Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-21-2009, 10:47 AM   #1
New Member
 
1970 27' Overlander
Oconomowoc , Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 4
Can't back up

I have a 1970 International that I just removed from storage after 9 years of sitting. I'm sure there are a host of issues related to the brakes alone, and I've seen the recommendation to just replace the entire axel assemblies, but focusing on the immediate problem what would cause the brakes to resist rolling backward? There was no battery installed, and no electic brake controller attached. The pig tail connecting tow vehicle to trailer was attached for turn signals and brake lights.

On the larger issue of replacing the axels - how does one tell when that's the best course of action? Is it just cheaper, assuming drum brakes are used, or are there other issues related to the suspension?

Barry
bkarow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2009, 11:10 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
memgrove2000's Avatar
 
Elkhart , Indiana
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 633
Send a message via AIM to memgrove2000
Welcome to the forums Barry,

Sounds to me like you have broken retianning springs in the drums. Is the problem with just one wheel or all of them?

If you "google search" your problem I am sure that you will find the answer yo uare looking for. ( Upper rgith hand area of the screen...= search I like the google search)

There will be some one here that has had the problem or one that will know more than I.

I have however just this spring replaced the axles on our 72 31 fooh SOV. The job is not hard and the bennifits were huge. It cost us less than $1800.00 all new no problems. We used Henschen, but there are other less expensive options out there.

Any way ... Welcome to the forums and good luck.
__________________
Mike
Have a great day!

TAC # IN 1 Air#27922
memgrove2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2009, 02:23 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
richinny's Avatar
 
2011 34' Classic
Westchester Cty.NY , / Miami FL
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,122
does it still lock up with the wires completely disconnected from the pigtail?
__________________
Ricky
2012 F150 Super Crew 5-1/2' bed Ecoboost 4x4 3.73 elec. lock diff. Propride hitch
give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid-my unofficial '"World's Oldest Streamer" 1909-2008 R.I.P.
richinny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2009, 07:09 AM   #4
New Member
 
1970 27' Overlander
Oconomowoc , Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 4
Ricky,

I don't know. I didn't try that, but it's worth consideration. Unplug vs. buy new axels - hmmmmm.

Barry
bkarow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2009, 07:24 AM   #5
4 Rivet Member
 
kennethowens's Avatar
 
1975 Argosy 24
Malakoff , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 490
jack it up and pull the wheels and brake drums.
Been sitting that long the bearings need new grease anyway.
This is the time to determine if you have BRAKE issues.
Running to the idea of "new axles" is a bit hasty.
New < Brake-Hub-Bearings-Seals > can be purchased
for about $200.00 per axle.....and installed in an hour or so.
Slow down and get a few tools to work.
kennethowens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2009, 07:24 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
richinny's Avatar
 
2011 34' Classic
Westchester Cty.NY , / Miami FL
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,122
the reason i mention it is because earlier Airstreams had a different wiring pattern than the current (now standard) configuration. based on personal experience, an axle sitting that long is going to grow a lot rust :-)
__________________
Ricky
2012 F150 Super Crew 5-1/2' bed Ecoboost 4x4 3.73 elec. lock diff. Propride hitch
give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid-my unofficial '"World's Oldest Streamer" 1909-2008 R.I.P.
richinny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2009, 07:28 AM   #7
4 Rivet Member
 
kennethowens's Avatar
 
1975 Argosy 24
Malakoff , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 490
I agree...unplug it....try ALL the simple stuff first.
kennethowens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2009, 07:29 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
memgrove2000's Avatar
 
Elkhart , Indiana
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 633
Send a message via AIM to memgrove2000
Now wait ... I never said that replacing your axle was the answer... I just said that I did and it cost... as a quick reference for you...

We need some more info to better diagnose the problem.

If it is only one wheel then there is a problem in side the drum...

If it is all or more than one it MAY be electrical... The old trailers have a different wiring diagram for the plug than newer standard for tow vehicle...

you say you don't have a brake controller ... but if the plug is miss wired your tow vehicle cloud be putting power to the brakes (like from back up lights, or running or brake lights)

un hooking the umbilical cord will tell us some things too.

give it a shot and report back and we will try to help.
__________________
Mike
Have a great day!

TAC # IN 1 Air#27922
memgrove2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2009, 07:59 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Foiled Again's Avatar
 
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach , Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
I've Never stayed in a Holiday Inn Express

(Because I have an Airstream - silly!)
Nor am I a vintage restorer person - yet. (The more vintage units I look at the more tempted I become).

However: I agree do the simple stuff first. Get your Airstream out and do a DETAILED assessment of all systems and all of the issues before you start restoring. You'll save time and avoid tearing out cosmetic stuff to fix frame/plumbing/wiring issues after the fact. As far as torsion axles are concerned, be aware of three considerations:
  1. you have 40 year old axles
  2. torsion axles HATE to be left sitting. they take a set and the rubber loses flexibility - over 40 years with at least 9 sitting unattended. Hmm?
  3. bad axles will beat the hell out of the body of your Airstream. You'll pop rivets, damage appliances, and risk bottoming out every time you hit a bit of rough road.
In the end it's likely you'll need to replace your axles - and getting the brake assembly with the axles will give you peace of mind and save money over doing the work separately.

Welcome aboard!

Paula
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
Foiled Again is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2009, 08:56 AM   #10
Rivet Master
 
adonh's Avatar
 
1976 31' Sovereign
Missouri City , Texas
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,233
Images: 1
Blog Entries: 6
When I bought up my 1976 Sovereign in 2000 I had a seven pin connector plug installed on my 1999 Suburban. It was wired it based on the standard wiring configuration that we use today. However the seven pin wiring configuration Airstream used in 1976 was different than today's standard. Basically the same colored wires but going to different place on the seven pin connector. So when I hooked up with the wiring connection that I had the brakes froze. I had to unplug the connector and pull the trailer a few miles to an auto/trailer parts dealer so that they could match the proper output wires form the Suburban to the proper connection in the old seven pin plug on the Airstream. Once this was done I was on my way with out a problem. I later replaced the old cord with a new one that has the universal seven pin connection that plugs in the now 2008 Suburban but I still have the old style connection to plug to the Airstream.

On another note. The 40 year old axles should be replaced. I procrastinated on doing this on my 1976 when I got in 2000. Over time this caused damage to the trailer such as popped rivets and counters pulling away from the sides. The new axles made a huge difference.

Don
adonh is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
We're Back Toldfield Member Introductions 5 08-13-2007 10:53 PM
I'm Back! Diana Langley Member Introductions 11 06-29-2007 08:38 AM
I'm back. Thanks for still being here! SharonIvey Member Introductions 6 06-20-2007 06:04 PM
we're back... airstreamers Off Topic Forum 1 04-11-2007 10:51 AM
Odd back-to-back eBay auctions .... summerkid Trailer Values 5 09-12-2005 12:34 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:08 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.