Need clarification on Scamp axle (leading arm?) photos inside

[lisantica]

Hello, I'm trying to figure out which items on my new-to-me Scamp are from factory.

My question goes to axle type.
I am including some photos in hopes that they help, I can take more photos if needed.

Info that might be helpful:
I have a 1 and 7/8" ball
My rims have the 5 lug nuts
Spare tire is on a three long bolt pattern
The year of my trailer is 1992
13' Standard, bunk bed layout

Some photos:

[floyd]

Sounds stock! Definitely leading arm. I have seen leading arm axles on some Scamp13s as late as 2003. Some were trailing arm before that though, so there was a transition era. I see that you have backing plates so you can easily add 7" brakes if you like. It appears that your tire wear is about normal for a healthy axle.

1-7/8" ball was stock on all Scamp13s until 2006.

Trailers with 4 lug wheels come with a two bolt spare mount.
5 lug has 3.

[lisantica]

Thanks Floyd!
I wonder if I should start to think about replacing it due to age?

[Jon in AZ]

Floyd, could you clarify the approximate timeline of when Scamp changed (1) 4-lug to 5-lug wheels, (2) leading to trailing arm axle, (3) 1-7/8" to 2" coupler, (4) upgraded frame. I had just assumed they all happened at the same time, but I was a little surprised to see 5-lug wheels on a leading arm axle.

... And I see now you were busy editing while I was asking questions. You have addressed all except the 4-lug to 5-lug change, which I'm guessing now is mid-late 80's. Thanks for satisfying our curiosity.

One more question... Do you have any idea of the history of the weight ratings on Scamp axles?

[lisantica]

Thank you Floyd and Jon (for knowing what to ask).

I am happy to know that I have backing plates, I didn't realize that. I may want to get some brakes at some point.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Floyd, could you clarify the approximate timeline of when Scamp changed (1) 4-lug to 5-lug wheels, (2) leading to trailing arm axle, (3) 1-7/8" to 2" coupler, (4) upgraded frame. I had just assumed they all happened at the same time, but I was a little surprised to see 5-lug wheels on a leading arm axle.

... And I see now you were busy editing while I was asking questions. You have addressed all except the 4-lug to 5-lug change, which I'm guessing now is mid-late 80's. Thanks for satisfying our curiosity.

One more question... Do you have any idea of the history of the weight ratings on Scamp axles?

I honestly don't think that the Scamp factory owners could give you the exact information you are asking for. They have always been busier making trailers than keeping records.
( plus the fire?)

Guess#1...
Sometime after converting to 2200 and 3500 pound axles, after '86 and likely around'92+...ish. I don't recall a Scamp hubcap wheel with 5 lugs.
Early Scamps had 2200# axles on the 16s and 1200# leading arm axles on all 13s.
Circa 1981? the 5er appeared and I am sure it wasn't long (maybe the first year) that they got a 3500# axle( PURE CONJECTURE)

Guess#2
Not sure on the 16 though much earlier than the 13 Maybe all the way back with trailing arms??? I have seen leading arms on 13s as late as 2003.
I am sure there were some trailing arms as far back as 96.
My guess is that13s were all trailing arms after 2003 (there may be exceptions).

Guess#3
All after fire frames on the 13s (or at least when they ran out of prefire frames) have been 2" ball couplers. This was the same time that they dropped the kickstand type tongue jack and went to the vertical ones.

Guess#4
My thought is that the upgraded frame came about the same time as the upgrade to the 2200# axle on the 13. Circa 1996 , but definitely post elephant hide earliest could be late 1980s. I have only mic'ed an early (circa1980) and my 2004 but frame cracks seem to have become a lot more rare post elephant hide.

Most of this is out on the edge of my knowledge and I invite those more positive to chime in.

[stevebaz]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Floyd, could you clarify the approximate timeline of when Scamp changed (1) 4-lug to 5-lug wheels, (2) leading to trailing arm axle, (3) 1-7/8" to 2" coupler, (4) upgraded frame. I had just assumed they all happened at the same time, but I was a little surprised to see 5-lug wheels on a leading arm axle.

... And I see now you were busy editing while I was asking questions. You have addressed all except the 4-lug to 5-lug change, which I'm guessing now is mid-late 80's. Thanks for satisfying our curiosity.

One more question... Do you have any idea of the history of the weight ratings on Scamp axles?

My 1986 Scamp 13 is 1-7/8 ball, 4 lug, leading arm axle.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Floyd, could you clarify the approximate timeline of when Scamp changed (1) 4-lug to 5-lug wheels, (2) leading to trailing arm axle, (3) 1-7/8" to 2" coupler, (4) upgraded frame. I had just assumed they all happened at the same time, but I was a little surprised to see 5-lug wheels on a leading arm axle.

... And I see now you were busy editing while I was asking questions. You have addressed all except the 4-lug to 5-lug change, which I'm guessing now is mid-late 80's. Thanks for satisfying our curiosity.

One more question... Do you have any idea of the history of the weight ratings on Scamp axles?

"Guess#1" now has my conjectures on those.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by stevebaz

My 1986 Scamp 13 is 1-7/8 ball, 4 lug, leading arm axle.

And Ratfur?
I actually saw one 1986 5er with an Ozite liner... Only one i've ever seen, but it sure looked factory.

[Jon in AZ]

Thank you for taking the time, Floyd. I am surprised at the long transition from leading to trailing arm axles. Sadly, you've only whetted my appetite for historical information. Curiouser and curiouser...