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Ask the Factory => Ask the factory => Topic started by: oleo on January 19, 2016, 12:54:57 PM

Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: oleo on January 19, 2016, 12:54:57 PM
I noticed recent changes to Camplite website.  It is showing 15" tires on ALL the Camplite models except the 11FK.  Are all the models currently being manufactured with 15" tires?
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: drdave on January 19, 2016, 09:30:37 PM
It sure looks like it.   Most show 1 4400lb. axle

  Once again the website shows some conflicting info:  


Both of the 21 foots say 15" tires, yet when you click on the blue standards and options button it shows 2 x 3500 lb. axles with 14" tires.   They did update the 16 TBS image to show 1 axle, however alll the other 14 and 16 ft. trailer images show 2 axles.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: blairh on January 24, 2016, 12:59:48 AM
[quote source="/post/17894/thread" timestamp="1453222497" author="@oleo"]I noticed recent changes to Camplite website.  It is showing 15" tires on ALL the Camplite models except the 11FK.  Are all the models currently being manufactured with 15" tires?[/quote]Yes. All the Camplite travel trailer models, except the 11FK are now standard with 15" tires.

2015 Axle and Tire Configurations:
- 11FK (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 11RDB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13BHB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13QBB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13RDB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 14DB (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 14DBS (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 16DBS (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 16TBS (2 axles 13" tires)
- 21RBS (2 axles, 14" tires) *Edited. Should read 14", not 15"*
- 21BHS (2 axles, 14" tires) *Edited. Should read 14", not 15"*

2016 Axle and Tire Configurations:
- 11FK (1 axle, 13" tire) [font color="000000"]No Changes[/font]
- 11RDB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discontinued
- 13BHB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 13QBB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 13RDB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 14DB (1 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 14DBS (1 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 16DBS (2 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 16TBS (1 axles 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 21RBS (2 axles, 15" tires) No Changes
- 21BHS (2 axles, 15" tires) No Changes

All axles being used on Camplite travel trailers are still Dexter Torflex axles. One of the reasons for making the change from tandem axles to single axle was simply due to having unbalance weight across the frame on the smaller tandem axle configurations. The hitch weight was too light, causing excess uplift. The hitch weight will increase slightly, but the smooth ride quality will remain the same. Plus, you'll have more cargo capacity and extra ground clearance. Keep in mind, some 2016 models may reflect the 2015 axle and tire configurations, depending on how early it was built in the year it was built.

Hopefully that helps, let me know if you have any questions.

Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: peislander on January 24, 2016, 04:22:00 AM
Thanks Blair for the info. I see the above was your first posting here. Good to have you participate.

Do you work for Livin'Lite and if so what's your job description?
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on January 24, 2016, 11:00:59 AM
[quote source="/post/17963/thread" timestamp="1453611588" author="@blairh"]
All axles being used on Camplite travel trailers are still Dexter Torflex axles. One of the reasons for making the change from tandem axles to single axle was simply due to having unbalance weight across the frame on the smaller tandem axle configurations. The hitch weight was too light, causing excess uplift. The hitch weight will increase slightly, but the smooth ride quality will remain the same. Plus, you'll have more cargo capacity and extra ground clearance. Keep in mind, some 2016 models may reflect the 2015 axle and tire configurations, depending on how early it was built in the year it was built.

[/quote][font size="3"]Thanks, Blair, for that info, but I still have two questions:

1) With that reasoning why was the 16DBS not changed to single axle, or will it be?

2) What will the axles used on the 21s be rated at?[/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: ammobob on January 24, 2016, 11:16:22 AM
[quote source="/post/17963/thread" timestamp="1453611588" author="@blairh"][quote source="/post/17894/thread" timestamp="1453222497" author="@oleo"]I noticed recent changes to Camplite website.  It is showing 15" tires on ALL the Camplite models except the 11FK.  Are all the models currently being manufactured with 15" tires?[/quote]Yes. All the Camplite travel trailer models, except the 11FK are now standard with 15" tires.

