Sitting low on axle

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MarilynB
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Joined: 11/08/2014 - 12:29
Sitting low on axle

I've been browsing fiberglass-rv-4sale for a 13' Scamp for a friend. I'm noticing that regardless of camper age, the Scamps seem to be sitting low on their axles. Is this an indication of stress or damage to the axle? When we put my 16' in storage for the winter, we always jack it off the axle as we read in the Forum. Should we avoid the low-sitters?

On a different note, now that I have my perfect 16" side dinette with toilet and shower, solar panels, new awning, screen door, A.C., Fantastic fan, etc, etc, etc, I'm considering sizing back down to the 13' with the same amenities. Anyone interested in a trade?

Thanks for any input you can give me, folks. I've always learned so much from the conversations from other owners.

MarilynB. Central MN

16' side dinette Scamp

2016 Subaru Outback, 6 cyl

"Not a BoyToy" Mel

CharlieDog, SunshineBird

mccownw
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SCAMP trailers do "settle"

SCAMP trailers do "settle" over time. 

We own a 1974.  About 25 years ago, we visited the factory in Backus, MN.  I noted that the new trailers in the lot were higher compared to ours.  The salesman responded that both were built the same, using the same axle, but ours was "sagging" (about 4"). SCAMP offered to replace the old axle assembly with a new one, which they did early the next morning. 

Another 20 years later, again our SCAMP has settled somehwat and is lower than a new trailer by about 2".  But I now put it on jack stands when not in use.  

MarilynB
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Sitting low on axle

Thanks for getting back to me! I knew that I could count on an intelligent reply from experienced Scamp owners. 

So now the question is - should I avoid a camper that has settled on its axles? My friend will probably buy an older one and I'm looking for a newer 13'.

Thanks again.

MarilynB

Gordon2
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Joined: 04/26/2015 - 09:01
RE: Sitting low on axle

The torsion axle lifetime is around 20 years, give or take a lot of years depending on how it is used, stored, etc. The rubber ages and loses its spring.

If the axle is bolted on, its pretty easy for a trailer shop to replace it.  Very rough guess is $500 for parts and labor.  If its welded on, thats a bit more trouble and cost.  So figure that into the price you pay when buying used.

ELongest
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Scamp axles

The 13's sit lower than the 16's and 19's. The 13's come from the factory with a 15 deg up axle. The 16's and 19's come with either a 15 or 22.5 down axle. (Can't remember the exact angle now.) Scamp started bolting on axles around 2010.

Eddie

LyleB
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Joined: 07/28/2015 - 07:24
I had the axle on my '99

I had the axle on my '99 replaced a couple of years ago, I wanted to add brakes, and various advice, including from Scamp, was that the best solution would be replacing the entire axle. I bought the axle from Scamp (faster delivery than from the manufacturer), and had it installed by a local shop.

The axle, including $90 shipping charge and the brake assembly was $535. The install, which included removing the old axle, fabricating the mounts for bolting on the new axle, installing the axle, wiring the trailer for the brakes, and adjusting the brakes, was  $325. The Scamp factory technicians spent about 20 minutes on the phone with my local installers, giving them tips and measurements required for converting to bolt on. The local guys were very complimentary of the help that Scamp provided them.

Scamp could have installed the axle cheaper, but I saved the travel costs and minimum of four days time by going this route.

Greg A
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Horse Trailers

If you are in a rural area don’t forget to check out the horse trailer shops. They ordered our Dexter axle for us and installed when it came in. Whole thing with brakes cost about $390. Might be a bit higher now as that was in 2006, but the bulk of it was the axle cost from Dexter which was under $300 then.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

Rhalford
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trade

what year is your 16 ft that u want to trade  i have a 1996 13 ft

MarilynB
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Joined: 11/08/2014 - 12:29
I have to confess that I can

I have to confess that I can't look at any Scamps without WANTING them! I had to have a serious talk with myself and we decided that I was soft in the head to consider trading the perfect 16' side dinette with lots and lots of extras for a smaller Scamp. I got the 16' because i wanted more room than the 13' that I had at the time so it doesn't make sense to even consider going back to a 13'. Sorry to be misleading but it was another case of temporary Scamp insanity.

MarilynB