SwinGenX

This rare bird is going up for sale. Details to be found in classified section soon. I did source a 1 ton full floating axle that will go with the purchase.

Not trying to thread jump, but is it possible for the coach battery to draw power directly from the truck battery? My truck battery will lose charge when it sits for a long time. I have not tried to determine source of the draw, but I figured I might start with isolator.

I am looking at doing this swap soon and appreciate the info. I just need to find parts. I located my rear axle at a local yard, but in all the excitement I completely forgot about the front end stuff. Before I realized my mistake, the yard had already scrapped the donor. Thanks for the read.

Thanks Linda. Trying figure out logistics of the axle swap. I am planning to get the axle gone thru this winter. Then checking on options for the actual swap. I am looking forward to sharing good times with my family in this camper.

I was hoping to get it out one time before the winter, but the seller had already gone to the trouble to winterize it. The chassis is an 1985, the camper is registered as an 87'. Not sure what year that makes it. I believe it measures approximately 21'. 4cyly 22RE with 4 speed auto.

Hello all, Perhaps an odd duck instead. I first mentioned this little birdie in the following post found in the general forum. New Owner "New" addition to manufacturer list? Well, I finally moved forward with the purchase and have some additional pictures. See below. My family is very excited to start our adventure. For now it will stay where it sits until spring. I meant to post this in "What's your rig and where's it at?" topic. Perhaps a moderator can move? Thanks for looking.

Bummer, I was really hoping that there might be a part number on the axle that might be identified. Oh well, this topic of debate only adds to the allure. Linda, when I perform the swap out, I will be certain to take some detailed photos of the wheels and axle. That being said, is there anything in particular I should be sure to take with my salvage yard axle? I have asked for just about everything I could think of, but I would love to have a comprehensive list of parts. Also, I have not yet taken possession of the camper. Technically, I will only be taking possession of the title at this time, as my friend has agreed to store it on his property this winter. When I do secure the title, I will be sure to take some good pictures. I expect I will need them for insurance purposes. Thanks again for everyones feedback and comments. Having such a great source of information is one of the reasons I decided to purchase this rig. -James

At this point I have secured a six lug from a local salvage yard. I have asked for all hardware including wheels, tires, housing, and springs. For me, the five lug is now just a matter of curiosity. I would really like to put the mystery of the non-recalled five lug to rest.

I added a few more pictures of the rear view of the axle housing. In instances of failure, is it clear what the weak point is? Is it the axle, the axle housing, or a combination thereof? I ultimately plan to replace, but it would be nice for me to understand if this is a recalled axle or not. I don't expect I will have much opportunity to tear into this before winter, but I will certainly look for some part numbers. Does anyone know the part number of the 5 lug axle that was not recalled? Thanks, James

I was hoping that I had stumbled upon the rare "beefed up" 5 lug referenced in the axle FAQ. I will be checking in with my local auto salvage tomorrow and will go from there.

I started a thread in the general section about my pending purchase. New Owner "New" addition to manufacturer list? At this point I am looking for some help to definitively confirm that this rig has the recalled 5 lug. I took the following picture. Any information appreciated. Thanks!

Well, the picture is getting a little clearer. When i went to take another look, I took some pictures and wrote down the VIN. While it is titled as an 87' camper, the chassis was manufactured in May of 1985. I expect it has the dreaded axle, but I will be posting some pictures in the drivetrain forum to get a definite identification.

It has dual axles, or at least it has dual wheels. I am going to swing by on my lunch hour to take a much closer look at the axle. When considering the overall condition of the RV and price vs. the added cost of replacing the axle, I still plan on moving forward with the purchase. Assuming I can find an axle and put in some seat equity, the overall cost is still better than what I have been able to find otherwise. I had seen your posting on the CC. I am hoping it is similar or better yet, it is one that I can find documentation for. It has rear bath with dinette and couch layout. I believe it is over 20ft. Stay tuned. -James

Sounds like this is another "rare" bird. However, I fear it does not have a six lug axle. It may have the "beefier" 5 lug transition axle that is referenced in the Axle " FAQ" I am going to take a closer look and take some pictures today. It might be rare, but certainly not desireable IMHO. Thanks for the info Linda! This one is indeed a Mallard. I think your assessment is right about Mallard making this for a few RV shows. When going thru it, I noticed a few things that were not quite finished. In particular, the side couch seat belts. While both present, only one set was bolted in. I was in fact talking about airbags used for the suspension. They are either not present, or do not hold air. The stance is very low at this time. There appears to be an aftermarket cruise control present, but it is not currently functional. The axle is definately not a six lug. It has five lug, but it does not look like the pictures I have seen of the weak five lug. I am going to get the VIN and take some pictures today to try and identify it. That is absolutely the only thing "wrong" that could keep me from a purchase. I spied a Dolphin in a wrecking yard from the road the other day. I will be checking with them to see if it has a six lug 1 ton axle. More to come. Thanks again for all the information! -James

I believe it was today at 9:00AM C.S.T.? It appears that it may have sold as it is no longer listed on the auction page listed above. -James