Need to replace axle on 81 13' Scamp

[81scamp]

I thought my scamp sat low then when i went to the factory i REALLY realized how low it was and it also seemed to bounce alot, but anyway they told me $500 to replace axle, is there any alternatives? i looked and they charge $400 for the axle its self so only $100 to put it in not to bad but i was thinking a guy should be able to find a axle cheaper that seems a little high but maybe not, the campers in storage now, i was gonna measure it and see if i could find a axle elsewhere , what weight torsion axle should a guy look for after i find out the width, any help would be great, thanks

[Thomas G.]

If you don't have brakes, this would be a chance to upgrade.

[81scamp]

the axle under it now has brakes but not hooked up think wires were cut, thats another $100-200 to put in a decent brake box also, think its really necesary in a small trailer? im sure it would help i guess

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by 81scamp

the axle under it now has brakes but not hooked up think wires were cut, thats another $100-200 to put in a decent brake box also, think its really necesary in a small trailer? im sure it would help i guess

You can pick up a workable brake controller for $35 or less.
Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing 51110 Venturer Brake Control: Automotive
There are better ones, but it would be infinitely better than no brakes.

To find an axle do a search for Dexter 2000# torsion axle. You may find a dealer near you or you can order one on line. They are custom built to your dimensions.

http://www.dexteraxle.com/minnesota

[Kevin K]

Before

After
22 1/2 degree trailing arm from REDNECK trailer supply
Dexter Torflex #9 1000-2000 lbs
http://www.redneck-trailer.com/Porta...nt/files/A.pdf
Top of my wheel well arch to ground is 24"
Ground to trailer floor when door is open 14"

[john warren]

well,,,if it was me,,,and they install for a hundred and you don't get all that crap in your eyes or have to crawl around under there?
the best tool in my toolbox is my check book!

[Eddie Longest]

Jason
I worked it into a camping trip from Va. I had Scamp replace an axel for me on a 13. No muss, no fuss, in and out in just a couple of hours. Just make sure you make an appointment.
Eddie

[Donna D.]

I guess I would expect a 31 year old Scamp with an original axle to bounce. Torsion axles typically last 15-20 years and perhaps your axle died more than 10 years ago, it's just that no once really noticed? Once you get the axle replaced, I can almost guarantee... you'll notice a whole lot of difference in towing (get brakes!).

[Harvey]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I guess I would expect a 31 year old Scamp with an original axle to bounce. Torsion axles typically last 15-20 years and perhaps your axle died more than 10 years ago, it's just that no once really noticed? Once you get the axle replaced, I can almost guarantee... you'll notice a whole lot of difference in towing (get brakes!).

YESSSSSs... You'll notice a lot of difference after replacing the axle. My '84 Scamp 13 had gone from either 10 or 22.5 degree down starting angle (per factory rep) to more'n 10 degree up angle when I bought it a year ago. Actually sat so low I could hardly look underneath. Only 'flex' I had was in the sidewalls of the tires . A new 2K Dexter Tor-Flex w/22.5 degree down angle leading arm w/brakes raised the entire trailer to a comfortable height & changed the towing characteristics from 'nice' to an absolute 'joy' to tow. I'm with Donna, any torsion arm axle more'n 20yrs old probably (almost certainly) needs to be replaced (& with brakes).

[Rick Mooyman]

I would question the $100 labour sounds dinda cheep to me as most places charge over $100 per hour for labour around where I am

[john warren]

Originally Posted by Rick Mooyman

I would question the $100 labour sounds dinda cheep to me as most places charge over $100 per hour for labour around where I am

i think he was talking about the scamp factory. i think if you somehow get to backus minn. the least they can do is put in an axel cheap.
we are going to backus to get our scamp a week from monday, on the 19th.
now i wouldn't say backus is the end of the earth,,,,but i'm pretty sure you can see it from there.<_<

[Friz]

Your price from Scamp was a lot cheaper than the Casita factory. They were quoting around $900.

Make sure the welder uses protection so the sparks don't set the fiberglass on fire.

[tomstrack41]

I just made an appointment to have axle replaced on the 19ft (1988) scamp I just bought. All in sounds like close to $850 for the new axle with Brakes ($455), lift the trailer to give more clearance. Kent at scamp said its about 4 to 5 man hours of labor. The labor for just the axle replace I think was about $200 to $250. The other $100 - $150 is to raise the trailer up when they install the new axle.

Now, I hope the old axle is not riding so low that I have problems towing it 1200 miles to the factory.

[Thee Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Harvey

YESSSSSs... You'll notice a lot of difference after replacing the axle. My '84 Scamp 13 had gone from either 10 or 22.5 degree down starting angle (per factory rep) to more'n 10 degree up angle when I bought it a year ago. Actually sat so low I could hardly look underneath. Only 'flex' I had was in the sidewalls of the tires . A new 2K Dexter Tor-Flex w/22.5 degree down angle leading arm w/brakes raised the entire trailer to a comfortable height & changed the towing characteristics from 'nice' to an absolute 'joy' to tow. I'm with Donna, any torsion arm axle more'n 20yrs old probably (almost certainly) needs to be replaced (& with brakes).

harvey do you have before and after pictures, I am sure mine needs replacing, but hope it wont ride "too high" after replacing it.

thx

[Harvey]

Take a look at this thread - http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ics-49911.html - Think there are some pix in there...