Very Loud Grinding sound near axle

[cellgirl99]

Hello. We just picked up our 1st ever Travel Trailer yesterday from a dealer (Forest River Grey Wolf 24RK). Pulling away from the dealer the ride seemed smooth, no noises. We went home & parked it for 2 days while we loaded it. Well today we went to take the unit to the place we're storing it and very loud creaking sounds were coming from the axle/wheel area. I do not recall hearing this leaving the dealer. Could this mean I have to much weight back on top of the axle in the rear? I honestly don't think I have that much weight of "stuff" back in the rear. It made me very nervous. Our dealer won't be open for Labor Day tomorrow so was wondering if you all have any ideas. It sounds as if it needs big time lubricant or something. When it was parked my husband was pushing the camper side to side and we heard the creaking then too. He said it could just be the newness and getting it broken in but it just sounds too loud for my liking. Thanks a bunch for this camper newbie.

[cellgirl99]

I also want to mention it's even just driving down the road, not a turn only kinda thing.

[youroo]

New or used that sound could be a Brake Magnet! Just a WAG! Youroo!!

[Bama Rambler]

It could be a wheel bearing, but hopefully it's just a brake magnet dragging like youroo said.

If you could, it might be a good idea to jack it up and spin the wheels to see what they sound and feel like.

[cellgirl99]

Is the brake magnet something we can fix or should it go back to the dealer?

[spudston]

Is it grinding or creaking? Grinding I would look into ASAP, creaking could just be the suspension bushings. Most trailers with leaf springs make creaking noises when towed due to the bushings.

[Bama Rambler]

The brake magnet is pretty easy to replace, and not very expensive.

However, since it's under warranty, and if the dealer can get to it quickly, I'd say check it out, and if you can get it to them, let them handle it.

[MtBiker]

Creaking squeaking is the suspension not the brakes. If it creaks when you push it around it is not the brakes.

[cellgirl99]

Thanks. We have an appt this Saturday to get it looked at. Appreciate all the replies.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by MtBiker

Creaking squeaking is the suspension not the brakes. If it creaks when you push it around it is not the brakes.

X2. I haven't had a trailer yet that the springs/bushings didn't creak/squeak. And it can be fairly loud. Shooting lubricant in the bushings and between the springs helps.

[cellgirl99]

Ok. We are taking the camper this weekend for our 1st trip. Yesterday we got some spray lubricant (not WD40) and sprayed the bushings and leaf springs. I think to most everyones point there will be some squeaking/creaking till it gets a few trips in. We're going this and next weekend and will see how she does. Really appreciate all the help and suggestions.