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Old 04-24-2013, 05:23 PM   #1
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Unhappy Axle problems

We bought a new 2012 6502 Vibe by Forest River January of last year. First trip the bearings went out and we had them fixed through manufacturer's warranty. We took the same trip this spring and the bearings blew again as well as the axle is now bowed. Turns out the Lippert axle is 3500 lbs. but our gross weight is 4,065. No one wants to deal with this and we're not sure what to do. We have an extended warranty through Interstate, but they say it's a manufacturer problem. Lippert says that Forest River is also at fault for using that small of an axle. Sent an email to Forest River, but we can't get a reply. Anyone else have problems with under rated axles on their trailers? We're not sure where to go from here- afraid another 3500 lb. axle would just bend again!
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Old 04-24-2013, 06:06 PM   #2
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Sorry for your issues !
Welcome to the forum!

You do realize that some of that weight is on the hitch which takes away from the axle weight right ? "330 lbs hitch weight" probably higher .
Albeit still slightly over it should not be!

I would keep after them !


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Old 04-24-2013, 06:25 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sea eagle View Post
We bought a new 2012 6502 Vibe by Forest River January of last year. First trip the bearings went out and we had them fixed through manufacturer's warranty. We took the same trip this spring and the bearings blew again as well as the axle is now bowed. Turns out the Lippert axle is 3500 lbs. but our gross weight is 4,065. No one wants to deal with this and we're not sure what to do. We have an extended warranty through Interstate, but they say it's a manufacturer problem. Lippert says that Forest River is also at fault for using that small of an axle. Sent an email to Forest River, but we can't get a reply. Anyone else have problems with under rated axles on their trailers? We're not sure where to go from here- afraid another 3500 lb. axle would just bend again!
Stay the course! It starts out as a blame game, it may take a while, but keep after them. FYI, Your gross weight is a calculation of axle weight AND tongue weight. That's how they get the gross weight. Keep after them, keep your cool, demand to speak with someone of higher authority if you don't get satisfaction, keep your cool, document everything exactly, and last but not least, keep your cool. Old saying, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar! Good Luck.
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Old 04-24-2013, 06:47 PM   #4
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Take both of them to small claims court, why should you care who fixes it or who's fault it is, thats their problem. You could also question your State DOT about them using an axle that is not safe.
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Old 05-27-2013, 08:26 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sea eagle View Post
We bought a new 2012 6502 Vibe by Forest River January of last year. First trip the bearings went out and we had them fixed through manufacturer's warranty. We took the same trip this spring and the bearings blew again as well as the axle is now bowed. Turns out the Lippert axle is 3500 lbs. but our gross weight is 4,065. No one wants to deal with this and we're not sure what to do. We have an extended warranty through Interstate, but they say it's a manufacturer problem. Lippert says that Forest River is also at fault for using that small of an axle. Sent an email to Forest River, but we can't get a reply. Anyone else have problems with under rated axles on their trailers? We're not sure where to go from here- afraid another 3500 lb. axle would just bend again!
Hitch wt should be 10-15% which would be 407# -610#. 4065-407=3658 which is 158# over axle rating or 4065-610=3455 which is only 45# under axle rating. Either way, I would confront FR in a calm, diplomatic manner asking for at least a 4500# axle and have the dealer install. Might need to look at the tire rating also.
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Old 05-29-2013, 07:01 AM   #6
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So Lippert came through and paid to install a new axle and tires. They say it's an upgraded axle and it does look different, but it's still rated 3500 lbs. glad they fixed,it, but we're going to watch it closely. I don't understand why Forest River insists on using under rated axles on their units.
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Old 05-29-2013, 07:07 AM   #7
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So Lippert came through and paid to install a new axle and tires. They say it's an upgraded axle and it does look different, but it's still rated 3500 lbs. glad they fixed,it, but we're going to watch it closely. I don't understand why Forest River insists on using under rated axles on their units.
Now you need to take the tires/wheels to a shop and have them balanced.
Also make sure they are load rated to carry the wt.
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Old 05-29-2013, 07:09 AM   #8
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There is probably an extra .004% profit!
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Old 05-30-2013, 03:17 PM   #9
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We too are having axle issues with our week old Sabre 36qbok!!!! Only made it home (700 km) from the dealership where purchased and had no tread left on the tires The axle now needs to be replaced!! Haven't even got to use the thing yet and already having issues. Not exactly how I envisioned the start of camping season. I guess that's what happens when they disclose after the fact that the unit was not inspected!!!!!
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Old 06-01-2013, 09:43 PM   #10
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thanks for posting, this is one more issue to watch for while buying
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