Axle Offset Question

[DanLyle]

My 1960 Safari (single axle, 22') has a big drop offset on the axle. With out measuring, I'd say it's 3" off center.

Attached is a diagram.

This offset results in very little ground clearance. Any experience out there with this configuration? Can the axle be flipped, gaining ~6" of lift for clearance. I could work with difference with a new hitch to adjust tow angle, and stop dragging over eveything.


What do you think?

[BobbyW]

You can't flip the axle. It is new axle time. They cannot be repaired either. They won't touch anything that old.

Dexter is the manufacturer.

Sorry.

-BobbyWright

[uwe]

Dan,
I am not reading from your post if the axle has a defect, or if the offset, or drop spindle, is designed that way.
If it is a design issue, then you should look at the springs and see if they are ok, perhaps get new springs for better ground clearance. You might reconsider lifting the trailer 6" or so, because it might become a dangerous ride. I don't believe your trailer has the torsions, since you designated springs in your drawing.
Alsom someone long ago might have put in a drop axle, i.e. changing the original setup. Maybe you should take alook at some original trailers of your vintageand see what they have for axles. My 71 has the torsion axles, but the ground clearance is pretty low, too.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Dura-torque axles were first used in 1962. To learn what it is, how it's built, why it works the way it does, and how to test yours, go to inlandrv.com Click on articles and then click on "Dura-Torque Axles.

Andy

[TheBigRedTruck]

On that note, My 73 Owners Manual tells me on pg11 "the Dura-Torque axle is designed to last the life of your trailer without service"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIGHT

[Inland RV Center, In]

Technology, the application of scientific knowledge. That's also the more sophisticated side of a "crystal ball".
Henschen learned over time, as well as Airstream, that the "pure" rubber rods would not last indefinitely.
Therefore, they changed to a rubber composition, which has stood the test of time, ever since mid 1974.
The tires on our cars, back then, didn't last long either, compared to today.
Was that because of the lack of technology at the time, or was it perhaps a great deception from the tire manufacturers?
In time, we all learn, and improve.
Just look at what the guys at Kitty Hawk started !!!
Now we go to the moon.
Now, 40,000 mile, and more, tires are common place.
Comparing today with yesteryear, will always have it's smiles and laughs. Coffee, with cream (not milk) sold for 5 cents, with free refills.
Spark plugs in automobile engines lasted 10,000 miles, if you were lucky. Today, they last 100,000 miles.
My oh my, technology has certainly advanced, along with the price of coffee!!!!


Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

[TheBigRedTruck]

Andy, some one said you where comming to Jackson Center soon????? If you are idd like to buy you a cup of Coffee!!!!!! If you would like one!!!!!!! Let me know......

[Inland RV Center, In]

I will be at Airstream September 9th and 10th. However I will be staying in Sydney, arriving late Saturday night. If you would like to meet, please contact me off line.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

[jcanavera]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Inland RV Center, In
[B]I will be at Airstream September 9th and 10th

Andy,
One thing I would like to see is some ability to give feedback to Airstream via the Internet. They have an email address for communications but no one ever responds. Maybe we could set up a forum for feedback here and have them monitor. What do you think?

Jack

[Inland RV Center, In]

Jack.

Airstream would probably go for that. However, they dislike controversy.

They presently have a telephone "hot line."

They have always been available to discuss a problem an owner may have with their coach

I would think they might be interested posting answers to some selected questions, that would have common interest.

They would not want to get involved with anyone, I am sure, that's loaded with sarcasm, as we see displayed at times on the various Airstream sites. Airstream's competitors would love that one!!

I will discuss it with them during my visit, and reply to this forum, after I return.


Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

[jcanavera]

Andy,

I'm thinking that we limit this to suggestions only rather than making it a support forum. I would like this to be in a spirit of improvements to help them build better trailers. At this point they do themselves a disservice by posting an email address and not answering email directed to it. They must be interested in my opinions since they did send me a customer satifaction letter regarding my new trailer.

After all this is the age of the Internet and they can either ignore the opportunity it presents to them or look at the potential of positive exposure it brings. Quite honestly the cost to monitor this forum should be favorable compared to the cost of snail mail.

In additon to our suggestions they would have the ability to talk to us. Why not banter some ideas for future products? Quite honestly their future depends upon new sales. While not all of us are into new trailers it must be remembered that the vintage trailers of the future will come from stock being built today.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,

Jack

[Inland RV Center, In]

Jack.
Excellent points, and I heartily agree with you.
I have copied your suggestions, and will hand carry it to Larry Huttle.
Thanks

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com