Is my Argosy normal?

[Brian Schulz]

New to all this, restoring a 76' argosy. I noticed the on the underside the last four feet of my trailer dips down about 4 inches, whereas my friends 73 is straight all the way back. Has mine been modified, or did they make them like that for some reason? I like hers better, seems less likely to scrape on steep driveways.

[perryg114]

It is probably rear end separation. This is where the rear of the trailer rots away and the frame starts to droop as it separates from the shell. It is common on trailers over 20 yrs old and really common in 70's trailers.

Perry

[Lumatic]

Photo would help. But I agree with rear end separation, especially in the wet climate of Oregon. 4" is severe. If you got it towing it will slowly make it worse. Do you see any opening between the rear bumper and the body? If you bounce on the bumper does it move when the body does not. Do you see any bulges or wrinkles by the wheel wells. By the way, how's your axles?

[Argosy Heir]

Should be normal . My 76 is the same way. I think they added gray water tanks in 74 and needed the additional room for tank and plumbing.

[TG Twinkie]

I agree with Argosy Heir.
If you are referring to the way the belly pan has a step in it, along with the additional ( lower) frame member.
I believe this was a modification to accommodate the addition of a grey water tank below the floor.
If you check just ahead of the hinge on the rear storage compartment. Where the sheet metal meets the body of the coach. Any rear end separation would be obvious.
If you step on the rear bumper and a gap appears at this point. You have rear end separation.
If there is no movement. It would be wise to caulk along the joint to prevent water from running back on the sheet metal and under the body of the coach.

[wahoonc]

It is either the drop down where the tanks go, you have rear end separation or a cracked frame. For rear end separation step on the rear bumper and see if there is any movement between the shell and the frame. If there is any noticeable movement you have separation. For the cracked frame look between the wheels very carefully and see if the frame is cracked at that point. If it looks like a stiffening plate has been added you are fine.

FWIW I have a 1975 and mine has all three

Aaron