VAL Digest V1 #47

VAL Digest          Sunday, October 26 2003          Volume 01 : Number 047




-----------------------------------------------------------------
When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary Digest text

To unsubscribe or change to an e-mail format, please go to
http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

Topics in Today's Digest:

[VAL] Dexter Axle
Re: [VAL] Back end dragging
Re: [VAL] Back end dragging
Re: [VAL] Dexter Axle
[VAL] RE: VAL Back End Dragging and Little Wheels
Re: [VAL] RE: VAL Back End Dragging and Little Wheels
[VAL] RV water heater - your next one?
[VAL] Tires

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 09:51:42 -0700
From: "chyde" <chyde@primelink1.net>
Subject: [VAL] Dexter Axle

> I did notice last weekend, while digging for shocks for the trailer I'm
> building, that Monroe has shock attachment kits to fit the Dexter
> torsion axles that are easier to acquire than Henschen axles (multiple
> sources and far better prices, but they require a bit of engineering to
> order the correct assembly).

I'm in the process of developing a modern Teardrop trailer using a Dexter
"Torflex" Axle. I had to call around a bit to find a dealer who knew
anything about the Torflex, but when I finally found one, he was very
helpful. Dexter has a system called "ProSpec 2000" which will give you the
proper axle configuration based on your input. You need to give them the
frame width, gross weight expected, hub bolt pattern and a few other things
that are easily measured. They give you a complete printout showing exactly
what you will be getting including offsets, full load clearance dimensions
along with assorted other information that you can check on your trailer
before you order. This is very helpful in the development stages. The price
was right as well. Nada for the build spec and a great price for the axle.
Check out their website at www.dexteraxle.com .There's all kinds of trailer
design info there along with dealer #'s.
Colin

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 10:26:10 -0400
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Back end dragging

Yes, they did raise the trailers on some of the overseas caravans. They did
this by "flipping" the axles...but I believe that this was done to only the
trailers with leaf spring suspensions. I don't think that flipping per sey
can be done to a dura torque. In this case I agree that the first place to
look is for worn out axles.

Due to sewer modifications which made the rear of my trailer low, I did flip
the axle on my '60 Overlander. I am very happy with the results. No more
dragging going in or out of nearly EVERY driveway. But this is not the norm
for Airstreams, like I said my trailer had been modified. Plus the Goodyear
Marathons I use are not quite as tall as the old bias ply truck tires that
the trailer came with.

Scott
- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "gshippen" <gshippen@wyoming.com>
To: <valist@tompatterson.com>
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2003 11:26 PM
Subject: Re: [VAL] Back end dragging


> Bill you will notice in the old Wally Byam Caravan photos they actually
did
> raise some of the longer trailers on the African trip.  GAS

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 15:18:54 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@isunet.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Back end dragging

I know the Henschens can't be inverted. Their mounting prevents
inversion and besides they give the most clearance (until sagged out at
the end of their life) in their normal positions. I think at the time of
the African Caravan where they moved the axles under the springs instead
of over the springs, Henschen axles weren't yet in use, at least not on
that trip. So they had the chance of mounting the axles under the
springs and substituting stiffer springs or springs with a greater arch
to give more ground clearance. There was a lot of work done on
suspensions of tow trucks and trailers on that African Caravan. I've
read the book about it.

Gerald J.
- -- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 15:18:57 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@isunet.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Dexter Axle

The catalog sheets I've copied from Redneck Trailer Supply gives all
those Dexter dimension options and the deflections under loads for the
various unloaded angle options.

Gerald J.
- -- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 16:33:45 -0500
From: JP <birddog@ktc.com>
Subject: [VAL] RE: VAL Back End Dragging and Little Wheels

I have a 32 foot 1976 A/S and after one bumper-damaging-scrape we added
two solid rubber 6" wheels on either side of the rear bumper
compartment.  We welded a tube on the underside of the frame's I-beam
and added the wheels.  This has prevented many dragging scrapes for us
and has preserved the bumper.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 16:46:02 -0500
From: dean <dean@iowaone.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] RE: VAL Back End Dragging and Little Wheels

We have 3/8 skids that look like a 1/4 circle welded to the frame.
This only hangs down about 2 1/2 inch below the lowest part of the
bumper or frame.  I feel we don't need wheels just a skid as it works
the same way with less hanging below.
Dean

On Saturday, October 25, 2003, at 04:33  PM, JP wrote:

> I have a 32 foot 1976 A/S and after one bumper-damaging-scrape we added
> two solid rubber 6" wheels on either side of the rear bumper
> compartment.  We welded a tube on the underside of the frame's I-beam
> and added the wheels.  This has prevented many dragging scrapes for us
> and has preserved the bumper.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 22:39:13 -0400
From: "T o m  :-\)" <tmeeker@carolina.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] RV water heater - your next one?

This could be the answer to some questions about what type of water heater to
replace your old one with when that time comes.

http://www.gaswaterheaters.com/boatsandrvwaterheaters/showermate/index.htm

Tom
WBCCI 5303

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2003 00:11:21 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@airstream.net>
Subject: [VAL] Tires

on 10/25/03 2:00 AM, valist-admin@tompatterson.com wrote:

> BUT...now you bring up tires and wheels and they are next on my
> list...in fact I am on my way to take a pix of my current ones to take
> to a dealer to order new tires and wheel rims.  Any advice here? I will
> wait until next monday in case someone has some help.

Lynn, 

Two caveats:

1 - Your trailer weighs between 4-5,000 pounds (my '67 22' weighs 4,450 #'s
on the truck scales) so make sure the "carrying capacity" of the tires you
buy will cover that amount and then some.  I'm using 8 ply light truck
tires, but there are other choices.

2 - Before you plunk down money, it's prudent to make sure the tires and
rims will fit. There have been several occasions where owners went out and
bought tires with the intention of installing themselves only to find they
could not squeeze them into the wheel well.

Do you want to learn first hand how cooperative a tire dealer can be when
you bring back a new tire that's all scraped up on the side wall?

Until you have settled on exact tires and rims, this might better be one of
those jobs where the tire dealer is in charge of deciding which tires and
rims to provide, followed by him doing the actual installation.

It far, far preferable when you can stand around and watch him struggle
until he decides to order different tires or rims or both.

As with most puzzles, allow the evidence to speak for itself before jumping
to conclusions.  

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net

------------------------------

End of VAL Digest V1 #47
************************


-----------------------------------------------------------------
When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary Digest text

To unsubscribe or change to an e-mail format, please go to
http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html