame member.
With 155/80-13 tires installed, and the weight of the trailer on the tires, there is about 2-1/4" of vertical space between the top of the tire and the upper wheelhouse.

Is this what it is supposed to be? What angle did the swing arms originally come in on this model?

Thanks!!

[Jon in AZ]

Not sure what OEM was back in 1982- new today is 22.5 degrees down. A call to Scamp might give you an answer about an older unit. But 2-1/4” clearance seems pretty tight- my 13’er has more than a fist on top of the tire under load.

I also feel like there should be more difference between the loaded and unloaded arm angle. I’m suspecting the rubber cords might be old and brittle.

First impression is a new axle is probably indicated.

[floyd]

Your axle was originally a 2200pound axle.
I think it was 22° down.
A new 16Scamp would have a 3500 pound axle
22° down. and 10" brakes
Wear should be judged by tire wear, negative camber and toe-out.
Shaking your fist at it won't even change its mood.


Every Torsion axle takes a set during its first 1000miles or so, then wears slowly over time.
Be aware that the normal configuration of a new axle is 5 on 4.5.
I think you would be pleased with the results if you replace your axle with a new axle of the same type as now offered on the new 16.