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03-22-2021, 10:44 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 11
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Bent Dexter Axle-Sad Story
2020 Flagstaff Microlite 25 bds.
Left Illinois on Feb 20 bound for Cottonwood, AZ where we had a two week reservation at Dead Horse Ranch State Park near Cottonwood. We wanted to stop in Tucson first so we took a southern Route. Sub freezing temps lead us to stay in motels followed by our first camping nite in Tucumcari, NM at Blazing Saddles RV Park. Great place run by great people. On the way to Deming, NM for night two we hit a big pothole on Rt 54 somewhere near White Sands. Didn't think much of it other than "ouch" until setting up in Deming at Little Vinyard RV Park, also a great place. I was checking my tires when I noticed that the lead, right tire was worn to the steel belts on the inside. Yikes! Fortunately, there was a Big O tire shop just two blocks away so in the morning, we went there. By then the tire was nearly flat so we counted our blessings that we hadn't had a failure out in the boonies. A new tire was no problem but the technician said the axel was bent. The only RV repair shop in Deming was about a mile away so we went there where I got the bad news and then the worse news. The bad news was that the axel spindle was indeed bent and the new tire wouldn't last 100 miles. Not repairable. The fix is a new axel. This trailer has Dexter, torsion axels which I had been told are far superior to the old, leaf spring axels. That may be so but...
I said, okay, put on a new axel. Well, I was told, this axel is specific to this trailer and has to be ordered. Now for the worse news. "It will take up to THREE MONTHS to get one. I called the Gander Outdoors dealership in Illinois where the service manager confirmed that was true. He said minimally two months. Parts are hard to get right now as the manufacturers are sucking them all up because demand for new RVs is high. Vacation over. I cancelled our reservation at Deadhorse, which was very hard to get, put my trailer in storage in Deming because the small repair shop doesn't have room. Now, we wait and then go back to retrieve it. Can't reserve camping anywhere because we don't know when it will be finished.
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03-22-2021, 11:09 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Northern KY
Posts: 5,724
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So sorry for your luck...
I would try some other avenues like trailer junk yards, etrailer dot com, etc. Hopefully others may have an idea also.
I think you can blame it on the COVID shutdowns... seems like everywhere there are shortages...
__________________
"nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle."
Thomas Jefferson to John Norvell pg. 2, June 11, 1807
2014 Shamrock 183
2014 RAM 1500 Bighorn Crew Cab, HEMI, 3.21 gears, 8 Spd, 4X4 TST TPMS
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03-22-2021, 11:31 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Denver, NC
Posts: 2,607
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Sorry to hear about your misfortunes...When you say specific to this trailer are you meaning it's a certain size Dexter axle ? Is it a 3.5K axle ? Do you know specifically what size/part # you need ?
I would search online and also check Amazon and Ebay
__________________
2015 Ram 2500 CTD,CC,SB,4x4
2016 Rockwood 2703 Emerald Edition
Husky CenterLine TS Hitch
TST 507 TPMS
Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X
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03-22-2021, 12:34 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: North of Seattle, WA
Posts: 17,283
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In the past I've found that many small metal fabrication shops can work wonders with "bent" parts.
The Torflex axle does present some challenges but it may be possible to do some bending on the support structure to return the wheel to alignment. The axle's swing-arm and spindle is stout and it's usually the steel of the frame where it joins the torsion tube that bends.
Perhaps a path you might want to explore.
__________________
"A wise man can change his mind. A fool never will." (Japanese Proverb)
"You only grow old when you run out of new things to do"
2018 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25BDS
2023 f-150 SCREW XLT 3.5 Ecoboost (The result of a $68,000 oil change )
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03-22-2021, 12:40 PM
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#5
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Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,074
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Bad luck for sure.
Pot holes can do severe damage and unfortunately pothole damage doesn't care about COVID or parts shortages.
Could you put a heavier axle (not axel) under there?
Possibly a different load rating might be in stock?
