WANTED Vintage caravan

[DJ]

I think it's the same in NSW. I know of one that needed to be replaced after rego inspection last month. The only reason given was that it was hollow.

[Harv]

Can't find any reference prohibiting hollow axles in the trailer VSB:
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb1/vsb_01_b.aspx#anc_19

Cheers,
Harv

[FCRB26]

I shall use it and see how it pulls up and I might make another as the stubbs have some heavy grooves where the seal seats.

[FCRB26]

What are peoples thoughts on making a gusset off the back with a bump stop that hits the spring?
Im worried if the brakes are applied really hard it will load up the U bolts especially with 3 inches of leverage ?

Just a thought at about 2am this morning..
Might give this a try if succsesful ill make a new axle

[fe350chev]

So it's offset cos it was originally not a live axle? The offset ones were the early rubber suspension (I'm guessing yours was too) as per our jayco van. There's much more load going through running hard over a curb than stopping cos electric brakes will actually be adjustable in their sensitivity but usually in the real world passively brake before the car, cos u don't normally press your brake quick enough to beat the stop lamp circuit. I think you are worrying too much (possible over thinking 😚) this a bit. I reckon a simple thick square or triangle plate would be enough if you were keeping the original setup.
http://www.alko.com.au/vehicle-technology/product-catalogue/axels/independent-rubber-suspension-irs/

[fe350chev]

Just to clarify, I'm just adding to the discussion not recommending you do it to yours but I really like this and it suits most vintage vans. See the bubble window in the door. I know everyone has different tastes but it looks good as an extension of the period rounded theme.

[FCRB26]

They are hideous they look like a bee hive 

I like my little port hole.

woodys caravans in qld re manufacture period style vans and also the metal spun port holes.

Pete

[fe350chev]

It's def individual taste similar to fe vs fc hey. By the way.... I do like your hole 😍

[57effie]

Hi Pete,
Stepped live axles have been around since Adam was a boy. The purpose is to lower the centre of gravity of the trailer and align that centre more with the chassis of the tow vehicle. Fitting a gusset will control the twisting force in one direction but as brakes are applied the top of the wheels will pull towards each other applying a force that is trying to bend the axle beam assisted by "3 inches a leverage". This is the second direction of force. I speak from experience when I say a broken axle when you are miles from nowhere ( remembering recent  sojourns to Tassie and Perth) is a major problem and disruptive to harmony between travelling companions. If all you intend to do in the near future is short trips close to home then don't mess with what you've got. But if there's a chance you might decide to tow it to Qld then save yourself the inevitable hassle, inconvenience and expense and replace it with a solid axle engineered for the job.


Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

[FCRB26]

Hi Pete,
Stepped live axles have been around since Adam was a boy. The purpose is to lower the centre of gravity of the trailer and align that centre more with the chassis of the tow vehicle. Fitting a gusset will control the twisting force in one direction but as brakes are applied the top of the wheels will pull towards each other applying a force that is trying to bend the axle beam assisted by "3 inches a leverage". This is the second direction of force. I speak from experience when I say a broken axle when you are miles from nowhere ( remembering recent  sojourns to Tassie and Perth) is a major problem and disruptive to harmony between travelling companions. If all you intend to do in the near future is short trips close to home then don't mess with what you've got. But if there's a chance you might decide to tow it to Qld then save yourself the inevitable hassle, inconvenience and expense and replace it with a solid axle engineered for the job.


Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

Ill just make a new one with stepped axle and solid square shaft i think..

Cheers..

[57effie]

Sounds good. Mine uses a 1 7/8" solid square and had been bent at the ends with a 3 1/2" drop. I'll send some photos if I can figure out how.

Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

[fe350chev]

That's what I did. So cheap really but I had a round pipe lying around so used that. I put Commodore hubs on.

[fe350chev]

This is my van that had the rubber suspension but later converted to leaf spring packs. It is very heavy duty though. I reckon strong enough to support a 5 ton load. Thicker than some small trucks.  

How cool will it look one day with a few of our trucks, the retro vans etc all cruising along

[FCRB26]

Finished the axle lucky I have a waterjet to cut the 40mm plate.
Ill fit it tonight.

[DJ]

Lucky all right. That's a good looking piece of work.

[fe350chev]

😃

[NES304]

Jesus Christ that water jet can get through some thick steel. Wonder if Bunnings sells em?😳

Think you need a caravan thread Pete

[fe350chev]

He will need a secretary soon just to coordinate tapatalk.

[FCRB26]

Vans done and dusted so I dont need a thread.
We have cut 150mm thick steel.

[fe350chev]

What's that stud pattern.