Hello Trails West Campster

[Rpryor3]

Hello I have a 1970 trails west campster I am fixing up and camping in. My TV is a 2010 FJ Cruiser 4x4. We've had the camper a few years now and have used it plenty. I have ripped out the heater and fridge and made it more storage space for now. Both were completed rusted and no way to restore them....well cheaply restore them. Replaced all the wiring in the trailer. Replaced all the cushion covers and curtains and blinds, thanks to my wife and her sewing machine. Re-enforced the floor, as the original floor has several weak and beyond weak areas. Put a 12v system on it and installed some lights and a water pump. Made a new table for it, well sanded and stained a piece of wood for a table, Home Depot had a piece the exact size I needed....made it simple enough.
I would like to replace the running gear and possibly switch to a straight axle, as opposed to the 4 inch drop axle it has now, so it can follow pretty much where ever my FJ may lead.

[Donna D.]

Hi Raymond to FiberglassRV, we're glad you're here

Thanks for posting the pictures, sounds like you're on your way to making many camping memories!

We have a number of Compact (and Hunter cousin) members here. I'm sure you'll find lots of kind and friendly people to help you with your questios.

[Pam Garlow]

Looks like a nice camper, easy to tow and small. Spiffy tow vehicle also! Welcome to the group, and feel free to post more photos of your modifications. I like that recessed shelf area, would love to see a few more pics!

[Ice-breaker]

Welcome. Nice tug and trailer.

[Bob Miller]

WOW... Great combination TV & Rig. I'll bet no one complains about that tow setup!!!!!
BTW: Where are you located in CA?

[SouthwestOregon201]

Hi Raymond, I just did the axle swap on a Compact I. The straight axle plus the addition of 14" wheels pushed my trailer up 4 1/2". Check out the pictures on my Registry (SouthwestOregon201), 1974 needing a cleanup.
Let me know if questions result.
Dave Heffner
Roseburg, OR

[Rpryor3]

Originally Posted by SouthwestOregon201

Hi Raymond, I just did the axle swap on a Compact I. The straight axle plus the addition of 14" wheels pushed my trailer up 4 1/2". Check out the pictures on my Registry (SouthwestOregon201), 1974 needing a cleanup.
Let me know if questions result.
Dave Heffner
Roseburg, OR

Looks good with the extra ground clearance. Do you take it off road much? Nice Tacoma. I'm new to this forum so how do I get to your registry to see your pics?

[Rpryor3]

Originally Posted by SouthwestOregon201

Hi Raymond, I just did the axle swap on a Compact I. The straight axle plus the addition of 14" wheels pushed my trailer up 4 1/2". Check out the pictures on my Registry (SouthwestOregon201), 1974 needing a cleanup.
Let me know if questions result.
Dave Heffner
Roseburg, OR

Also I will probably do the axle replacement in a year or so. Right now she just fits in my garage and that's the only place I have to store her. Hopefully in a year or so I'll have a different place with an outdoor spot to park her and height won't be an issue.

[SouthwestOregon201]

Check the left box area where the avatar and user name is and you'll see the Registry on my reply. Just click on that, or someone's user name and you'll find information about that member. I have two albums you can look at.

Our logging roads in Oregon are not all smooth. I wanted the jump up in height for ground clearance as well as alignment to the TV. I did probably prevent a potential buyer from looking at this trailer, if putting it in the garage was a big issue. Other members have got a second set of miniature wheels that they transfer the trailer to, just for that purpose. A cool idea for the solution.

You've tackled the photo thing and everyone likes the pictures, so keep us informed of any progress.

As you explore the builds that others have done, you'll get some great ideas and plenty of good advice.

Dave Heffner
Roseburg, OR

[Ricky 4]

You said your wife made curtains and blinds. I am wondering what kind of blinds do you have?
I can't figure out a way to attach blinds-metal around the window is to narrow for the brackets.
Thought about attaching a wood piece on the window frame and then attach blinds and curtains to that.
Any help or ideas appreciated.
Mrs.C

[Rpryor3]

Originally Posted by SouthwestOregon201

Check the left box area where the avatar and user name is and you'll see the Registry on my reply. Just click on that, or someone's user name and you'll find information about that member. I have two albums you can look at.

