shastatom
Full Member
I can chase women or fix campers, I choose to fix what I understand........... campers.
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Shasta 54,57 1500 58 Airflyte
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Post by shastatom on Feb 14, 2017 18:05:33 GMT -8
I have a problem that I hope you guys can help me with. I have a 1954 shasta 1400 that needs renovation that I am going to bring home from northern minnesota which is 5 hours away. The camper has been sitting since 1972 in the woods and the last time it was moved was 1979. This being said I am worried that when I get up there and put new tires and wheels on the camper that they will not spin so I will not be able to pull it onto the trailer. So I am thinking I may need to change out the bearings when I get there.
So here is the issue. I don't know the bearing I need and I can't go up and take them out and get a set when I get up there.
Does anyone have a good guess on what bearing I need. Can you give me part numbers from something like NAPA or amazon. I know the trailer has 15 inch wheels.
I have tried to do some searches and just can't seem to find anything.
One other question would be should I stay with the 15 inch wheels or should I go to 14 inch?
Thank you for your help.
Tom
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Post by vintagebruce on Feb 14, 2017 20:47:05 GMT -8
If it has not moved out of the woods since 1972, chances are very good imho, that all the bearings will need is to be repacked. A majority of campers made and used recreationally do not have bearing failure from average annual use within 18 years of manufacture. Repack the bearings and then when you tow it home stop every 25 miles the first 100 miles and check and see if the grease cap feels too hot to the touch, if not then stop every 100 miles for 200 more miles...if the cap is still not too hot to touch, tow it home and forget about replacing the bearings. They knew how to make quality bearings in 1954.
If you can not repack your bearings, find the closest, and I mean closest tire place and baby the camper there, and get the tire place to put on new tires and repack the bearings, and be on your way. Replace the same size tires as is on it if you think they are original. Don't fix what ain't broken. Most of us would commit a minor felony to get our hands on a 1954 Shasta 1400.
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Feb 15, 2017 2:50:04 GMT -8
Sounds like you intended to load the camper onto a flatbed trailer? If so, I wouldn't worry about the bearings, the brakes if equipped may be frozen but the brearing will be OK for loading.
Good idea to load the camper onto a known good trailer for that long a trip.
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Feb 15, 2017 3:06:59 GMT -8
Welcome to VTT ShastaTom.
These guys is telling it to you straight.
Have fun and enjoy Your project.
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shastatom
Full Member
I can chase women or fix campers, I choose to fix what I understand........... campers.
Posts: 745
Likes: 419
Shasta 54,57 1500 58 Airflyte
Currently Offline
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Post by shastatom on Feb 15, 2017 14:51:15 GMT -8
 OK that sound good. I want to add to your want. I want to see if you would commit a major felony then. The original siding is shiny and was never painted. As Ross tells me the silver ones are even more rare. Here is a picture  IMG_1098 by Tom Ress, on Flickr |
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Post by vikx on Feb 16, 2017 0:54:22 GMT -8
In the old days, they were never "shiny"...
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Feb 16, 2017 6:28:37 GMT -8
That looks like a gorgeous little camper.
You will have a lot of fun with that. Both, rebuilding and camping.
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scoutandme
Junior Member
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1954 Shasta, 14F/SKY, VIN: C3426
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Post by scoutandme on Mar 1, 2017 12:10:13 GMT -8
Nice trailer. I have the same one.
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scoutandme
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Posts: 50
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1954 Shasta, 14F/SKY, VIN: C3426
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Post by scoutandme on Mar 1, 2017 12:55:20 GMT -8
Sounds like you intended to load the camper onto a flatbed trailer? If so, I wouldn't worry about the bearings, the brakes if equipped may be frozen but the brearing will be OK for loading. Good idea to load the camper onto a known good trailer for that long a trip. Great advise. its small and light enough to fit on a car trailer to get it safely home. |
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