2015 Axle and Tire Configurations:
- 11FK (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 11RDB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13BHB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13QBB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13RDB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 14DB (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 14DBS (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 16DBS (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 16TBS (2 axles 13" tires)
- 21RBS (2 axles, 15" tires)
- 21BHS (2 axles, 15" tires)

2016 Axle and Tire Configurations:
- 11FK (1 axle, 13" tire) [font color="000000"]No Changes[/font]
- 11RDB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discontinued
- 13BHB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 13QBB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 13RDB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 14DB (1 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 14DBS (1 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 16DBS (2 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 16TBS (1 axles 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 21RBS (2 axles, 15" tires) No Changes
- 21BHS (2 axles, 15" tires) No Changes

All axles being used on Camplite travel trailers are still Dexter Torflex axles. One of the reasons for making the change from tandem axles to single axle was simply due to having unbalance weight across the frame on the smaller tandem axle configurations. The hitch weight was too light, causing excess uplift. The hitch weight will increase slightly, but the smooth ride quality will remain the same. Plus, you'll have more cargo capacity and extra ground clearance. Keep in mind, some 2016 models may reflect the 2015 axle and tire configurations, depending on how early it was built in the year it was built.

Hopefully that helps, let me know if you have any questions.

[/quote]I would question you stats listed above. We have a 2016 21BHS built May/June 2015. I just checked the tires and they are 14" tires. I think others that have had tire issues had 14" tires also. Your list has no 14" tires listed so what is the disconnect?
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: bgewin on January 24, 2016, 12:19:03 PM
Quote from: @charliem" source="/post/17965/thread" timestamp="1453647659[quote source="/post/17963/thread" timestamp="1453611588" author="@blairh"]All axles being used on Camplite travel trailers are still Dexter Torflex axles. One of the reasons for making the change from tandem axles to single axle was simply due to having unbalance weight across the frame on the smaller tandem axle configurations. The hitch weight was too light, causing excess uplift. The hitch weight will increase slightly, but the smooth ride quality will remain the same. Plus, you'll have more cargo capacity and extra ground clearance. Keep in mind, some 2016 models may reflect the 2015 axle and tire configurations, depending on how early it was built in the year it was built.

[font size="3"]Thanks, Blair, for that info, but I still have two questions:

1) With that reasoning why was the 16DBS not changed to single axle, or will it be?

2) What will the axles used on the 21s be rated at?[/font]
[/quote]



Same here.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: blairh on January 24, 2016, 12:20:39 PM
[quote source="/post/17964/thread" timestamp="1453623720" author="@peislander"]Thanks Blair for the info. I see the above was your first posting here. Good to have you participate.

Do you work for Livin'Lite and if so what's your job description?[/quote]No problem  :)  Thanks! I'm glad to have found this website. It's great to have a forum of Livin Lite owners where everyone can share stories, tips, get questions answered and ultimately continue to improve such a unique product. I do not work for Livin Lite. I work for Destination RV in Ontario, Canada. We have been a Livin Lite dealer since 2011 and have a great relationship with Livin Lite themselves. We've come to an agreement with Livin Lite to attend the Toronto RV Show on Feb 11-15 with an exclusive Livin Lite display. If there are any questions that I can help bring clarity to, I'll do my best. If I don't have the answer, I know who will  ;) . I Look forward to chatting with everyone!
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: blairh on January 24, 2016, 12:32:43 PM
[quote source="/post/17965/thread" timestamp="1453647659" author="@charliem"][quote source="/post/17963/thread" timestamp="1453611588" author="@blairh"]All axles being used on Camplite travel trailers are still Dexter Torflex axles. One of the reasons for making the change from tandem axles to single axle was simply due to having unbalance weight across the frame on the smaller tandem axle configurations. The hitch weight was too light, causing excess uplift. The hitch weight will increase slightly, but the smooth ride quality will remain the same. Plus, you'll have more cargo capacity and extra ground clearance. Keep in mind, some 2016 models may reflect the 2015 axle and tire configurations, depending on how early it was built in the year it was built.

[/quote][font size="3"]Thanks, Blair, for that info, but I still have two questions:

1) With that reasoning why was the 16DBS not changed to single axle, or will it be?