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2017 Ford F-Series SCREW 4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped ☼ '19=118 ☼ '20=116 ☼ '21=123 ☼ '22=134 ☼ '23=118☼ '24=86
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03-22-2021, 02:50 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2,481
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Try a trailer repair shop. They may be able to fix you up by cutting off the spindle or just replacing one side.
Guy in my area will do it. They don't warranty it but in many cases the fix is successful and would allow you to complete your trip.
The dealer is just going to want to replace the entire axle (which is probably best) but I wouldn't want to wait neither.
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03-22-2021, 03:29 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 44
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You have my sympathy; we went through something similar at the end of last year - irregular tire wear, and a long delay to await the delivery of parts until the repair could be made under the extended warranty. So far, no irregular tire wear with the new Dexter axle - fingers crossed.
I hope all goes well for you.
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03-22-2021, 03:34 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: North of Seattle, WA
Posts: 17,283
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 007matman
Try a trailer repair shop. They may be able to fix you up by cutting off the spindle or just replacing one side.
Guy in my area will do it. They don't warranty it but in many cases the fix is successful and would allow you to complete your trip.
The dealer is just going to want to replace the entire axle (which is probably best) but I wouldn't want to wait neither.
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This axle is pretty much a one piece item. No cutting off a spindle as it's usually part of the swing arm on the TORSION axle. It's not repairable unless bent parts are bent back into the correct posiion.
__________________
"A wise man can change his mind. A fool never will." (Japanese Proverb)
"You only grow old when you run out of new things to do"
2018 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25BDS
2023 f-150 SCREW XLT 3.5 Ecoboost (The result of a $68,000 oil change )
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03-22-2021, 03:50 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 9,458
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Have you tried calling Dexter yourself? Ask for a compassionate priority.
__________________
Larry
"Everybody's RV is not like your RV."
"Always take pictures with the button on the right."
"Always bypass the water heater before opening the low-point drains."
Sticks and Bricks: Raleigh, NC
2008 Cherokee 38P: at Ivor, VA permanently
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03-22-2021, 04:13 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 166
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I guess this is a question first and part of a solution - maybe. How do you like that for ambivalence. As has already been said, sorry for your troubles. One of those potholes presented itself to us with our 2502KS, fortunately I got on the brakes fast enough to save the undercarriage BUT the whole condiment cupboard emptied itself on the floor, a full Folgers coffee, the sugar, the salt and pepper, jams and jellies, coffee mugs, glasses and more all in a broken heap on the floor when we arrived and opened the door.
Question: Before buying a Torflex axle my research showed that the new ones have an interchangeable spindle. They are indexed and a single bolt allows it to be removed. Are the factory still using the old, less expensive, non-removable type. Here is a link on the changeable one: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...tail&FORM=VIRE
From there repairing the mounting plates might do it. Just trying to shed a little sunshine on your day.
Paul
__________________
Paul / Carole Ann and 'Monte' the Goldendoodle
2023 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2608BS
2020 Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S
2017 Rockwood Mini Lite 2502KS
2012 Ram 2500 6.7L Diesel
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03-22-2021, 04:25 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2,481
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TitanMike
This axle is pretty much a one piece item. No cutting off a spindle as it's usually part of the swing arm on the TORSION axle. It's not repairable unless bent parts are bent back into the correct posiion.
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Sounded like it was the spindle that was bent.. maybe it's my bad in not understanding.
I have heard of shops replacing just a spindle on a torsion axle. The shop where I took my old camper offered to do it for me if the fix they did didn't work out (the bearings failed and fused the spindle nut) and it tore up the threads.
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03-22-2021, 04:29 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 166
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007matman, check the video link above. I don't know how old your axle was or if the factory are using the new removeable spindle setup. That would be nice.
Paul
__________________
Paul / Carole Ann and 'Monte' the Goldendoodle
2023 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2608BS
2020 Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S
2017 Rockwood Mini Lite 2502KS
2012 Ram 2500 6.7L Diesel
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03-22-2021, 04:36 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2,481
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2plus1
007matman, check the video link above. I don't know how old your axle was or if the factory are using the new removeable spindle setup. That would be nice.
