Damage with old axles?

Ag'71 · 10-18-2009, 11:42 PM

Okay, so I'm a newbie. I've got a '71 Overlander. I know that it needs new axles, but I can't afford it just yet. What kind of damage or safety issue, if any, can occur if I just take short trips--like less than 50 miles one way? I drove it home--about 225 miles without incident towing with just a ball. I now have a Reese Dual Cam but haven't gone anywhere yet.
Thanks for the advice. BTW, I hope to be able to get the new ones in the spring, then head out on a 1000 mile trek!

Inland RV Center, In · 10-19-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ag'71

Okay, so I'm a newbie. I've got a '71 Overlander. I know that it needs new axles, but I can't afford it just yet. What kind of damage or safety issue, if any, can occur if I just take short trips--like less than 50 miles one way? I drove it home--about 225 miles without incident towing with just a ball. I now have a Reese Dual Cam but haven't gone anywhere yet.
Thanks for the advice. BTW, I hope to be able to get the new ones in the spring, then head out on a 1000 mile trek!

Bad axles will cause the trailer to bottom out.

That in turn, can cause rear end separation, cracked frames, broken wires, broken AC lines, damaged outriggers, fatigue cracks in the shell, shearing of rivets, water leaks, and the list goes on and on.

Andy

dwightdi · 10-19-2009, 06:33 AM

The damage will be dependent on the quality of the roads you travel and the speed you tow at. Too big a set of bars on the Reese might make the damage worse. Take it easy and you be able to enjoy your trailer while you are saving up enough money to have it fixed properly. The trailer was likely pulled by the Previous owner a number of years with the axles in not the best of shape.

Silverhobby · 10-19-2009, 08:02 AM

Don't allow the axle situation to keep you "homebound". I towed my 1972 Ambassador to several local camps and had NO ill effects with the trailer. Enjoy your new trailer and camp as often as you can.

Mikethefixit · 10-19-2009, 09:02 AM

The shearing of rivets like Andy says,We lost the mirror off the back of the bathroom door.SHEARED the rivets off,that mirror broke,U can imagine the mess. Popped rivets in the skin over the axles. OPENED the frig and drawers in transit. Unrolled the toilet paper and roll towels. Things were just a shambles when arriving from after a 100 mile trip.
I replaced the axles and that stopped.
Make it easy on yourself HOW MUCH DAMAGE can you AFFORD.?????
I went OEM,it wasn't cheap but it was an easy fix, only 8 bolts 4 wires and about 3 hrs labor and WaLA no more problems. WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET???
GOOD LUCK
Roger