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Old 08-11-2003, 11:57 AM   #1
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Tampa , Florida
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Wheel well clearance

I have aquied a 77' 6 meter minuete. I think I may have a bad axle, reading the below posts. I tried to look at Chas's pictures but the site is down.
The trailer appears to sit awful close to the tires. This trailer has barely been used. Is there a way to tell if my axle is bad?
Thanks for all of your help. We can't wait to enjoy her!
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Old 08-11-2003, 05:09 PM   #2
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Wardster,

You got to get down below with a flashlight and look at the suspension arms that extend away from the axle tube. If your trailer is empty, you should see a definit downward slope on the torsion arm. If it is loaded, then it should still point down a bit. If it sits flat or is even pointing uppwards, then the axle is history.
When you take 5 or so steps back from the trailer, then you should be able to see a good portion of the tire above the rim. If you can barely see rubber at the highest point of the rim, where it is closest to the wheel arch, then the axle is toast.
InlandAndy has these axles complete. Mine were bad also. The new ones just arrived, i will pick them up later this week.
Removing the old axles was a piece of cake. Took me all but one hour to drop both of them.
Post some good pics in this thread, the forum members can help you decide.
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Old 08-12-2003, 07:09 PM   #3
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1978 Argosy Minuet 6.7 Metre
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new axle

You can go look at our thread regarding the axle. Just got ours finished and the pictures are there for you to look at. Lowrider NO MORE!
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Old 08-12-2003, 07:56 PM   #4
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Wardster,

There is some good reading on this subject on inlandrv.com in the section on axles. They give you a spindel starting angle of 20-25 degrees downward unloaded and a maximum arc of 42.5 degrees to the bumpers.

I am going thru the same thought process that you are but, I need to get my trailer level and loaded to then judge that angle.
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Old 08-12-2003, 08:29 PM   #5
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Axle

The literature that was with our Argosy had a flyer that gives a couple of interesting figures. I am not sure that they apply to your particular trailer. Maybe you can find similar info. It shows ground to underbelly clearance of 16" Recommended hitchball height is 17 1/2 or 18" depending on which flyer I look at. The flyer does not have a year or identifying date. If you sat on a level surface at the advertised tongue height you and then compared the front and rear frame to ground clearance, this might show any sag that you might be experiencing.
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Old 08-13-2003, 10:20 AM   #6
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It's really actually quite easy. Axles are either good, borderline, or bad.
Good axles will give the trailer a smooth ride, very little disturbance inside the trailer while travelling, and a definite downward angle of the torsion arms, especially unloaded.
borderline axles will have the torsion arms closer to level with a loaded trailer.
bad axles are what i just threw in the dumpster. Torsion arms were slightly pointing up with en empty trailer, and definitley pointing up with a loaded trailer.
Things left in the sink would end up on the floor after a trip. My gas lamp sock would disintegrate while driving. Soda pop in the fridge would darn near explode when opened aftera trip. ( like the cans got shook real good)
Bad axles need replacement NOW.
Borderline can be limped through the summer with light loads and easy driving, but why bother, they're going to go bad pretty quick.
Good axles are just that, good axles.
Chances are, if the trailers sits low enough to notice, then you'll need a new axle. They can be ordered with increased load carrying capacity. Andy advised me to get 3500lb axles for my 1971 Tradewind, to allow for more longevity and still have a smooth ride.
There you have it. No rocket science.
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