Is my scamp lifted?

[ZuckYo]

Hi, I'm the owner of a new to me 1993 scamp 16'. My scamp has 14" tires, does that mean it's lifted? I don't see any readable sticker on the axle. How do I know if it needs to be replaced? Some photos are attached.

[Jon in AZ]

I don't think so. On 16'ers it is possible to increase the wheel and tire size without axle modifications. Ride height and axle appear stock. OEM is a 3500# axle with 22 degrees down angle on the arms and standard brakes. The axle arm appears to have some down angle under load, less than 22 degrees, but that's typical for an older trailer. My guess is it's original.

At 30+ years it could well be due for replacement, but it's not a given. Here are some things you can check:
(1) Raise one side of the trailer on the frame just behind the axle. As the frame rises note how much the hub drops relative to the top center of the wheel arch. Little or no movement indicate a "dead" axle, in which the rubber cords inside the axle tube have hardened.
(2) While the wheel is raised off the ground (make sure the trailer is securely chocked and blocked or hitched to your tug), grab the tire on opposite sides and give it a good shake. Everything should be nice and tight. Any looseness is reason to have the axle professional evaluated.
(3)Visually check wheel alignment. They should be straight and true, no camber or toe. Misalignment will show up as uneven tire wear, but that takes a while in regular use.
(4) The axle tube should have a slight upward bow to it and no evidence of impact damage.

[ZuckYo]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

I don't think so. On 16'ers it is possible to increase the wheel and tire size without axle modifications. Ride height and axle appear stock. OEM is a 3500# axle with 22 degrees down angle on the arms and standard brakes. The axle arm appears to have some down angle under load, less than 22 degrees, but that's typical for an older trailer. My guess is it's original.

It could be due for replacement, but it's not a given. Here are some things you can check:
(1) Raise one side of the trailer on the frame just behind the axle. As the frame rises note how much the hub drops relative to the top center of the wheel arch. Little or no movement indicate a "dead" axle, in which the rubber cords inside the axle tube have hardened.
(2) While the wheel is raised off the ground (make sure the trailer is securely checked and blocked or hitched to your tug), grab the tire on opposite sides and give it a good shake. Everything should be nice and tight. Any looseness is reason to have the axle professional evaluated.
(3)Visually check wheel alignment. They should be straight and true, no camber or toe-in or toe-out. Eventually that will show up as uneven tire wear, but that takes a while of regular use.
(4) The axle tube should have a slight upward bow to it and no evidence of impact damage.

Super helpful, thanks!

[barrry smithe]

While your under there check welds on angle iron to frame susceptible to fatigue and breaking.

[Escape 15A]

@ZuckYo. This is what a lifted Scamp looks like

[computerspook]

Ha ha. No that was good

[fishinjimi]

I had my axel replaced and my 1985 19 lifted at the factory (I live in Minnesota) they placed spacer blocks in between the frame and the axel mounts so It has also been updated to the new style, no welding required the next time it needs to be replaced