'68 Avion C-11
'02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed
Ford F-350 4x4 Diesel
1988 Avion Triple Axle Trailer
1969 Avion C-11 Camper
I saw your comment on another thread about installing the steps on the camper. We're doing an install tomorrow using the dreaded scissor steps. (Heh) We are really aware of the "torsional" issue as you put it, the cantilever effect of stairs at the extreme end of the coach exerting pressure on the floor.
We have fashioned a plate that will be secured under the floor and fastened with elevator bolts. My question is this: are you able to use your receiver for a hitch extension? How much clearance is needed? We've measured many times, but the coach is not on the truck, etc and we could be off an inch or so, which is the same as a mile.
67avion wrote:
Gary,
My question is this: are you able to use your receiver for a hitch extension? How much clearance is needed? We've measured many times, but the coach is not on the truck, etc and we could be off an inch or so, which is the same as a mile.
Gary,
My question is this: are you able to use your receiver for a hitch extension? How much clearance is needed? We've measured many times, but the coach is not on the truck, etc and we could be off an inch or so, which is the same as a mile.
At first i missed clearing a hitch by about 1/2 an inch. But I also only had 1/2 an inch between the roof of the truck and the cabover. And since I wanted to leave my headache rack on the truck when the camper is loaded, I shimmed up the camper with about an inch of spacer material. Now I have about 1/2 inch of clearance for the hitch to the steps.
Hopefully this answered the question.
Garry
Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper
ticki wrote:
If the scissor steps reach the ground you will not have the torsion issue . Garry's steps are fully suspended and only supported by the floor . Also note his substantial floor framing . I would not hang a 3 or 4 tread suspended stair from a standard Avion floor .
If the scissor steps reach the ground you will not have the torsion issue . Garry's steps are fully suspended and only supported by the floor . Also note his substantial floor framing . I would not hang a 3 or 4 tread suspended stair from a standard Avion floor .
I know what you mean. My coach had a cracked frame around the door as well as serious floor issues as a result of the unsupported steps that are OEM. I fully intend to set the steps on the ground or a support of some sort.
67avion wrote:
I think I understand your answer: there is a small distance between the bottom of the steps and the hitch.
I think I understand your answer: there is a small distance between the bottom of the steps and the hitch.
There is about a 1/2" between a 2" bar inserted in the receiver, and where the folded step frame resides.
67avion wrote:
I also assume you mean when the steps are tucked away?
YesI also assume you mean when the steps are tucked away?
67avion wrote:
Are you using a tow bar extension?
Are you using a tow bar extension?
I will be. At this time I have a factory Ford 2" Hitch. I have bought a Super-Hitch, and Super-Truss, but they are still in WA state, at my Brother-in-laws garage, waiting to get the time to drop them off at the Shippers place. I need about 28 to 32 inches of extension. That will cause the actual Ball of my hitch to be past the folded up steps. Because of this long of an extension, I will need to do two things. One is to add Air-bags to compensate for the added tongue weight.
The second is for my boat. I need to move the axle forward on my boat trailer because I have too much tongue-weight. When I had the boat lengthened, I had to move the boat forward 18inches, so I'll probably need to move the axle forward a foot or more.
67avion wrote:
He also cautioned me to keep the tow bar parallel to the ground between the camper and the toad. Has this been your experience with the clearances with the Avion?
He also cautioned me to keep the tow bar parallel to the ground between the camper and the toad. Has this been your experience with the clearances with the Avion?
He is right. You don't want the tongue pushing down towards the pavement on braking if too low, or pushing up if the tongue is too high
67avion wrote:
I'll ask you later if you've towed your boat with the camper on the truck...
I'll ask you later if you've towed your boat with the camper on the truck...
Not there yet, but soon I hope!
Garry
Ken