2015 Scamp 13 w/bath here. I have done several searches in this forum and think what I want to do is possible, but I have minimal mechanical ability, so want to tap into the group expertise here. The other day I was backing into my site (my first time doing this successfully to the applause of the neighboring site). It was passenger side access and up a hill. Due, I think, to the angle of the hill, the shower drainage pump hit a rock. Fortunately no damage, but I had to pull forward and start over from a different angle. We like dispersed camping, and many sites have rocky access. I'd like to have an axle lift installed. As I understand it, it wouldn't give me more clearance for the axle, but would give me more clearance for the undercarriage of the Scamp. One thread I looked at talked about axle angles and different sized tires. I didn't understand a word of it! I have to buy new tires soon, as these are the originals. Very little tread wear, but I know they are aged out. Would I need to buy new wheels with bigger tires? Is there an advantage to doing that? I'm fortunate in that I have a guy at a 4 wheel drive center to do the work for me. I just want to know what I should buy, and what I should say when I talk with him. TIA for all info and suggestions.
Thu, 08/19/2021 - 08:43
#1
Axle lift
That's too new to be spending money on a new axle. I'd put in a lift kit. If you have a bolt on axle it is not a hard job except for a possible welded brace in the center. There are a couple of types depending on the shape of your axle. (search etrailer)
I guess my lack of expertise made my post unclear. It is a lift kit I want. Thanks AC0GV for clarifying. If I have a lift kit installed, do I need, or should I consider bigger wheels and tires? Or should I stick with 13 inch wheels and just buy new/better tires?
No, you said it correctly, I read it too fast. I went to 14" on my 2017 16'. They did not clear on one side. The two sides were not the same, I cut a paper pattern of the larger side and cut the fiber glass on the other side to match. A 13' may not have as much room to work with. I like the 14", as they turn slower for the same speed, also the Scamp tires have a 60 MPH max speed. My new tires are about 80 MPH max
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Thanks. That is exactly the information I needed. Since the very thought of cutting the fiberglass terrifies me, I'll stick with 13" tires on my existing wheels, and I'll just drive slowly and enjoy the view. I'll will research the appropriate lift kit and have it installed before I put my Scamp to rest for the winter. Now to research new tires!