Re: [A/S] What can/will happen?

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Silsby,

I am confident that no axle or suspension damage occurs if done right.  I
would not recommend supporting the trailer on any portion of the Dura-Torque
axle tubes or the swing arms or torque arms on the ends of the axle tubes.

I placed a short stub of 2" by 4" lumber up against the exposed frame and
watched carefully as I slowly allowed the trailer's weight to rest there.  I
was watching for evidence of bending and observed none.  It is too cold to
go outside and lie on the ground to look under the trailer to refresh my
memory, but as I recall, it is obvious when you look underneath where the
frame members are.

I think the suspension assembly is assembled as a separate unit then
attached to the Airstream frame as a separate assembly.  The suspension
system, I believe, consists of two short sections of frame with two
square-tubing axles, carefully aligned and attached, mounted crosswise.
Each axle includes a pair of Dura-Torque swing arms, one attached to each of
its opposite ends, right and left side of the trailer.  I haven't actually
seen the suspension system being attached to the frame but have seen many
completed frame assemblies lying upside down on a jig at Jackson Center as
the assembly line workers installed various components.  The way I envision
it is the complete suspension assembly consisting of a short frame on each
side, two parallel axles, each with its suspension arm on each end, is
placed on the trailer's frame rails, careful aligned side-to-side and
front-to-rear, then welded to the frame.

You can safely suspend the trailer's weight by placing a padded heavy duty
jack stand under each side of the suspension assembly or trailer frame rail
between the axles mounting points on the frame.  That is where the weight of
the trailer, except the portion that rests on the tongue jack or tow vehicle
ball, normally rests when the trailer is on its wheels.

I'm no engineer or technical writer and I'm not sure my verbal description
is sufficient for understanding.  If in doubt, whatever you do, don't allow
a jack pad or jack stand to touch any point on the trailer except the
trailer's frame rails or an exposed steel portion of the suspension
assembly.

Harvey