Our logging roads in Oregon are not all smooth. I wanted the jump up in height for ground clearance as well as alignment to the TV. I did probably prevent a potential buyer from looking at this trailer, if putting it in the garage was a big issue. Other members have got a second set of miniature wheels that they transfer the trailer to, just for that purpose. A cool idea for the solution.

You've tackled the photo thing and everyone likes the pictures, so keep us informed of any progress.

As you explore the builds that others have done, you'll get some great ideas and plenty of good advice.

Dave Heffner
Roseburg, OR

What weight springs did you put on it? Mine sags to one side by over 1.5 inches so I need to replace the leaf springs and not sure what weight to go with.

[Bobbie Mayer]

Originally Posted by SouthwestOregon201

Hi Raymond, I just did the axle swap on a Compact I. The straight axle plus the addition of 14" wheels pushed my trailer up 4 1/2". Check out the pictures on my Registry (SouthwestOregon201), 1974 needing a cleanup.
Let me know if questions result.
Dave Heffner
Roseburg, OR

So how much clearance in inches do you have now, Dave?

[Bobbie Mayer]

Originally Posted by Rpryor3

What weight springs did you put on it? Mine sags to one side by over 1.5 inches so I need to replace the leaf springs and not sure what weight to go with.

Mine sagged but it turned out to be one of the thingies that the springs hang from and not the leaf springs themselves. (Sorry, I forget what they called it.) Replaced that and it rides perfectly evenly now.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Mayer

Mine sagged but it turned out to be one of the thingies that the springs hang from and not the leaf springs themselves. (Sorry, I forget what they called it.) Replaced that and it rides perfectly evenly now.

Leaf Spring Shackles

[Bobbie Mayer]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Leaf Spring Shackles

That's it!

Yes, at first one was sticking and it would sometimes leave one side low, then it got permanently stuck, at which point I had it replaced which solved the problem.

[SouthwestOregon201]

Raymond, I have 2000 pound leaf springs. The trailer probably weighs in at 1400 pounds and is just under the minimum for Oregon's requirement for brakes.

Bobbie, the lowest frame to ground distance is 17 1/2". The axle would be about 4" higher than the drop axle. and the bottom of the propane frame housing is 16" from the ground. The bottom of the rear bumper is also 16".

The original axle was really heavy duty. I'm sure the new axle assembly is 20 pounds lighter. The lug nut pattern is exactly the same as the 13" wheels, so that gives me 3 spares (5 on 4 1/2). All the parts for the straight axle came to $125. The wheels and tires were just over $400.

Dave Heffner
Roseburg, OR

[Bobbie Mayer]

Mine is about 14 inches, with 12 inch wheels, so maybe it is set up the same way. I can just barely get into the garage (84 inches.)

[Rpryor3]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Mayer

Mine is about 14 inches, with 12 inch wheels, so maybe it is set up the same way. I can just barely get into the garage (84 inches.)

If your avatar is your trailer...a trailswest....I say you have the drop axle. I have the 4 inch drop axle and I just barley fit in my garage. If I had the straight axle I would not fit.

[Rpryor3]

Originally Posted by SouthwestOregon201

Raymond, I have 2000 pound leaf springs. The trailer probably weighs in at 1400 pounds and is just under the minimum for Oregon's requirement for brakes.

Bobbie, the lowest frame to ground distance is 17 1/2". The axle would be about 4" higher than the drop axle. and the bottom of the propane frame housing is 16" from the ground. The bottom of the rear bumper is also 16".

The original axle was really heavy duty. I'm sure the new axle assembly is 20 pounds lighter. The lug nut pattern is exactly the same as the 13" wheels, so that gives me 3 spares (5 on 4 1/2). All the parts for the straight axle came to $125. The wheels and tires were just over $400.

Dave Heffner
Roseburg, OR

Hmm. Good to know. I was looking at 3500 lb springs, but those I think would be too stiff if you are using 2000 and are happy with the performance. Thanks for the info!

[Rpryor3]

Originally Posted by Ricky 4

You said your wife made curtains and blinds. I am wondering what kind of blinds do you have?
I can't figure out a way to attach blinds-metal around the window is to narrow for the brackets.
Thought about attaching a wood piece on the window frame and then attach blinds and curtains to that.
Any help or ideas appreciated.
Mrs.C

I should have said shades. We have the old school pull down shades that roll back up when you tug them. So she just made a extra tall curtain and I stapled it to the wood roller of the shade. Actual blinds would be nice.