Rear Frame smashes body

[Mike Ofiesh]

When I pull out of my driveway my rear frame scrapes and smashes. Y 1972 31' Sovereign. I read through the frame repair and torsion bar and height adjust sections of the site. I found info on repair work and I found info on suggestions but I can't find the the solution to this problem. I am convinced I overlooked the answer. Can someone show me where this answer is . Basically I'd like my frame to not smash my body work. I see one person with just a frame but and they don't have the bodywork on. My trailer is a working running trailer. Please I've really put some time in to solving this and I don't know solution and I can't find the answer here .

[AWCHIEF]

Raise the trailer or lower the driveway.

[PKI]

Use blocks/boards/plywood to reduce the driveway to street transition so the rear does not scrape. Slightly larger tires can help. Verify that the axle is not sagging and needs to be replaced.

Good luck. Pat

[J. Morgan]

I raised my 72 three inches, I hardly ever drag anymore.


Superat stultitia.

[Caffeinated]

Would these work?

http://www.etrailer.com/Skid-Wheels/...FQJsfgodG3wCYA

Mike

[J. Morgan]

The word around the campfire is that drag wheels just make things worse.


Superat stultitia.

[Mike Ofiesh]

J.Morgan how did you raise your trailer?

[Mike Ofiesh]

It happens in any driveway or parking lot. I was speaking generally. my trailer needs raised a couple inches at least. Can you tell me how to raise the trailer. This trailer specifically . Can you show me where the info is. That would be the solution. Please

[mixedpuppy]

http://dexteraxle.com/torflex_lift_kit

Get the serial # off the axel[s] then contact them to verify which kit for your airstream.

[assuming the axle is dexter, I've no idea on older airstreams]

[J. Morgan]

I used a piece of 3" angle welded to the bottom of the frame, but the kits mentioned above are bolt in.

Raising my trailer is one of the best mods I made to the trailer, I highly recommend a 3" lift.

I still drag on rare occasion, but even this rare drag is reduced in severity by a lot.


Superat stultitia.

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by mixedpuppy

http://dexteraxle.com/torflex_lift_kit

Get the serial # off the axel[s] then contact them to verify which kit for your airstream.

[assuming the axle is dexter, I've no idea on older airstreams]

Older Airstreams like my '67 came with Henschen torsion axles. Dexter parts may fit right on them like the brake assemblies I put on mine some years ago. The original axles had a 3/4" wooden shim on each one, apparently to raise the trailer that much when new.

Even with the shims we had rear end drag and had to make it a practice to always cross driveways and intersections at an angle to prevent it. When we installed new Dexter axles a few months ago the problem mostly went away. It appears the 49 year old axles were sagging just enough to aggravate but I continue to approach intersections with caution and some I simply do not enter if I can't cross at an angle.

[Gearheart]

The axles have rubber torsion bands in them. Rubber is an organic compound that oxidises over time and no longer performs as intended. Just like tires, axles have a life expectancy. It as about 25 years under ideal conditions. As they age they begin ti sag and the elasticity hardens until the rubber is more like a hockey puck rather than a rubber band. Eventually the only suspension you have is provided by the air in the tires since the rubber axle has become solid rather than elastic. If you can be certain that there is no problem with the axle, the get a paving company to fix the ramp into your driveway.

[fwjumper]

Most likely, as has been stated, you need new axles. If things are as I assume, new axles would raise it at least 3 inches. You can specify a greater "down angle" when ordering, which will raise it even more. Even if you did not have a dragging issue, there are other very important reasons to make sure your axles are good. Mainly a rough ride and bottoming out for your trailer to endure, which usually results in popped rivets. (more than normal)

There are dealers out your way which can help you with this. First go to Inland Rv's website and read up on how to determine if you have that problem.

http://inlandrv.com/articles/dura-to...xle-92001.html

Another very helpful source, but not west coast;
https://sites.google.com/a/colinhyde...ions.com/home/

There is also a dealer in Salt Lake that carries axles. Where you buy would depend on price/shipping etc. If they have never been replaced, they are probably toast. If they have been replaced before, then it's a matter of measuring etc. to determine their condition. If you can, post a good side photo of the trailer that shows wheels and wheel well. That will help with diagnosis too. Wishing you well.

[wvstreamer]

Is the trailer level when hooked? If a little high in front will make a huge difference in rear. A thought.

[ijustlee]

The easiest way to raise it would be a lift kit between the axle and frame. If I were to get new axles I would also get the ones with more down angle. The long Airstreams all are "Drag Queens"!

[pmclemore]

Try setting your WD bars after you have left your driveway. This should result in the front of your trailer dropping a little and raising your rear just a little. Maybe that will be enough.

Pat

[85MH325]

A '72 Sovereign will have Henschen Dura-Torque axles, and presuming that they've not been replaced in the past ten years, they're shot and probably have been for twenty years. That causes a lot more issues than just frame drag and can lead to body/frame separation, interior separation issues, and rivets popping. You should be able to see tread in the wheel-well looking at the trailer straight-on from the side. If you can only see an inch of sidewall above the wheel, your axles are in fact shot.

You have a number of choices for new axles and several ways to mount them; all of which will require the services of a competent welder. Were I going to do it, I'd replace the current mounts with weld-ons that you can bolt the axles too such as Dexter offers. You have a choice of "down" angles that will all raise your trailer, as well as varying the height of the weld-on mount.

Do your homework here and elsewhere online on the various axle brands, and then work with the manufacturer or a local supplier to get the right axle and axle mount for your specific situation.

Good luck!