2) What will the axles used on the 21s be rated at?[/font]
[/quote]Good questions. I had similar questions when the changes were made. To answer,
1) The answer from Livin Lite as to WHY the 16DBS was not changed to single axle was because of the floorplan layout. Ultimately, they did not want to go with single axle configurations. However the floorplan and location of weight across the frame required some models to change from tandem to single. The 16DBS varies slightly in floorplan from the 16TBS and was not required to have single axle. It pretty much came down to the refrigerator with surrounding cabinets being in front of the first axle that keeps the weight forward, allowing tandem axle configuration.
2) I'm not 100% certain, I'll confirm with the manufacturer tomorrow. My guess is that they're 2500# torsion axles, based on the GVWR. Some might ask why the lower capacity? With the dry weight being approx 3400 lbs, having a GVWR of approx 5K will leave 1600 lbs of cargo capacity. That's more than enough cargo capacity. Before, with 3500# axles they would have a cargo capacity of approx 4100#. That's overkill and necessary. Going to smaller axle capacity, still gives plenty of cargo capacity and reduces excess dry weight on the trailer. Plus, the cost will be less. No need add cost to get 4100# of cargo capacity  ;) .

I'll get back to you on item #2, just to confirm axle size and reasoning.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: blairh on January 24, 2016, 12:45:29 PM
Quote from: @ammobob" timestamp="1453648582" source="/post/17966/thread[quote source="/post/17963/thread" timestamp="1453611588" author="@blairh"]Yes. All the Camplite travel trailer models, except the 11FK are now standard with 15" tires.

2015 Axle and Tire Configurations:
- 11FK (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 11RDB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13BHB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13QBB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 13RDB (1 axle, 13" tire)
- 14DB (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 14DBS (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 16DBS (2 axles, 13" tires)
- 16TBS (2 axles 13" tires)
- 21RBS (2 axles, 15" tires)
- 21BHS (2 axles, 15" tires)

2016 Axle and Tire Configurations:
- 11FK (1 axle, 13" tire) [font color="000000"]No Changes[/font]
- 11RDB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discontinued
- 13BHB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 13QBB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 13RDB (1 axle, 13" tire) Floorplan Discoutinued
- 14DB (1 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 14DBS (1 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 16DBS (2 axles, 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 16TBS (1 axles 15" tires) [font color="ff0000"]Changes[/font]
- 21RBS (2 axles, 15" tires) No Changes
- 21BHS (2 axles, 15" tires) No Changes

All axles being used on Camplite travel trailers are still Dexter Torflex axles. One of the reasons for making the change from tandem axles to single axle was simply due to having unbalance weight across the frame on the smaller tandem axle configurations. The hitch weight was too light, causing excess uplift. The hitch weight will increase slightly, but the smooth ride quality will remain the same. Plus, you'll have more cargo capacity and extra ground clearance. Keep in mind, some 2016 models may reflect the 2015 axle and tire configurations, depending on how early it was built in the year it was built.

Hopefully that helps, let me know if you have any questions.

I would question you stats listed above. We have a 2016 21BHS built May/June 2015. I just checked the tires and they are 14" tires. I think others that have had tire issues had 14" tires also. Your list has no 14" tires listed so what is the disconnect?[/quote]That makes sense. The challenge with the RV manufacturers releasing new model years between March-June of each year is that it creates confusion for owners in regards to whether or not it includes ALL the new design changes for the new model year. The truth is, 90% of the model changes for the new year aren't released to the dealers until September. In September, we have a dealer show were all new products changes are released for viewing. Most changes you won't see until late fall/early winter on newly built units only. It even confuses me  :)

In your situation, it sounds like your Camplite received the new model year of 2016 with possibly some minor changes. However, it will still have 90% of the 2015 features and design. The disconnect might be in where I made a error, the 2015 21' Camplites should show a 14" tire. I'll edit that, Thanks!
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on January 24, 2016, 01:13:24 PM
[font size="3"]Blair,

I join in welcoming you and thanking you for your participation.

I did recognize the fridge placement, and also suspect the queen mattress is heavier than the two singles because I think it's thicker. That makes sense and results in more weight on the tongue. That said, the bean counters still reign supreme so I'll be waiting for the fridge to move to the back.   ;)    

On the 3500 vs 2500 21s I understand the argument, but still don't like it. Cutting margin to save a few cents is unattractive. From what I understand there is little weight difference between the two axle models. The difference is in the type or length of rubber torsion material. Your answers from Thor will be interesting.
[/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: blairh on January 26, 2016, 12:50:45 PM
[quote source="/post/17972/thread" timestamp="1453655604" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]Blair,

I join in welcoming you and thanking you for your participation.

