2006 Surveyor 210SV tire/axle problems

[bluemaruder001]

Hello all!!

I have a 2006 Surveyor 210 SV with approx 10K miles on the TT. I have replaced/repacked all bearings, races, seals. After 3-4 miles hubs, too hot to touch. Seated, then backed off nut, brakes not grabbing, spindle nut not too tight. I thought that I had 3500lb axles underneath but I am not so sure. I had trailer weighed loaded and was 4760, GVWR is 5380. Tires are wearing on inside edges, the worst on left front and right rear tires. Dataplate shows 2500lbs per axle and load range B tires. If the GVWR is 5300 shouldnt the axles be at least equal or more than that? I am just trying to figure out what is going on. need to replace tires but I want to find and correct the wear/heat issue first.

[Dave_Monica]

Sounds like you may have pumped too much grease and may have leaked past the seal and gotten onto the brake linings (I'm assuming that the brakes worked properly before).

As far as the axle limits, 2500 lbs sounds correct. You're forgetting about the tongue weight which will be on the tow vehicle.

Dave

[bluemaruder001]

Hey Dave, I have checked and re checked, no grease being thrown from rear seal, front cap and brake shoes are dry. I have good free rotation when tires are off the ground and no play in tires on spindles. I have noticed that newer trailers of similar size even smaller and single axle one have load range C tires including the new version of the 210SV. I have measured from fixed points underneath hoping to find a glaring discrepancy but the most I found was a 1/16 in difference between the axles from left to right. I am out of ideas

Thanks,

[Dave_Monica]

Have you tried checking the alignment by placing a long, straight edge across the face of the tires on each side to see if they're aligned to one another. Also using the straight edge on the face of the tires measure to the frame in front of the axle and behind the axle to check alignment relative to the frame.

Was this a recent purchase or have you had the camper since new?

Dave

[bluemaruder001]

Yea had since new, and I have checked for any anamolies or differences just about every way possible and no obvious issues, check tire pressures regulary and keep them at specs. I have heard that on torsion axles if you have bent spindles you cannot replace the spindle assembly, have to replace the entire axle. If I end up having to replace axles, was thinking about upgrading to 3500lb.

Any thoughts?
Thanks,

[Dave_Monica]

I'd agree if you're replacing tires to go to load range 'C' and if replacing axles, go 3000 or 3500lb.

You could try contacting Al-ko through their web site for an opinion. Here's a link to their site. http://www.al-kousa.com/

Dave

[bluemaruder001]

I think mine are Dexter or Torflex which I heard are one in the same now. I think I will try to contact both Dexter(Torflex) and AL-KO and see what they say. I did some preliminary shopping and a 3500lb axle is about 300 bucks or so plus labor, not to mention tires, about 400 bucks plus installation. I will need new rims as well if I upgrade to 3500lb axles as well I think? Those not included in tire or axle price. I like the fact I have no payments but I think what else may be around the corner being 6, almost 7 years old.

[LadyWindrider]

When you repacked the bearings, did you put grease in them, or just on them. There is a correct way to pack bearings. Just rubbing grease on them, and putting a little in the hub, will not work, creates a "dry" bearing, and it will burn out very soon.

go to this thread, http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ings-3255.html

Look at post #4

[bluemaruder001]

They were re packed the correct way. I have replaced/repacked bearings/races on my boat trailer, and my car hauler several times and have never had this issue. I am leaning more toward an axle/spindle issue

[SpringerPop]

I think I would start by eliminating that 1/16" discrepancy between axle center distances (using center machining "divot" as true center).

Any difference will cause the trailer to want to "turn the corner", even while being towed straight down the road. That should cause funny tire wear, and some heating.

Not likely as much heating as you are experiencing, but it's where I would start looking.

And yes, you could have a bent spindle.

Pop

[TexasBBQ]

Is it possible you got the wrong races or didn't them seated properly in the hub? Might check the contact/wear pattern on them to ensure it's centered and uniform. Just a thought.

[TURBS]

Brakes adjusted to tight?
Brake magnets getting low voltage from a short allowing brakes to be applied?
Bearing nut to tight?

[bluemaruder001]

Yes, races seated completely inner and outer and even wear. I have replaced many bearings/races and this is the first time I have encountered this issue. After what I have found from research the forum I am leaning toward bent spindles. I will hopefully find out tomorrow.

[SpringerPop]

Originally Posted by bluemaruder001

I will hopefully find out tomorrow.

And..............?

Pop

[bluemaruder001]

Well, I tried something. before taking it to the RV place I unloaded about 90-95% of the weight out of trailer. I pulled about 8 miles with not using any trailer brakes and felt hubs, barely warm. the rest of way to RV shop I dialed in a little trailer brakes. When I got to RV shop the hubs were a bit warmer but not nearly as hot as they were when I pulled it with weight in it only about 3 miles. That tells me that they are bent/cannot support the weight I have in it, which is not over max gross according to dataplate. The shop is having a hard time getting the exact model of axle, the data plates are on the fron of the axles and they are all dinged up from rocks etc. they are trying to contact Forest River to get a model number for the exact dimensions.