Mystery Axle Installation

[drchris66]

I'm knee-deep into a shell-off restoration of my 1970 Sovereign 31'. I noticed something odd about the axles. Both curbside axles are snugged up to the bottom of the main beam. On the other side there are spacers on the rear and a gap on the front. Is this normal? Will it affect the new axles?

One thing I'm noticing is that there seems to be a lot of variations depending upon who was working in the factory that day and what mood they were in. LOL

[dznf0g]

I would be interesting to see if the spacers are welded or bolted in, or if the others have vibrated out. And the curbside has just slipped upward due to roadside potholes. Are the holes slotted?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by drchris66

I'm knee-deep into a shell-off restoration of my 1970 Sovereign 31'. I noticed something odd about the axles. Both curbside axles are snugged up to the bottom of the main beam. On the other side there are spacers on the rear and a gap on the front. Is this normal? Will it affect the new axles?

One thing I'm noticing is that there seems to be a lot of variations depending upon who was working in the factory that day and what mood they were in. LOL

Airstream turned the bare chassis upside down, then installed the underbelly and other goodies.

They also installed the axles when upside down. That's why the aluminum is sandwiched in.

The axle is mounted with 2 5/8 bolts to the axle mounting plate.

The axle data plate should show that the rating was 3200 pounds each.

Andy

[drchris66]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I would be interesting to see if the spacers are welded or bolted in, or if the others have vibrated out. And the curbside has just slipped upward due to roadside potholes. Are the holes slotted?

You are right. The hole in the frame is fixed but the holes in the mounting plates are oblong allowing movement up and down. I guess thats one way of getting an extra 1/2 inch of lift.



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