I did recognize the fridge placement, and also suspect the queen mattress is heavier than the two singles because I think it's thicker. That makes sense and results in more weight on the tongue. That said, the bean counters still reign supreme so I'll be waiting for the fridge to move to the back.   ;)    

On the 3500 vs 2500 21s I understand the argument, but still don't like it. Cutting margin to save a few cents is unattractive. From what I understand there is little weight difference between the two axle models. The difference is in the type or length of rubber torsion material. Your answers from Thor will be interesting.
[/font][/quote]Thanks Charlie, i'm glad to be here with all of you.

Haha, yes unfortunately the bean counters are usually superior.  :)  I understand. Keep in mind that its only a few dollars per unit, but times that by 100s of units per year and you know as well as I do... it adds up. As long as they don't sacrifice quality of their products, and the all aluminum design... I personally don't mind the 1400# cargo capacity as its substantial allowance for the size of trailer and the axles are still Dexter torsion. I'd rather see the difference in cost go back into the build quality to ensure the Livin Lite campers remain 100% aluminum structure. While Livin Lite is now owned by Thor they still remain a separate plant and organization building quality all aluminum campers. Just as Airstream has remained true to its value and design while under Thor Industries... so will Livin Lite. I've had many conversations with Livin Lite about that.  :)

Also, don't forget they've move up from 14" tires to 15". In theory the rolling resistance should be less, you'll have more ground clearance, lower RPMs (less rotations on bearings reducing temperature) and more load capacity per tire.
I'm still waiting for a reply, i'll confirm as soon as possible.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: bgewin on January 26, 2016, 01:08:26 PM
I'm curious.  Is it possible to switch my 14 inch wheels for 15 inch on a 21BHS?  Or did they redesign the wheel well to fit the 15s?
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on January 26, 2016, 02:02:24 PM
[quote source="/post/18046/thread" timestamp="1453828106" author="@bgewin"]I'm curious.  Is it possible to switch my 14 inch wheels for 15 inch on a 21BHS?  Or did they redesign the wheel well to fit the 15s? [/quote][font size="3"]I don't know for sure if LL redesigned the wheel wells, but I doubt it. It would be easier to increase the axle angle as they did for the off road package. Remember the difference between 14" and 15" tires is nominally only one inch in diameter. The increased ground and wheel well clearance is only 1/2 inch and the tire to tire clearance only decreases by one inch. I also suspect one reason for the change is the decreasing availability of 14" tires. Overall the change to 15" wheels is good and a retrofit is only limited by $$$. [/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: christianm on January 27, 2016, 11:43:35 AM
[quote source="/post/18046/thread" author="@bgewin" timestamp="1453828106"]I'm curious.  Is it possible to switch my 14 inch wheels for 15 inch on a 21BHS?  Or did they redesign the wheel well to fit the 15s? [/quote]My rep is saying no- because the wheel well was not redesigned to fit it. :-) 
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: djsamuel on January 27, 2016, 12:01:53 PM
[quote source="/post/18065/thread" timestamp="1453909415" author="@christianm"][quote source="/post/18046/thread" timestamp="1453828106" author="@bgewin"]I'm curious.  Is it possible to switch my 14 inch wheels for 15 inch on a 21BHS?  Or did they redesign the wheel well to fit the 15s? [/quote]My rep is saying no- because the wheel well was not redesigned to fit it. :-) [/quote]Are you saying that the new 21' models do not have 15" tires because the wheel wells were not redesigned, or that older 21' models cannot use 15" tires because they do not have the redesigned wheel wells?

