Z Axle

[Nessy1]

Hi folks

I'm restoring a 1965 Eriba Titan caravan that has an offset axle. That is one wheel is further back than the other by about 12". Now someone has said that this improves handling as it reduces the chances of snaking. What do you think is the reason?

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/sites/practicalcaravan.com/files/images/large_P1010019.JPG

 

[forestgump]

tryed 3 times to reply but shut down dont no why.

 

[Lutz]

The idea behind the Z-axle was to try to reduce pitching when both wheels negotiate a bump across the full width of a traffic lane in succession rather than together. Trouble is, although this may have be the theory behind the idea, it increased side-to-side shake which ultimately even increased the risk of instability.

 

[Nessy1]

Thank you for the answer Lutz. You would have thought they would have tested that before going into production. 🙁
Oh well I may need an anti-snaking device.

 

[Nessy1]

To forset gump:
But you could have posted what you were trying to say in the message you've just posted surely?

 

[Lutz]

I rather think that testing in the 60's wasn't as sophisticated as nowadays.
Yes, you would do well with an anti-snaking device.

 

[forestgump]

it was as i was doing the post it changed screen mid post sods law the one that stayed was that one only.

 

[forestgump]

now its done it twice (it must be me).