idaho211
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Post by idaho211 on Mar 26, 2020 21:57:27 GMT -8
Just bought a 1958 Shasta. I am seeing about getting it in the garage. I have a arched garage entrance. It is 92” at the top down to 89” high at the sides. Once past the arch the garage door is 98”. Height of trailer with tallest vent is 96”. I can lower the trailer 5” if I use a smaller 8 inch wheel with a 18” tire before scraping the U bolts on the cement floor. Each wheel is rated 910 lb and tire 1075 lb. Trailer is 2450 lb. Will that be too much weight for the wheels/tires? I was planning on buying them and only would be only using these wheels/tires to roll it in the garage. If that is okay, I thought of lowering the tongue real low on a floor jack and I am wondering if I would have the clearance to get it in the garage?
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Mar 27, 2020 4:43:28 GMT -8
Have you considered taking the tires off and using with just each drums (or axle) on a wheel dolly? This may work if all you're traveling is a few feet.
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WhitneyK
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Post by WhitneyK on Mar 27, 2020 5:06:19 GMT -8
Have you considered taking the tires off and using with just each drums (or axle) on a wheel dolly? This may work if all you're traveling is a few feet.
Idaho211, nccamper's got a point. If you're going to spend some money, the dollies would be the way to go. At least they'll have more uses after you get the camper done than tiny wheels / tires that only fit the camper. Here's an example of some like I believe he is referring to: 1500 Lb. Capacity Vehicle Dollies 2 Pc
This is, of course, assuming you have a paved floor in your garage. Just my opinion, didn't say it was a good one...
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Mar 27, 2020 5:22:07 GMT -8
I was going to suggest the same thing, using some dollies with tires removed.
Though I can only see this working if you have a level entry into your garage. An incline in or out would be very difficult, since you'd be pushing this around by hand (I assume).
Cool thing about the dollies is you can scoot it sideways too, get it nice and snug up to a wall if you want.
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ekimnamniets
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Post by ekimnamniets on Mar 27, 2020 5:47:15 GMT -8
Ditto! There are ways to sidestep the incline issue if that's a problem. If it's a poured concrete floor make a D clip from small chunk of angle iron. 6" long is plenty. Two holes, one in each end for 3/8" drive in anchor which you would anchor to the floor at the back of the garage. The vertical leg of the angle would get a bigger hole (1" or bigger) to which you snap a come-a-long to, chock around the axle and pull where you want it. If you don't want to keep the angle in place for further use, make sure to drill the holes deep or all the way through the floor. That way you can remove the clip and hammer the anchors flush (no trip hazard). Like WhitneyK says "just my opinion".
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idaho211
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Post by idaho211 on Mar 27, 2020 6:32:42 GMT -8
I had thought of dollies under the drums but most were about 3 inches high and that isn’t enough clearance for the spring u-bolts which are 5 inches.
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ekimnamniets
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Post by ekimnamniets on Mar 27, 2020 9:52:27 GMT -8
Post a pic of the suspension and axle set up on your trailer. Much easier to come up with a solution if it can be seen.
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ekimnamniets
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Post by ekimnamniets on Mar 27, 2020 9:54:42 GMT -8
How much clearance do you have between the bottom of the u-bolts and the pavement or ground?
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Mar 27, 2020 10:38:39 GMT -8
I would approach it in steps. If you're rolling it in to restore and it won't be moving in and out (and the tires off with wheel dollies isn't enough) you can always take the springs and axle off and place the camper on dollies. That will put you two or three inches off the ground. People here have done it.
Here is an obvious idea I'm sure you tried...let the air out of the tires right at the door and if it fits inside blow them back up inside where there is usually more clearance.
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idaho211
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Post by idaho211 on Mar 27, 2020 18:44:42 GMT -8
Clearance is 5 inches from spring u bolts to ground.
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SimonTuffGuy
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Post by SimonTuffGuy on Mar 28, 2020 3:53:21 GMT -8
Would removing the vent off the top gain you a few inches? Could always air down the tires just for moving in and out?
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Post by bigbill on Mar 28, 2020 8:45:56 GMT -8
You might be able to use bare rims, no tires to roll it in. this might be the safest and cheapest way. Rims available in 13 and 15 inch size plus you add an inch for the tire flange. In other words gives you 7 or 8 inches from center of hub to ground.
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idaho211
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Post by idaho211 on Mar 28, 2020 9:52:11 GMT -8
I thought about about running just wheels 15 or 16 but with the drop axle I would be scraping the spring u-bolts. With the 7.00 x15 tires the u-bolt ends are 5 and 1/2 inches above the ground.
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ekimnamniets
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Post by ekimnamniets on Mar 28, 2020 10:09:14 GMT -8
This might be a silly question but, is there any excess length on the u-bolts? As long as there is at least a full nut of thread on the bolt any excess can be gotten rid of with no bad consequence. Might gain you a little more, sounds like it's going to be real close. Otherwise, sounds like axle removal is your easiest option. I.M.O.
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Mar 30, 2020 4:55:33 GMT -8
Put dollies under the u-bolts instead of the drums? Or would that not give you enough height clearance?
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