Bolt under slideout cutting tire of 2013 Wildcat

[RoadCook]

We have a 2013 Wildcat 327CK fifth wheel. When my husband tried to put a tire cover on the front driver's side wheel, he discovered a bolt that was digging into the tire. We think the bolt is for adjusting the slide. There is a similar bolt on all the slide arms. This bolt & surrounding area is covered with rubber shavings from the tire & the head of the bolt is partially worn down. You can clearly see where it has been wearing away the tire & taking chunks out of the tread. Also noticed the brace that runs front to back the full length of the slide (behind the fender skirts) is separating at the weld. Don't know if the two problems are connected or not. We did have this slide adjusted at the factory shortly after we bought it. I'm surprised they did not notice that this bolt would damage the tire when the slideout is in for travel at that time. Appears to be a major safety issue. Has anyone else had this problem or know of any recall relating to this?


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[OldCoot]

Pictures if possible would help.

[dieselguy]

Need photos to respond to the weld issue ... one of my slide bolts was too long on my SOB ... I just replaced it with a shorter one. As long as you don't loosen the carriage bolts, nothing will move.

[RoadCook]

Thanks guys. Here are some pics. My main concern is if anyone else had this problem & if there is or should be a recall. I know Forest River had a problem with getting recall info out to customers & this looks to me to be a serious safety hazard.


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[phillyg]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to check out mine in the AM.

[dmac1951]

Me too! Thanks for the heads up.

[OldCoot]

Don't see why you can't just cut it off. You shouldn't have to, but it is easier than going to a dealer and dealing with them. Looks like you need to cut a couple of them off.

[RoadCook]

There are 4 bolts like this, but this is the only one near a tire. You are correct, cutting it off would solve the immediate problem. But if it's for adjusting the slide, cutting the head off might cause a problem at a later date. Plus there's the issue with the weld on the brace.

[doc73]

Remove it and use a shorter bolt would be my first choice if possible.

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[RoadCook]

For others that are planning to check their rigs for a similar problem, just remember to check it with your slideout in & with your leveling jacks up.


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[Iwannacamp]

No one ever classified me as an expert.... It looks like the welded piece has been repaired. The tire seems to have more issues than bolt intrusion. It appears the tire is "scalloping" to me....but then I am looking on my phone.

I would look at that pretty close


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[mbrolin]

The bolt isnt the problem. The upper channel is not straight. It has broken and been rewelded. This is causing the bolt to angle downward into the tire. I see a lot more work needing done than just cutting off a bolt.

[Scubanut]

Yes x2 on that tire, that looks like a failure very soon.


2012 F150 FX4 Crew 5.0
2012 Coachman Freedom Express 292BHDS (outdoor Kitchen)

[dmac1951]

Agree with mbolin. Checked mine and the bolt is in the middle of the tires and pointed straight down. Something has caused yours to be at an angle. Good luck.

[Windjammin]

Our friends, who were travelling with us to Alaska, had a similar problem with their Crusader that caused a blowout on the Alaska Highway. I would contact FR and tell them you have an extremely dangerous situation and need them to correct it. Also have them send you 4 new tires to replace the ones damaged by their bad design or lack of quality control.

[Pipeman]

I have a 2009 CC and I had to take it in for a slide adjustment. I didn't have your problem but they did notice that the brace had dropped. The dealer welded the brace back to it's original position and haven't had a problem since. I do believe a gusset was welded in. The 5er is in storage so I can't get a look at it.

[walljammer]

Had that problem on my Windjammer it had just scuffed tire a little not cut it hacksaw solved problem!

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by RoadCook

Thanks guys. Here are some pics. My main concern is if anyone else had this problem & if there is or should be a recall. I know Forest River had a problem with getting recall info out to customers & this looks to me to be a serious safety hazard. Attachment 86743Attachment 86744Attachment 86745Attachment 86746


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Having a part of the vehicle come in contact with a tire is definitely a safety hazard.

1. File a complaint with NHTSA
2. Contact FR and tell them you want them to fix the problem and replace the tire.