New axle

[Patbwell]

I have a 79 Scamp. How do I know if I need a new axle?

[Jon in AZ]

First, you turn it over so the axle points down...

Then, jack up one side of the trailer on the frame behind the wheel. As the trailer goes up, watch to see if the wheel drops down. You could measure the distance between the top of the wheel arch and the center of the hub before and after you raise to see how much movement there is.

Little or no movement means the axle is dead. Rubber inside the axle tube serves as spring and shock absorber. It hardens over time and loses its ability to cushion the ride.

Cute trailer!

[LyleB]

First off, you need to set you Scamp upright, so that gravity can do it's thing!

Seriously, it appears to me that your trailer is riding very low, and is probably in need of a new suspension, which in these trailers does in fact mean a new axle.

I replaced mine, ordered it from Scamp and had a local shop install it. Well under $1000 total. This included adding electric brakes and the necessary wiring. This was substantially more expensive than the price Scamp quoted me, but saved me a trip to the factory.

If I were to do it again, I might decide to just take the trailer up to Backus and have the factory do the install. I've had other work done and they are very reasonbly priced and do the work quick. You have the assurance that all is done properly, as well. Plus it's a pleasant trip up to MN.

[Patbwell]

Thanks guys. I guess it would help to be right side up. Are there axle shops, or who would do this kind of work?

[LyleB]

As I said, I ordered the axle from Scamp, had a local metal fabricating shop do the install. They build/service all kinds of trailers, including RV's. Most any full service RV shop should be able to do it, or any experienced trailer service company - lots of them around. Maybe get some recommendations locally. There are even shops that will build you an axle from scratch, but they usually use leaf and/or coil springs rather than the torsion axle that was original.

Unless you want to get deeply educated on axle design and manufacture, your best bet would be either go with the factory or find a reputable trailer service facility. This isn't rocket science exactly, so a competent service center should be able to handle it adequately.

Just a note: One thing I did, was make sure to inform the shop of the fact that the wooden floor of the trailer is fiberglass impregnated, so they need to use extra caution when using their torches to cut off the old axle. Didn't want to come back and pick up a pile of ashes with a "whoops" from the shop.

[floyd]

You have a 1200# leading arm axle so it will naturally "look low". It did when it was new.
As a torsion axle wears, it develops negative camber and some tow out.
this results in wear to the inside of the edge of the tread.
When this wear becomes excessive, it will become necessary to replace the axle.
Newer Scamps have 2200# axles. If you decide to change your axle, buy a 2200# axle with a bolt-on kit. Ride height will be your choice when ordering.

If you are concerned about ride height as a measure of wear, compare your picture with brand new Scamps from your same era.
These pictures are from Scamp brochures of the late 70's and early 80's...

[Raspy]

Originally Posted by Patbwell

I have a 79 Scamp. How do I know if I need a new axle?

Maybe that "upside down" Scamp is on the other side of the planet.

[mary and bob]

Pat; I see you are in Florida? We recently met Tina, who has had the axle in her new Casita replaced for the second time. She dealt with a couple places in Florida, near Fort Meters I think. One did the measurements to determine that her axle was defective, another did the replacement. If you can find her posts and private message her, she will be able to recommend the place she liked best. She did have a preference I know.

[Patbwell]

Thanks for the info. I have moved back to northeastern Tn. Looking for someone around here.