19' Renovation / Axle Upgrade

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Kiernanpm
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19' Renovation / Axle Upgrade

Hey all,

Fallen in love with Scamps recently and I'm considering renovating one as a tiny home, something to live in full time. My first pick is the 19', as that bit of extra space would be rather nice. I'd be putting in more water storage, solar, larger batteries, extra insulation, and various other features to make it useable full time -- all of which add weight. It might well be pushing the 3.5k the stock axle is rated for, so I was thinking about upgrading that to a 5k so I've got a little wiggle room. Called Scamp today and while the guy on the phone seemed a little noncomittal, potentially for liability reasons if I had to guess, he seemed to indicate that an axle upgrade and a total weight around or slightly above the original intended max was unlikely to be an issue. 

That said, I'm now considering options for axle swaps.... The new ones I see listed online come with torsion axles, is that the case with the older ones as well? I think if I was going to be swapping out I would consider going for a standard leaf spring setup, as those are significantly cheaper, I can maintain the suspension better myself, and I hear they also perform better in cold weather (useful for a 4 season camper). 

If any part of what I've described here sounds insane, or any other part of the project not listed here sounds insane, please let me know, because I realize it would be an enormous amount of work and I'm attempting to think through all of the complications in as much detail right now as I can. I can also detail more of my plans for a full time build if anyone is curious as to my thought process. 

 

Thanks for any and all thoughts offered on the matter

Kier

ELongest
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Axle upgrade

A Dexter 3.5K  axle can be ordered with weight ratings from 2.5 - 4K. Also keep in mind the tongue weight is about 600 lbs on a S-19. Which will be supported by the landing gear when not hitched. My experience with straight spring axles on fiberglass trailers is they tend to bobble from side to side. With the torsion axle you get a smoother ride due to independent wheel suspension. IMO, No need to reinvent the wheel/axle. Just update and replace what you have and you are good to go for another 20 years. 

Eddie

 

Gene C
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Timbren axleless

I put my 13' on the car lift and I found there is no movement in the stock axles at all anymore.its only been 20 plus years

so I think I figured out why it is bouncing so much. I just ordered the Timbren axleless system today, so wish me luck I'll report back in a few weeks

 

Geno

ac0gv
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Timbren axleless

People ask about this now and then, but no one has reported the results.Please document the job and let us know how it works out. What's to gain over a lippert axle? I've looked at this video and would not do it on a Scamp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOFRqS_BbUg

 

Gene C
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Step 1 removing the acel

I took the tires off an I notice both sides are different 

as the passenger side As an additional drop-down bar for the floor

next step is to take a cutting wheel and remove the welds

There is no movement in the existing axels 

So now I understand why it felt like a solid axle when I was towing

Geno

Gene C
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Day 1

I took the tires off to find  that the passenger side is different tan the drivers side . Passenger side has another lowered  bar from the frame for the floor. I'll see what happens when I grind the welds off. It's easy to see that I've been running on a solid axle to do the non-movement

 

Geno

ELongest
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Scamp axle

Gene

Are you installing the axle on a forward facing swing arm S-13? 

Gene C
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Yes it is a forward facing

Yes it is a forward facing axle.and thank you. I called Timbren about mounting their system facing forward and they said it was never tested, but should work and maybe I can be the first to test it.

I'll wait till I get everything removed and then come up with a game plan. either way I go It looks like I'll have a 3 or 6" lift to the trailer which it needs

Removing the axle will take a bit it looks like. I'll have to go in with a torch first and cut away so I can get  with a grinder etc.

Geno

ELongest
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Cut off swing arms

On the old S-13, cut off the old swing arms first. I makes it easier to get to the welds to grind them off.

Eddie

Greg A
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Be Cautious Welding

Geno,

We've had at least one 13 burned up when cutting and welding the axle on and that was by a welding shop. The wood floor can be a bit of a hazard in the area where you're needing to work.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

Gene C
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Cutting off the swing arms

I thought I was smarter than this but after 10 blades. Trying to cut off the swing arms

I realize that ifI just unscrewed the axel nuts The hubs come right off and I had easy access to the welds to grind them out. I wasted a couple days but I also had a good laugh at myself 

Geno

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