Paul
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Yeah, I don't think mine was that way but it's possible that the OP's is.
That's an awesome feature.
I was just saying I'd heard of people doing it with the older design (my old camper was a 2008).
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03-22-2021, 04:47 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 166
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007matman, I know my 2017 MiniLite didn't have them. I did a visual check. I have not checked to see if the 2020 2511S has them. When the snow is gone I will have a look.
Paul
__________________
Paul / Carole Ann and 'Monte' the Goldendoodle
2023 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2608BS
2020 Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S
2017 Rockwood Mini Lite 2502KS
2012 Ram 2500 6.7L Diesel
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03-22-2021, 06:15 PM
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#15
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 369
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I bent a Torflex axle the same way in 2109 on a pothole on I-95 in the Smoky Mountains. I didn't know it until the tire wore down to the steel belts and started leaking, rapidly. I replaced the tire, and we made it on into Washington DC. I replaced the new tire again in eastern Arkansas when the tread on the inside was gone, then made it home to central Texas on the 3rd tire. I checked the tire for wear every stop, and was able to figure out that I'd get about 1000 mile before the tire was dangerous. I drove more slowly than normal... but we finished the vacation.
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David & Elise
Windjammer 3001W
RAM 3500 SRW
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03-22-2021, 06:45 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South West Michigan
Posts: 187
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I had a similar situation. Called Flagstaff warranty service and they went to bat for me with Dexter. Got the new axle in a week. Try calling 574-642-8942 Deb Rimsa.
__________________
2015 Flagstaff 8528IKWS Diamond Package
2013 Ford F-150 Super Crew, EcoBoost, Max Tow,
6.5 bed, Roadmaster Active Suspension, E rated tires
98 days camping 2017 98 days camping 2018
94 days camping 2019 49 days camping 2020
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03-23-2021, 05:22 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Maurice, LA
Posts: 4,095
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Maybe ease ur pain
If you added your camper to your automobile insurance it will most likely be a covered repair.
Wouldn't it be nice to pay just the deductible rather than a new axle and tire? It may even pay the cost of storage while waiting for the axle to arrive.
__________________
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL, Gladiator Qr35 ST235/85R16 Load rating G, TST 507 TPMS w/ Flow-thru Sensors & Repeater, Reese Sidewinder 16K Pin Box, PI EMS HW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 2500HD CCSB LTZ Diesel, Fumoto Oil Drain Valve, Turbo Brake activated, 39 gal Aux Tank W/ Fuel Pump transfer, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 air bags.
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03-23-2021, 05:47 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 1,222
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Welcome to NM. Fixing potholes doesn't seem to be a priority here. Very sorry for your troubles.
__________________
2009 Roo 21ss + 2007 Superduty 6.0
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03-23-2021, 09:02 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South West Michigan
Posts: 187
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DouglasReid
If you added your camper to your automobile insurance it will most likely be a covered repair.
Wouldn't it be nice to pay just the deductible rather than a new axle and tire? It may even pay the cost of storage while waiting for the axle to arrive.
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My insurance did pay for the axle and tire.
__________________
2015 Flagstaff 8528IKWS Diamond Package
2013 Ford F-150 Super Crew, EcoBoost, Max Tow,
6.5 bed, Roadmaster Active Suspension, E rated tires
98 days camping 2017 98 days camping 2018
94 days camping 2019 49 days camping 2020
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03-23-2021, 02:04 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Maurice, LA
Posts: 4,095
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne Joan
My insurance did pay for the axle and tire.
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Not a bad outcome even though it was a PITA!
__________________
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL, Gladiator Qr35 ST235/85R16 Load rating G, TST 507 TPMS w/ Flow-thru Sensors & Repeater, Reese Sidewinder 16K Pin Box, PI EMS HW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 2500HD CCSB LTZ Diesel, Fumoto Oil Drain Valve, Turbo Brake activated, 39 gal Aux Tank W/ Fuel Pump transfer, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 air bags.
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