Thanks!
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: bgewin on January 27, 2016, 12:29:18 PM
[quote source="/post/18065/thread" timestamp="1453909415" author="@christianm"]
Quote from: @bgewin" source="/post/18046/thread" timestamp="1453828106I'm curious.  Is it possible to switch my 14 inch wheels for 15 inch on a 21BHS?  Or did they redesign the wheel well to fit the 15s?
My rep is saying no- because the wheel well was not redesigned to fit it. :-) [/quote]Thanks for your reply.  But what part are you saying no to?  Can I switch to a 15?  Thanks.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: livinlitepaul on January 27, 2016, 12:33:38 PM
[quote source="/post/18068/thread" timestamp="1453912158" author="@bgewin"][quote source="/post/18065/thread" timestamp="1453909415" author="@christianm"]My rep is saying no- because the wheel well was not redesigned to fit it. :-) [/quote]Thanks for your reply.  But what part are you saying no to?  Can I switch to a 15?  Thanks.
[/quote]This is Paul from Livin Lite. Could you provide a vin# for your unit because it really depends upon when it was built. Some 2016's were made to accommodate 15" tires and some were not. Just let me know your vin via private message and I will check it out.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on January 27, 2016, 12:59:59 PM
[font size="3"]Is it possible to post a single VIN per model after which the 15" tires will fit and before which 15" tires will not fit? A single VIN for 21RBS and another for 21BHS? In other words when did the changes go into production?
[/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: djsamuel on January 27, 2016, 01:22:24 PM
[quote source="/post/18067/thread" timestamp="1453912108" author="paul r"][div][/div][quote source="/post/18066/thread" timestamp="1453910513" author="@djsamuel"]Are you saying that the new 21' models do not have 15" tires because the wheel wells were not redesigned, or that older 21' models cannot use 15" tires because they do not have the redesigned wheel wells?

Thanks![/quote]This is Paul from Livin Lite.  Could you provide a vin# for your unit because it really depends upon when it was built.  Some 2016's were made to accommodate 15" tires and some were not.  Just let me know your vin via private message and I will check it out.
[/quote]Paul,

I have a 2013 21BHS, so I assume the 15" tires will not fit.

Thanks for the input.

Doug



Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: blairh on January 27, 2016, 11:41:16 PM
[quote source="/post/18072/thread" timestamp="1453913999" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]Is it possible to post a single VIN per model after which the 15" tires will fit and before which 15" tires will not fit? A single VIN for 21RBS and another for 21BHS? In other words when did the changes go into production?
[/font][/quote]Hey Charile! I just want to follow up on the axle ratings of the 21' models. They are 2500# Dexter Torsion axles going forward.

To answer your question about the tire size per VIN... Yes, its possible. Essentially you could have two identical trailers with the same year model, but have two different structure designs. This goes back to my comment earlier about the timeline of the new year models being release earlier in the year when the year model changes are release later in the year.

I totally agree with your suggestion earlier you made earlier to someone else. "When it doubt, check it out"... Go and see if you have the additional clearance and the space to add 15" tires to your Camplite, then you'll know for sure.  ;)



Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on January 27, 2016, 11:49:14 PM
[font size="3"]Blair,

Thanks.  On the 2500# axles, a[/font][font size="3"]t least we know. Another mark against Thor in my book and another I told you so, regardless of what was said by Thor and Scott. The question on VINs was really directed to the LL factory. If they would clue us in on the effectivity VINs it would help all of us check out our rigs without waiting for a factory response.

Thanks for you coordination efforts.
[/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: bgewin on January 28, 2016, 12:10:00 AM
I noticed on my 2016 21BHS when the trailer is level I seem to have enough clearance for 15 inch.  But when the axle is flexed it almost touches the plastic wheel well trim.  Only hope would be to remove the trim and see if there's enough space between the tire and frame and if so I'd have to replace the trim with something smaller.  My 2016 BTW was built in August 2015.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: blairh on January 28, 2016, 12:33:10 AM
[quote source="/post/18099/thread" timestamp="1453952954" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]Blair,

Thanks.  On the 2500# axles, a[/font][font size="3"]t least we know. Another mark against Thor in my book and another I told you so, regardless of what was said by Thor and Scott. The question on VINs was really directed to the LL factory. If they would clue us in on the effectivity VINs it would help all of us check out our rigs without waiting for a factory response.

Thanks for you coordination efforts.
[/font][/quote]I totally agree, it would make things a lot easier to reference for everyone. Let me see if I can get a list range of VINs that were before and after the change was made.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: christianm on January 28, 2016, 12:48:19 PM
[quote source="/post/18104/thread" timestamp="1453955590" author="@blairh"][quote timestamp="1453952954" author="@charliem" source="/post/18099/thread"][font size="3"]Blair,

Thanks.  On the 2500# axles, a[/font][font size="3"]t least we know. Another mark against Thor in my book and another I told you so, regardless of what was said by Thor and Scott. The question on VINs was really directed to the LL factory. If they would clue us in on the effectivity VINs it would help all of us check out our rigs without waiting for a factory response.

