One of the first things we did when we got our Scamp in July 2010 was to remove half of the factory 3" lift. The way it was built, it was easy to remove 1.5 inches, leaving us with garage door clearance for the canoe rack that I'd designed. Now, with questions of a newer tow rig, I needed more lift to allow for adequate bed rail clearance on newer trucks. Meanwhile, the canoe rack has been removed.
In prepping for the 2" lift (giving me 3.5" total), I was looking closely at the axle mounting brackets. The angle that is welded to the frame was developing cracks near the bend. Suddenly, a simple lift job as going to be more work involving new axle mounting brackets.
Although I can occasionally run an acceptable weld bead, any time it involves vertical work or something that really matters, I get out the checkbook and head for
Cliff's. They specialize in hitch installation and trailer related work.
They fabricated new axle attachments from pieces of heavy angle iron, and stacked a piece of 1 1/2" x 2" tube as a spacer for the lift.
I was surprised to see that they welded a 6" plate on the outside of the frame, but it will certainly keep the spacer tube from any possibility of rolling.
That helps. Two inches less constraint for fitting a different tow rig if we ever pull the trigger on a new/er truck. While they were welding, I had them weld in upper shock mounts as well so that I can finish up that project.
In close confined quarters experienced welders are well worth their price.
ReplyDeleteThat's for sure! It's a skill I'd like to improve but I always think about it AFTER class registration is closed.
DeleteI wish I could do that kind of work. Someday I'd like to put a high lift axle and 15" tires on mine.
ReplyDeleteI think the high lift axle and 15" tires is really logical under Casitas. Depending on the age of your trailer, it might be a bolt-on project. I know Jerry just had one installed at Little House Customs.
DeleteHello John,
ReplyDeleteThank you for documenting and showing us Scamp owners how to do great improvements to the Scamp RV. I have a 1996 Scamp Deluxe 19'ft.model. It appears to have 3.5" of clearance from the top of the axle to the bottom of the frame. I would like to follow your modification of installing the Orbital Machine Works brackets for the shock absorbers. I have the 14 inch tires that are Class C, which I will likely want to upgrade to your light Truck tire classification. My question is can I install the Orbital brackets without adding in an additional spacer for more lift, if mine is currently 3.5"?.The current brackets used to space the axle are in good condition. It looks like a difficult job for a welder to cut them and add in the spacer like on your modification. Your advise would be appreciated. Thank you, Sean Little I attempted to send you the same message earlier today but it may not have gone through.
Your best best is to talk directly to Orbital. Their upper bracket does not directly fit a Scamp but their lower bracket does fit. Engineering the upper mount is up to you or your favorite Fab shop.
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