Safari 30 bunkhouse owners club!

[rluhr]

I have the brochure from 2005. All the Safaris from 2005 have 17-3/4" ball heights, except the 16-footer and 22-footer, which have 18" ball height.

But I'm not sure if I am buying the theory yet. Seems like there may be a lot more variables in the equation. For example, what if Airstream ordered different starting angles for the axles in the 30-footers? (I don't know why this might be done, but it strikes me as an variable.)

Another small fact that may or may not help: The Safari 30s were built on the Classic frame. In terms of dimensions, this makes them more akin to a Classic 30 than other Safaris. (But as Robertsunrus points out, we can account for the larger frame dimensions if we know them.)

The top of my tires (tread portion only) is behind the wheel well trim, for what that's worth.

This is interesting. We've had three owners come forward so far and say their axles' positions are about the same. Maybe Robertsunrus is right ... maybe this is just a tempest in a teapot. But if it is, it blows a hole in the common wisdom that a negative angle on the axle torsion arm is conclusive evidence that an axle is worn out. I'm still awaiting further data.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by rluhr

But I'm not sure if I am buying the theory yet. Seems like there may be a lot more variables in the equation. For example, what if Airstream ordered different starting angles for the axles in the 30-footers? (I don't know why this might be done, but it strikes me as an variable.)

Another small fact that may or may not help: The Safari 30s were built on the Classic frame. In terms of dimensions, this makes them more akin to a Classic 30 than other Safaris. (But as Robertsunrus points out, we can account for the larger frame dimensions if we know them.)

Further data:
The axles under your trailer were 4400 pound, 22.5 degree starting angle, wide-body axles. When we researched it, that was what the info on the tag shows.

[Minnie's Mate]

Now you have my curiosity up. I'm going to have to check mine for sure. However, mine is not parked on concrete. It is parked on the ground and one side is on Linx Leveler blocks. I will have to move it to the driveway to measure the distance to the wheel opening.

[rluhr]

If it's sitting level, you shouldn't have to move it from the blocks. Just measure from the top of the leveling block as if it were the ground.

But I'm equally curious about the perceived angle of the torsion arm on the axle. Take a good look at that too, and let us know what you see.

[Minnie's Mate]

Well, life got in the way this weekend. If it isn't too dark when I get home, I'll try one evening this week. With the new time change it may be the weekend before I see daylight other than on my way to work in the mornings.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by rluhr

How does the torsion arm angle compare to yours? Mine is very slightly positive as compared to the frame in front of it. (Frame is black in the photo, torsion arm is brownish.)

Airstream has a sad history of putting underrated axles on some of their products.

My first Airstream was rated at 5000# gross which, when weighed, gave me almost zero carrying capacity. A later change to stronger axles brought the gross of those trailers up to 5600#, making the later trailers more useful.

The first slideout 34s had light axles and C-rated tires. Airstream upgraded those trailers after many problems. The 31 Limiteds had stronger axles in later production, also. Myron Fischer had fits with instability in his 31 with the original axles. It is livable with a Hensley, but still not a real stable trailer.

I'm guessing that the axles on your, admittedly heavy, bunkhouse were probably a bit marginal at the start. If I were ever to replace them, I would go with a higher rated axle.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

I'm guessing that the axles on your, admittedly heavy, bunkhouse were probably a bit marginal at the start. If I were ever to replace them, I would go with a higher rated axle.

John, we're sliding 5,000 pound axles under Rich's trailer. 600 pounds per axle more will give him a little better margin.

[rluhr]

Yes, we'll upgrade because we can, but I don't think the original axles were underrated in this case. We had two 4400# axles (total 8800# capacity) and the GVWR on the trailer is 8400#. We weighed it during our travels and never found it to be over weight. That's why I've been so interested in why the axle appears to be overloaded on (so far) four 2005 Safari 30's that have been examined. It's still a mystery.

Fortunately, we never encountered stability problems like Myron did with his Classic. Ours has always performed well in that regard.

I'm leaving Thursday morning to drive all day to the L.A. area. The new axles will be installed on Friday.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by overlander63

John, we're sliding 5,000 pound axles under Rich's trailer. 600 pounds per axle more will give him a little better margin.

Hi, measure the ride height before and after; Although the new axles will Settle some. Might even settle on Rich's ride back to Arizona. Are you installing with the same spec angle? [22.5 degrees]

[Minnie's Mate]

I left work early yesterday to vote and fortunately the lines were non-existent at my polling location so I was able to get home early enough to take some photos before dark. I wasn't able to post the photos last night, but I will try to tonight.

What I was able to see was that the angle of the axle arm did point downward at what appeared to be more than 5 degrees. The center of the wheel hub is almost down to be even with the bottom of the frame, if that gives any point of reference. It points down way more than either Rich's or RossFam05BH's. The distance from the top of one of the lynx leveler block points to the wheel well opening was just shy of 26".

I recently weighed my trailer at a CAT scale so I will include those weights, too.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, measure the ride height before and after; Although the new axles will Settle some. Might even settle on Rich's ride back to Arizona. Are you installing with the same spec angle? [22.5 degrees]

Yes, 22.5 degree starting angle. We'll probably post before-and-after pictures for comparison, as well as ride height measurements. If y'all ask real nice, I may also include a couple of pictures of the replacement in-progress.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, Terry. Pictures please, please, please.

[Minnie's Mate]

Well, I was able to down load the photos and resize them tonight...albeit 1:30 AM. I can't put my hands on the CAT scale weights right away, but I will look for them. Below are the photos. Bear in mind that I was laying on my back when I took them. The photos are from the curb side behind the rear axle. This side of the Airstream was on a couple of layers of Lynx Blocks so it was the highest off the ground.
The first photo shows an oblique angle of the torsion arm. The center of the wheel hub is almost centered on the bottom edge of the frame.



The second photo is the same axle from a slightly different angle.
This is a little more accurate depiction of how the wheel hub lines up with the frame edge.



This photo shows the height of the wheel opening.
However, I measured from the top of the peg/post of the leveler block.



The last photo show where I was measuring from.

[robandzoe]

I just spotted this latest topic here on the Bunkhouse thread... Hey Rich - Axis are the way to go!!! A 2005 with a failed axles already... wow! My 50 year old leaf spring axles are still a working great but then again my 30 foot (original) 1958 bunk house is only 4000 lbs.! I'd take it to Area63Productions for those new axles.. in southern California area..

Rob