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FreshAir · 10-11-2007, 10:51 PM

I am putting on new brakes and repacking bearings on our '66 Trade Wind. We have had this coach for a year and a half and this is the first time I have noticed this do-hickey. Anyone know and can tell me what it may be for? As you can see it is mounted on the frame between the axles. There is only one...on the curb side. Thanks.

wayne.yl · 10-11-2007, 11:02 PM

I wonder if it is a bracket that held some kind of wheel chock?
Thats my best shot this time of evening.
Wayne

dufferin · 10-11-2007, 11:10 PM

it could be a BBQ holder like McConaughey on his trailer...

Goin camping · 10-11-2007, 11:48 PM

It's an aftermarket curb feeler bracket. Of course I'm guessing.

FreshAir · 10-12-2007, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goin camping

It's an aftermarket curb feeler bracket. Of course I'm guessing.

Well......the 'bracket' is on the curb side...

markdoane · 10-12-2007, 06:41 AM

I've seen them on several 1966 Tradewinds. These were used extensively before cell phones and GPS recievers.

When going out boondocking, a spring rod is inserted into the bracket. The spring rod scratches a line in the dirt that follows you wherever you go in the wilderness. When your family reports you missing, the authorities just follow the line to your campsite.

It's called the "Hansel & Gretel stick".

Minnie's Mate · 10-12-2007, 08:30 AM

If it had been on the road side I would have guessed that it was the bracket that held the condensate line from the A/C or the bracket for the fresh water tank drain petcock. My condensate line is located just behind the rear tire and my fresh water drain valve is between the tires, but, again, they are both mounted on the road side.

FreshAir · 10-12-2007, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

I've seen them on several 1966 Tradewinds. These were used extensively before cell phones and GPS recievers.

When going out boondocking, a spring rod is inserted into the bracket. The spring rod scratches a line in the dirt that follows you wherever you go in the wilderness. When your family reports you missing, the authorities just follow the line to your campsite.

It's called the "Hansel & Gretel stick".

..........really?

solitairenc · 10-14-2007, 03:53 PM

Judging from the newness of the bolts hoding it on looks added. Personally I like the trailer stick theory. Bob

FreshAir · 10-14-2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate

If it had been on the road side I would have guessed that it was the bracket that held the condensate line from the A/C or the bracket for the fresh water tank drain petcock. My condensate line is located just behind the rear tire and my fresh water drain valve is between the tires, but, again, they are both mounted on the road side.

Nope, all my plumbing is on the street side and water tanks are up front. We don't have AC just an orginal swamp cooler up top. Thanks.

FreshAir · 10-14-2007, 11:16 PM

The Hansel and Gretel stick thought is 'cute'. But the bracket for "it" is between the wheels hense the rear wheel would obliterate the scratch on the ground. Those looking for us would just have the tire tracks to follow. Try again.

markdoane · 10-15-2007, 07:03 AM

The bracket holds a little pointer that can be flipped forward or backwards to point a wheel that needs to be replaced. It's like the flip lever on a propane regulator, you need to manually set the pointer to point at the correct wheel.

If you had the pointer (evidently the PO took it with him), you would set it to point to the left. This indicates that the left wheel is dismounted and being repaired.

It is also a reminder that the wheel needs to be replaced before moving the trailer. So as you are doing your final pre-trip inspection you would see the pointer and know the wheel is missing.

That's my theory, since you proved my Hansel & Gretel story was just hokem.

Minnie's Mate · 10-15-2007, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreshAir

The Hansel and Gretel stick thought is 'cute'. But the bracket for "it" is between the wheels hense the rear wheel would obliterate the scratch on the ground. Those looking for us would just have the tire tracks to follow. Try again.

It's an offset stick! The line in the dirt is drawn to the outside of the wheels so that when you look in the right tow mirror you can see the dust being kicked up and know that it is working properly. It is set back so and attached to the frame so that it is firmly seated and doesn't get knocked out of plumb when you hit potholes and bumps in the road. It is also offset so that the stick will also draw a line in the dirt along side any paved roads you might drive down. If you make a left turn on a paved road, the follower knows to look to the left where the line ends to see if there is a turn-off to the left. Simple isn't it?

uwe · 10-15-2007, 09:08 AM

Maybe it's a bracket for a former device that covered the wheels. The previous owner probably had this side exposed to the sun.

doorgunner · 10-15-2007, 09:13 AM

It's a "locating receptacle". Keeps the jack from slipping off the frame rail. of course the jack must be equipped with a plate with a "locating pin". Kinda like some of the systems used to lift up helo's to place wheels under the skids!

Boondocker · 10-15-2007, 09:24 AM

I'm pretty sure it is where the fluxcapacitor used to go. Because fuel for these became hard to come by, and complications stemming from their use, most were ultimately removed. Sadly, no original units are known to exist, and government regulation due to international treaties has effectively forestalled attempts to provide an after market version. I have attached a rare archival image of some of the design team members during testing. This item was useful in providing extra boost on long grades, but had to be used with care.