Refit of our Tear

[MtrngMan]

Hello ALL!! I have begun the refit of our tear. I have installed the new axle assembly from Northern. The frame and tongue have been lengthened 16 inches to allow the installation of the batteries/inverter/electrical over the axle.
I moved the axle forward 7 inches to reduce the tongue weight. This will allow for the extension of the tear forward while keeping the tongue weight down to a minimum.
I HAD to replace the axle as the original was only rated at 1,000 lbs and I had the tear weighed. It came in at 1060 with a tongue weight of 160 lbs. After removal of the original axle assembly it became obvious that the frame had bee riding on the outboard edge of the axle tie plates. Specifically the rear/out board bolt head. The new axle is rated at 2000 lbs and should do nicely.
I have removed the front of the tear and will be working on the box extension this week. I hope to complete the rough box by the end of next weekend. The new front profile will be rounded rather than the original double angled front. I will be placing the A/C in the front as well. Once the A/C framing is roughed in I will then skin the inside BEFORE skinning the extension exterior. Wish me luck.
I have posted new pictures to my yahoo picture album if any one is interested.


http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/goofyguy043/album?.dir=/988a&.src=ph&.tok=phov46CBiW0QMods

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/goofyguy043/album?.dir=/bbc8&.src=ph&.tok=phX046CBIcCf5anv