Axle Inspection - '68 Safari single

[Macdady]

I recently picked up a 68 Safari 22' with single axle, what specifically do I need to look for/at on the axle, or should I just assume its 45 years old and needs replaced like everything else mechanical in the trailer? I know for a fact the trailer was towed very minimally over its life time.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Macdady

I recently picked up a 68 Safari 22' with single axle, what specifically do I need to look for/at on the axle, or should I just assume its 45 years old and needs replaced like everything else mechanical in the trailer? I know for a fact the trailer was towed very minimally over its life time.

That would be a rational assumption on an original axle. Especially on a unit that has been sitting and not used a lot.

Jack it up, (on the axle mount plate), if the tire is hard to remove and there is little or no axle arm deflection it's time to go.

Bob

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Macdady

I recently picked up a 68 Safari 22' with single axle, what specifically do I need to look for/at on the axle, or should I just assume its 45 years old and needs replaced like everything else mechanical in the trailer? I know for a fact the trailer was towed very minimally over its life time.

Torsion axles do not last 45 years, especially when not used very much.

It's not the axle that goes bad, but it is the rubber rods within it.

Rubber must be exercised to stay alive.

The following article will help you check it out.

The Dura-Torque Axle

Andy

[68 TWind]

Count needing an axle. You can look at the angle of the torsion arm and if it is horizontal then there is no "flex" left in the rubber rods that make the torsion suspension work. When you jack it up, if the tire moves up just as the trailer body starts to lift then there is no suspension left. Considering the age of your trailer I would get a new axle. Remember you will get new brakes installed on the axle so it is really the way. I got the axles for my 68 from Colin Hyde and would certainly get them from hime again if I ever redo another Airstream.

[tkasten]

Check out Inlandrv.com. They have a really good article on testing an axle.

[Macdady]

Thank You all for your response!..