Axle: The suspension system is a torsion arm type suspension, with the torsion bar completely self contained in the axle tube, surrounded by four rubber cords. When compressed, rubber cords push back on the arm, creating suspension. The spindle arm is attached to the torsion arm at about a 22 ½ degree angle down. The 13 foot trailer uses a 2200 pound axle with an idler hub, the 16 foot and 5th wheel use a 3500 pound axle with 10 inch electric brakes. This type of configuration allows each spindle to operate independently of each other. Each spindle is set at ¼ degree toe-in, and ¼ degree camber. Toe in and camber can eventually go out of adjustment, especially on the curb side of the vehicle (this is the side most likely to hit some obstacle). If unusual tire wear is noticed on one side of the tire this is usually the problem. Have axle checked at an alignment shop and corrected if necessary. The axle bearings should be visually checked every 5000 miles.
2200 pound 13 foot trailer axle: Standard with idler hubs, 7 ¼ inch electric brakes optional.
Spindle: Standard BTR 1 1/16
Inner & outer bearing: L44649
Grease seal: 10-9 (1.987” OD, 1.5” ID)
Race: L44610
Stud: ½ inch diameter
Bolt pattern: 5 bolt pattern, with 4.5 inch bolt circle.
3500 pound axle, used on 16 foot and 5th wheel, standard with 10” electric breaks.
Spindle: TTH # 84 Spindle
Inner bearing: L68149
Outer bearing: L44649
Grease Seal: 58846 (2.565” OD, 1.719” ID)
Inner race: L68111
Outer race: L44610
Stud: ½ inch diameter
Bolt pattern: 5 bolt pattern, with 4.5 inch bolt circle.
Bearings: After initial purchase the bearings should be checked after the first 200 miles, and every year or 5000 miles thereafter. Initial check can be done by listening for unusual noise and checking the hub for unusual high temperature (hub should not get so hot that it can not be touched). To inspect, remove grease cap and visually inspect bearing for grease content. Every 12000 miles bearings should be cleaned and checked for pitting or flat spots. If good, repack and reinstall, otherwise replace.
Brake Systems: All brakes installed on Scamp trailers are electric brake systems, requiring a brake control and 12 volt power from the tow vehicle. 13 foot trailers use a Dexter 7 inch brake. 16 foot trailers and fifth wheels use a Dexter 10 inch brake. Two areas on the hub need periodic inspection. One, the drum surface where the brake shoes make contact, and two, the armature surface where the magnet contacts. The brake shoes need to be inspected for wear and the magnets need to be inspected for correct wear. These items should be checked yearly or every 12000 miles. The most common brake problem is low or no electric power at the brakes.
7 inch brake: Dexter part # Left hand 23-47 Right hand 23-48
10 inch brake: Dexter part # Left hand 23-26 Right hand 23-27
Brake Control: Read the Tekonsha operation manual before use. The brake control will not work without 12 volt power. Four colored wires connect to the brake control black, white, red and blue. Black connects to the positive side of the car battery (this is the power supply side), white to the negative or grounded side. If wired at Scamp there will be a fuse off the battery on the positive side. Blue connects to the trailer connector and red connects to the switched side of the brake light switch. There are three switches and one light on the brake control. Left switch allows leveling of the internal mechanism (level according to the instructions in the Tekonsha manual). Right switch allows adjustment of braking lighter or heavier. Front switch allows manual operation of the brakes. When the car end connector is connected to the trailer connector the indicator light should come on green. This indicates that the circuit to the trailer brakes is complete. As brakes are applied lightly, green should turn to yellow/orange, finally as brakes are applied full power the indicator light should be red.
Tires: Standard tires on 13 foot trailers are 13 inch bias ply with a B load rating. Sixteen foot trailers and fifth wheels use 13 inch radial tires with a C load rating. Matching tires should always be used. Tire inflation is the most important factor in tire life. Inflation pressure should always be as recommended by tire manufacturer (as indicated on tire). Over-inflating may result in excessive tire wear, poor handling characteristics or poor gas economy. Don’t forget to check spare tire pressure. When tire placement is needed, and 13 inch bias ply tire with the proper load rating may be used. A radial tire may be used, but should be a radial manufactured for trailer use. Many standard radials have less rigid sidewalls and will cause the trailer to sway.