What is attached to this axle?

[Hankpac]

Feel free to opine. There is one on each side.
Ground device? Helper springs attached upside down to act as stationary stabilizers?
What?
hankpac@yahoo.com

[dznf0g]

It was designed to be a skid bar in the event of a flat tire or a wheel coming off. I think most folks remove them.

[Action]

And used only on AS trailers about 50 to 60 years ago. It does have some historical significance.

We gripe about tires now days. What do you think the tire quality was back then if such a devise was actually installed?

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[Bubba L]

Hankpac, what is your model and year? Thanks

[Hankpac]

This is a 64 or 65. Not mine, a friend.

[AWCHIEF]

Were these aftermarket installed or by the factory? First time I have seen one.

[Belegedhel]

Yep, these were called something like a "tire saver," the idea being that if your tire went flat, the device would make contact with the ground rather than allowing you to ride on the rim until it cuts the tire and uses it to destroy the wheel well. They were available as a factory installed option.

[markdoane]

An added benefit was provided by the spectacular rooster tail of sparks that warned following drivers to slow down until you were safely pulled over.

[Silver Hawk]

Fantastic idea - see no downside.

[Action]

Could catch debris from the road.
Another part to fail.
If you keep your tires current it is not needed
Could catch debris and have that debris cut a tire.
Elicits questions from observers.
Could catch debris


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[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by Silver Hawk

Fantastic idea - see no downside.

Except from Action

[Action]

LOL


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[jimstream]

I have this device on my 1968 single axel Safari. It is a skid to take the weight of the trailer in the event of a flat tire on the road. Because we have single axel trailers, a flat tire could end up in a role over without the skid to keep that side of the trailer up. I have not had the need to use it, thank goodness, but glad they are there.

[Mollysdad]

I never saw one either until I came across this:

[MelGoddard]

I think that it's a very good idea, that should be brought back.
The potential for saving the wheel and coachwork is pretty obvious.

[gdanderson]

They were on our 67, 22-ft., Safari. Changed out the axle and reinstalled. I sure think they are a great idea.

Greg Anderson
Monona, WI

[Mollysdad]

Just curious.
In the 60's I don't recall any torsion axles, I thought they were all leaf spring.
And yet all these photos show a torsion style axle.

[Action]

Airstream switched from leaf to torsion spring in about 1961/

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