Thanks for you coordination efforts.
[/font][/quote]I totally agree, it would make things a lot easier to reference for everyone. Let me see if I can get a list range of VINs that were before and after the change was made.
[/quote]Not sure who you usually work with at Livin Lite- but I'd be happy to help put the list together If I can! Just let me know! :-) 
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on January 29, 2016, 08:53:12 PM
[font size="3"]A question for Aggie79,

Since you used a Dexter axle on your home built you might have an answer for me. Do the axles have a mechanical limit built it to restrict the vertical travel of the wheel? This would help those who want to change to 15" wheels and tires. It would seem there must be a stop to prevent the tire from hitting the underside of the trailer or the wheel well under extreme loading. Looking at my 2014 21RBS I see plenty of room above the 14" tires , but I don't know what the limit of travel is. Conventional leaf spring suspensions are limited by the axle/frame placement, but I don't know how the Dexters work.

That said, I don't see a lot of advantage to changing to 15" wheels. A nominal 0.5" increase in ground clearance doesn't seem worth the expense unless 14" tires become unobtainable. 
[/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: aggie79 on January 29, 2016, 11:34:21 PM
The Dexter Torflex torsion axles do not have a mechanical or physical stop.  The outer axle housing is square. The inner "torsion" part of the axle is diamond shaped. In the corner spaces are cylinder shaped rubber strips. The length of the strips determine the load rating.

The spindle and hub are mounted in a short arm that is connected to the diamond shaped axle.  When a tire goes over a bump, the torsion arm cause the diamond shaped axle to rotate and compress the rubber. Of course this works both ways up and down. The compression forces push back to return the torsion arm to its original position.

The torsion arm can be ordered with different start angles. The start angle can be horizontal, below horizontal, or above horizontal relative of the spindle position to the axle position.

The start angle affects the ride height. It would be my guess that the off-road package uses torsion axles with a different start angle than the standard package.

As you mentioned the wheel size increase adds to ride height. Another factor that could increase ride height of the off-road package is the tire size. A wider tire - say 235 instead off 205 - and/or a tire with a larger profile - say 75 instead of 70 - would result in a tire with a taller sidewall. (Sidewall height is tire width in millimeters times profile divided by 100 and divided by 25.4 to convert to inches).

This is probably way too much and boring information but I hope it makes a little sense.  
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on January 30, 2016, 12:47:56 AM
[font size="3"]Thanks Aggie79,

If I understand correctly the rotation of the diamond axle is eventually stopped when the rubber is totally compressed. I'm guessing the diamond axle cannot rotate 90 degrees within the outer housing. Wider or higher profile tires would add to ground clearance, but would also have the wheel well trim interference problem. I don't plan to change mine, but others have asked the question so I wanted to understand it. BTW, the off road package does start with 10 degrees additional downward angle and LT tires.
[/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: mitch on January 30, 2016, 10:05:01 AM
Quote from: @aggie79" source="/post/18168/thread" timestamp="1454124861The Dexter Torflex torsion axles do not have a mechanical or physical stop.  The outer axle housing is square. The inner "torsion" part of the axle is diamond shaped. In the corner spaces are cylinder shaped rubber strips. The length of the strips determine the load rating.

The spindle and hub are mounted in a short arm that is connected to the diamond shaped axle.  When a tire goes over a bump, the torsion arm cause the diamond shaped axle to rotate and compress the rubber. Of course this works both ways up and down. The compression forces push back to return the torsion arm to its original position.

The torsion arm can be ordered with different start angles. The start angle can be horizontal, below horizontal, or above horizontal relative of the spindle position to the axle position.

The start angle affects the ride height. It would be my guess that the off-road package uses torsion axles with a different start angle than the standard package.

As you mentioned the wheel size increase adds to ride height. Another factor that could increase ride height of the off-road package is the tire size. A wider tire - say 235 instead off 205 - and/or a tire with a larger profile - say 75 instead of 70 - would result in a tire with a taller sidewall. (Sidewall height is tire width in millimeters times profile divided by 100 and divided by 25.4 to convert to inches).

