2 bent axles

My3girls · 03-23-2021, 05:54 PM

I bought a 2013 forest River 29 footer and it has 2 bent dexter axels. I stopped at a trailer repair shop and they say some of the forest rivers didn’t reinforce the frames to good that I should drop the belly pan and investigate that. They mentioned that the cross bats may be to far apart. Any thoughts on this?
Also there is some vertical ripples on the curb side top to bottom next to the left support arm of the awning. Hope it’s not tied to the frame.

Roberte52 · 03-23-2021, 05:56 PM

Pictures?

kcmusa · 03-23-2021, 06:04 PM

Add your trailer info. Like we have in our signature.

My3girls · 03-23-2021, 06:04 PM

Oaklevel · 03-23-2021, 06:31 PM

On a 2013 trailer it is hard to know what the previous owner put it through.

Damage from rough roads, or overloading is very possible. Overloading the trailer or any other misuse can bend or weaken a frame.

As far as a larger frame wide issues there were some fifth wheels that Lippert had issues with several years ago. What is your make and model trailer?

My3girls · 03-23-2021, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

On a 2013 trailer it is hard to know what the previous owner put it through.

Damage from rough roads, or overloading is very possible. Overloading the trailer or any other misuse can bend or weaken a frame.

As far as a larger frame wide issues there were some fifth wheels that Lippert had issues with several years ago. What is your make and model trailer?

Tracer Ultralight
2670 BHS

Reverse_snowbird · 03-23-2021, 06:45 PM

Two bent axels and ripples in the siding? That doesn't sound good.

007matman · 03-23-2021, 06:49 PM

How do you know that the Axels are bent? From what I see, that could just be severe bearing wear.

My3girls · 03-23-2021, 08:08 PM

Think positive lol

My3girls · 03-23-2021, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007matman

How do you know that the Axels are bent? From what I see, that could just be severe bearing wear.

I laid a straight edge wheel to wheel and believe me it’s bent. I also jacked it up and checked for bearing wear. Good there.

**Mr. Dan** · 03-23-2021, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My3girls

I laid a straight edge wheel to wheel and believe me it’s bent. I also jacked it up and checked for bearing wear. Good there.

RV trailers are generally not ever straight edge straight. Most I've seen are arched up a little to compensate for weight.

FlagstaffTom · 03-26-2021, 05:47 PM

That photo looks exactly like mine on a Forist river after hitting a big pothole! Same tire wear, same visible cant to the wheel. That's from road trauma and I would bet the seller knew it! They just put new tires on it and sold it.

My3girls · 03-26-2021, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

Two bent axels and ripples in the siding? That doesn't sound good.

Took the trailer to a dealer. The ripple in the siding was caused from a water leak up top they said. He did confirm the 2 axels were bent

My3girls · 03-26-2021, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlagstaffTom

That photo looks exactly like mine on a Forist river after hitting a big pothole! Same tire wear, same visible cant to the wheel. That's from road trauma and I would bet the seller knew it! They just put new tires on it and sold it.

I ordered 2 axels with hubs and electric brakes. $610.00 for both. Great price.
I’ll put new hardware on too. Go big or stay home lol

Thanks for your response. Happy camping and safe travels

rsdata · 03-26-2021, 06:22 PM

Quote:

The ripple in the siding was caused from a water leak up top they said.

I would be very concerned about the water leak that caused the sidewall to delaminate... have you checked for mold in the walls and roof?

My3girls · 03-26-2021, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsdata

I would be very concerned about the water leak that caused the sidewall to delaminate... have you checked for mold in the walls and roof?

Thank you for your reply! Not sure how I’m going to check the walls for mold. Is that even possible?
As far as the possible roof leak goes there is a Big vent on the side and location that the dealer thought could be the Culprit. I’ll have to get the ladder out to check. Recommendation for caulking the vents / AC ?

rsdata · 03-26-2021, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Thank you for your reply! Not sure how I’m going to check the walls for mold. Is that even possible?
As far as the possible roof leak goes there is a Big vent on the side and location that the dealer thought could be the Culprit. I’ll have to get the ladder out to check. Recommendation for caulking the vents / AC ?

Do you smell any musty/moldy smells in that area? There are mold test kits available on amazon. Mold is nasty and a prime reason trailers are junked. Drill some small holes into the walls/roof... they should not be black.

Delamination, where the fiberglass peels away from the outside wall is usually a result of water getting into the wall... this might be the ripple you speak of.

Read this post of how I sealed my roof from leaks for a long time...

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...nce-90060.html

My3girls · 03-26-2021, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsdata

Do you smell any musty/moldy smells in that area? There are mold test kits available on amazon. Mold is nasty and a prime reason trailers are junked. Drill some small holes into the walls/roof... they should not be black.

Delamination, where the fiberglass peels away from the outside wall is usually a result of water getting into the wall... this might be the ripple you speak of.

Read this post of how I sealed my roof from leaks for a long time...

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...nce-90060.html

Cool stuff rsdata! Can a guy put that around the vents and AC?

rsdata · 03-26-2021, 07:08 PM

Eternabond tape can replace caulk anywhere. It is sold in various colors/widths from 2 inches and up. Applied properly it will stick for 10 years with a warranty. Go to eternabond dot com for more info.

I am going on year 5 of mine and no signs of deterioration of the tape or pulling up.

I did edit and add a bit to my previous post, so make sure you read it again.

My3girls · 03-26-2021, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsdata

Eternabond tape can replace caulk anywhere. It is sold in various colors/widths from 2 inches and up. Applied properly it will stick for 10 years with a warranty. Go to eternabond dot com for more info.

I am going on year 5 of mine and no signs of deterioration of the tape or pulling up.

I did edit and add a bit to my previous post, so make sure you read it again.

I sure will. I’ll check that website out. I forgot to answer your question about smell on the interior, no smell what’s so ever. The interior on this 2013 is mint condition. At least I got that going for me (:
Have a blessed weekend! Happy travels my friend👍

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