Sag in the rear

[ChuckZ]

I'm considering the purchase of a 1966 26 foot Overlander and I've been cautioned about the possibility of sag in the rear due to the rear bathroom. Are there ways to inspect for this that I should be aware of?

[dwightdi]

The 26's aren't as bad as the 31's that year. Look for the steel plate coming down from the mounting of the axles to be straight. Look for bulges on the side of the trailer. Look for rear end separation by jumping on the back bumper. If it has a tile floor, lay a long straight edge on it bridging the wheels.

[ChuckZ]

Thanks for the info. When you say "Look for the steel plate coming down from the mounting of the axles to be straight." I'm not sure what to look for. Is that plate under the belly?

[dwightdi]

Yes it is a flat steel plate that extends down from the frame, which is just above the belly pan. You can sight down the plate by looking from the back. Any buckling is an indication there has been a frame bend between the wheels. This is the common location where the frame bends after the aluminum body of the trailer is no longer supporting the frame in the rear. This is commonly called "frame separation". The bolts through the C channel and C channel are not strong enough to share the road stresses between the frame and the body.

There was an Airstream recall that is called the 'elephant ear fix" in which they cut the back to the trailer body to install more bolts and a C channel reinforcement. The resultant patch looked like elephant ears. They also installed an additional "fish plate' reinforcing steel plate that was bolted to the existing plate.

[byamcaravanner]

ChuckZ,

I see you are in Waukesha. Is the trailer you are looking at local? I'm in Waukesha and would be willing to assist you in accessing the condition. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Steve

[Jacob D]

Our '67 Overlander has a slight sag in the rear behind the stabilizers. Since it is a family heirloom, I know the history pretty well and the sag has been there as long as I can remember. I have always assumed it was built that way. It hasn't caused any problems in our 27 years of camping. The idea of separation between the aluminum body and chassis had not occurred to me but that is certainly worth checking out in a trailer you are thinking of buying. It is not the case with ours.

[alantbird]

The early ones didnt seem to be an issue and as I recall it was early 80s that had sag issues big time.

[toverman]

I have a 74 31' AS that has a sag in the back. I can't find any place that buckles, but I will certainly check underneath. I even removed the belly pan in the back, and couldn't see anything. It bothers me a little, but it doesn't keep us from using it that's for sure.

[ChuckZ]

Thank you for all your comments. Just out of curiosity, is there anything else that anyone would suggest i pay particular attention to in a 66?

[alantbird]

the orig water heater if still there may be a challenge! the 64 I had in 05 still had a working one but the gas valve was kinda scary!