This is probably way too much and boring information but I hope it makes a little sense.  
That was a great explanation, thanks
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: aggie79 on February 01, 2016, 10:24:35 AM
[quote source="/post/18170/thread" timestamp="1454129276" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]Thanks Aggie79,

If I understand correctly the rotation of the diamond axle is eventually stopped when the rubber is totally compressed. I'm guessing the diamond axle cannot rotate 90 degrees within the outer housing. Wider or higher profile tires would add to ground clearance, but would also have the wheel well trim interference problem. I don't plan to change mine, but others have asked the question so I wanted to understand it. BTW, the off road package does start with 10 degrees additional downward angle and LT tires.
[/font][/quote]Charlie,

If I was smart enough, I could do the math, but I'm guessing that there is about a 30-45 degree limit on rotation.  It depends on the start angle, but there is about 3" of vertical travel on the Torflex from "unloaded" to "shock" condition.  When the Toflex axle is loaded to its design specification, there is about a 1" drop, leaving the remaining 2" of travel for suspension loads.

I found this YouTube video that shows a cross-section of the axle and how it works:

[a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzVVqXxbGSA"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzVVqXxbGSA[/a]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on February 01, 2016, 02:11:31 PM
[quote source="/post/18227/thread" timestamp="1454336675" author="@aggie79"]Charlie,

If I was smart enough, I could do the math, but I'm guessing that there is about a 30-45 degree limit on rotation.  It depends on the start angle, but there is about 3" of vertical travel on the Torflex from "unloaded" to "shock" condition.  When the Toflex axle is loaded to its design specification, there is about a 1" drop, leaving the remaining 2" of travel for suspension loads.

I found this YouTube video that shows a cross-section of the axle and how it works:

[/quote][font size="3"]Aggie79,

Thanks a lot. Pretty much exactly as you described it. BTW, 1966 was a fair year for the Mustangs: 8W/3L and we beat A&M, but they did let me out!  8-|     BSEE SMU'66. [/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: leslie on February 01, 2016, 02:38:32 PM
Off-thread - 1966, June - husband graduated BSEE Lafayette College, we got married, and he got drafted while we were on our honeymoon!
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on February 01, 2016, 02:59:24 PM
Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/18241/thread" timestamp="1454351912Off-thread - 1966, June - husband graduated BSEE Lafayette College, we got married, and he got drafted while we were on our honeymoon!
Two wins, one loss. You take what you can get....................
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: scbillandjane on February 01, 2016, 07:15:05 PM
One caution that not all owners might know. I had the same type axle on a previous camper. I bought the trailer used with tires that needed immediate replacement due to age. On that trailer's forum there was a warning not to raise the trailer using the axles but to place the jack under the frame. The forum said the jack could bend the axle. I went to a national chain tire store. The employee rolled out the portable jack straight under the axle. I was able to stop him before any damage was done. I don't know positively if damage will occur, but I will err on the side of caution.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: charliem on February 01, 2016, 07:30:25 PM
[font size="3"]A great cautionary note. I had the same premonition and have already resolved to keep a sharp 100% eyeball surveillance on any such service/tire shops. If not a camper shop you know it's going to happen. That axle tube is not very strong. 
[/font]
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: gbpack on February 03, 2016, 09:31:45 PM
Guys - Just want to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the change in the wheel size on some CL models. I was talking to one of the salespeople at the LL factory today and found out that the dual axle trailers WILL NOT have 15" wheels after all (regardless of what may be up in their website right now). While that was the plan initially,  they decided not to go forward with that because of all the structural changes that would have to be made to the frame around the wheel well area. They will be correcting the website shortly, but the bottom line is that all dual axle trailers will continue to have 14" wheels. Only the single axle trailers will have the 15" wheels. We didn't get into a discussion regarding the axles that are going to be used with the 15" wheels, so I can't comment on that. Hope this clears up a few things. I told him that they really have a lot of conflicting information out there and that all of their flip-flopping on this and all of the documented changes that have been discussed on other threads, have really got everyone confused and frustrated. He acknowledged that there has been a lot going on lately and that they need to do a better job of internal coordination and communication via their website.
Title: Tire size changes on Camplites
Post by: daplumbr on February 04, 2016, 12:13:35 AM
Wow, stay tuned...........