RJ
Active Member
Posts: 416 
Likes: 144
Currently Offline
|
Post by RJ on Nov 13, 2014 11:34:09 GMT -8
Does anyone know if these old trailers are prone to alcohol abuse? I'm not sure, but I think the Shasta I'm currently working on may be a shop drinker and tipping back some beverages when I'm not physically present. Well, this is not acceptable in so many ways and I need to get to the bottom of it. Cripes! I can't have her swaying and leaning all over the road when we take her out. I might try installing some trail cams (motion sensing cameras I use for hunting applications) in the shop where she's stored to see if I can catch her doing something she should not be doing 
Sorry, a bit of a diversion tactic... I know  ... My old trailer seems to be leaning a bit to her passenger side and I'm pretty sure it's not alcohol induced. Not a huge lean, but enough that is detectable if you look for it. Now (finally I know) my quesiton. What possible causes could this phenomenon be attributed to? I know there is water damage/rot to portions of the passenger side/rear wood/frame that I'm in the process of planning repairs on but.. the underside main cross members look and feel solid from front to back. The metal undercarriage/frame looks fine and seemingly straight, tire size (both sides) and air pressure are fine, and the springs look similar and intact. Is it possible that there is a slight, almost undiscernable to the eye bend in the metal frame, or, maybe just settling of the trailer itself over time a bit more on one side? Too many big bumps hit throughout the old girl's camping career?
Just seeing what you smart cats may think about this. |
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315 
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Nov 13, 2014 12:49:49 GMT -8
My trailer looks like she puked up on herself.. I thought it was water damage.. but you have goth me thinking. Maybe she is a closet drinker! The more experiences people will answer your real question, but I am pretty sure they are going to say that there may be hidden rot and you have to peel the skin back to check.. but they will give you the bad news with exact directions  |
|
Ten
3K Member
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 1,467
70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
Currently Offline
|
Post by Ten on Nov 13, 2014 15:03:25 GMT -8
Check that your tire sizes match. Also, spring sag can occur and not be really detectable by the naked eye. It very well could be lean attributed to frame rot that you have not detected yet, and I would recommend lifting the skins over the skirt boards to check.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Nov 13, 2014 18:15:34 GMT -8
Measure ceiling to floor height and see if it is taller on one side than the other if so your skirt boards are rotten. As stated above pull the exterior aluminum and check wooden frame for deterioration.
|
|
RJ
Active Member
Posts: 416
Likes: 144
Currently Offline
|
Post by RJ on Nov 13, 2014 18:38:42 GMT -8
I've obviously landed in the right forum! Thanks folks, I'll due my due diligence in figuring this out (well, now that I've been given some leads to run down).. I'm just relieved that I don't have to get the old girl into some kind of substance abuse program... "Hi, I'm Dottie and I have a problem..BURP"....  RJ |
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,748
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Nov 20, 2014 10:41:29 GMT -8
For spring sag check the measurement between the top of the axle and the *metal* frame on both sides. Compare your measurements. As far as the drinking problem is concerned... check my sig line...  |
|
... My old trailer seems to be leaning a bit to her passenger side and I'm pretty sure it's not alcohol induced. Not a huge lean, but enough that is detectable if you look for it. Now (finally I know) my quesiton. What possible causes could this phenomenon be attributed to? I know there is water damage/rot to portions of the passenger side/rear wood/frame that I'm in the process of planning repairs on but.. the underside main cross members look and feel solid from front to back. The metal undercarriage/frame looks fine and seemingly straight, tire size (both sides) and air pressure are fine, and the springs look similar and intact. Is it possible that there is a slight, almost undiscernable to the eye bend in the metal frame, or, maybe just settling of the trailer itself over time a bit more on one side? Too many big bumps hit throughout the old girl's camping career? 
RJ
