Concept RV needs axles…

[David Hutchings]

I am considering going through with building a somewhat unique chassis for carrying a not-very-busy, but generally practical RV shell for travelling in Costa Rica. The shell is designed for strength and little internal confusion of walls or rooms, but has a good large washroom, sleeping area, and front section for driver and two passengers. My goal for weight is 6000 pounds with 24′ length and maybe under 10′ height, not a squared-off design. Still, wind and flipping for a light chassis is a worry. Ideally, so far, I’m looking toward all-wheel steer on demand only, and awd, and a chassis width of not 8 but 7 feet because some mining roads will put a stake bed truck at the edge of death. Engine redundancy is mandatory. An electric motor also likely. That selection falls in place later, and I am seeking suggestions for candidate motors up to 20 or 30 horsepower, and when all is settled I’ll probably have two electric motors and two combustion engines…
Ideally, two straight beams, perhaps 10 inches tall, running the length of wheelbase, as much as 2′ apart if possible, take the double wishbone hook-ups. Torsion bar is OK but coil has merit. So, tires at least 24″ diameter, I’m looking for good spindle choices (CVJ OK) with rather generic wishbones able to be captured nicely between the frame beams. By good choice I mean they are reasonably available and readily serviced, parts available. On the other hand, I could choose a good wheel spindle and fabricate wishbones, preferring to go with generic plate-mount balljoints found online. Got recommendations? I see that Ford F150 spindles might work or chevy HD spindles, if I come up with wishbones that deliver proper balljoints, and I’d like to hear suggestions for any particular spindles and why they might be preferred. Is there a place where some abundance of used 4wd spindles can be shopped through and I might find the entire spindle and brake part parts together, and maybe find four such spindles? Thanks.

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