FR apparently can't measure! Major issue

[prof_fate]

Well, we're out of warranty and I doubt there's a fix that warranty would have paid for or could have fixed.

Our TT is 2 years old, we've got maybe 6-700 miles on it. The trires were dry rotting so yesterday I got them replaced.

And not a mile too soon. Disaster was just around the next bend.

The left side tires both had severe rub marks on the back side - one was into the 'cords' on the sideway. Upon investigation it turns out the ENTIRE TRAILER isn't centered on the frame - it's about 1.25 inches too far to the left.

So the left side tires run on the inside of the fenderwell of the TT - the floor/wall joint. The tire had weakened to the point it was bulging out of the sidewall and that made the rubbing even worse!

I beat the edge back with a BFH for the ride home but looks like I"ll have to pull the inner fender out and attack the structure with a saw and replace the inner fender to seal it back up.

SO this is a warning to you all- go look under your TT at the inside of our tires and see if anything is rubbing. Before you you have blowouts on the road!

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by prof_fate

The left side tires both had severe rub marks on the back side - one was into the 'cords' on the sideway. Upon investigation it turns out the ENTIRE TRAILER isn't centered on the frame - it's about 1.25 inches too far to the left.

That sounds bizarre! How are you measuring this?

If the axles are offset mounted to the frame, I would think that the manufacturer would make it right regardless if it's out of warranty...I would certainly try!

Dave

[ependydad]

IMO, I wouldn't do anything drastic, get to a dealer and see about getting this thing back to the factory.

[OldCoot]

Would first measure to see if the axles are centered on the frame. It might just be the inner fender is not right which would not be a major undertaking to fix. After determining the actual problem, I would then contact the dealer/FR for a fix.

[prof_fate]

its 2.5 years old - warranty (even the extended one) has expired. I don't want to be without my TT for the next 6 months.

Measurement - from frame to edge of floor in the wheel well. There's a large easily visible difference.

Axles are centered and with the spring saddles. I suppose the spring mounts could be cut off the axles, relocated and re welded but that isn't something I"m gonna trust the dealer to do and getting FR to pay an axle place - out of warranty - isn't gonna be easy.

Instead of hours of driving (and gas) back and forth to the dealership I can cut back and reseal the wheel wells and have it done. I only need 3/4" clearance, if that. The wheelwell is just tin stapled in place and I"m guessing behind it I"ll find a plywood floor with a 2x3 sitting on it. Since i beat it back with a hammer i know it's not steel there and the area is now marked - hammer and chisel or maybe a router will fit. Gonna rain for the next 2 days then i work for 3 long days so next week I'll tackle it.

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by prof_fate

its 2.5 years old - warranty (even the extended one) has expired. I don't want to be without my TT for the next 6 months.

Measurement - from frame to edge of floor in the wheel well. There's a large easily visible difference.

Axles are centered and with the spring saddles. I suppose the spring mounts could be cut off the axles, relocated and re welded but that isn't something I"m gonna trust the dealer to do and getting FR to pay an axle place - out of warranty - isn't gonna be easy.

Instead of hours of driving (and gas) back and forth to the dealership I can cut back and reseal the wheel wells and have it done. I only need 3/4" clearance, if that. The wheelwell is just tin stapled in place and I"m guessing behind it I"ll find a plywood floor with a 2x3 sitting on it. Since i beat it back with a hammer i know it's not steel there and the area is now marked - hammer and chisel or maybe a router will fit. Gonna rain for the next 2 days then i work for 3 long days so next week I'll tackle it.

It sounds like the manufacturer didn't make the wheel well deep enough on the one side where it's rubbing. I'd still go after them to pay for the fix.

Dave

[TURBS]

Forest river to my knowledge buys the frames with axles attached.
I'm not sure there the problem.


Turbs

[OldCoot]

Would measure the axle to the frame on both sides, not the tire to the fender. Would want to make sure the axle is centered on the frame itself. The inner fenders are as you say, just wood and alum/plastic.

[F.R.O.G.]

Prof Fate, I just sent you a PM.

[prof_fate]

the axles ARE centered.
The BODY of the trailer isn't centered on the frame.

Five possible fixes -
remove body from frame, move 1", re-attach. Really? Anyone gonna do that?
Relocate axles to move tires away from wheel well. A lot of work.
Spacer behind the wheel to move it away from wheelwell. Safe? Don't know.
Different rim with a deeper offset to do the same as the spacer would. A good choice perhaps, but not as cheap as...
Change wheel well for clearance to tire. Seems the best solution.

[Lynkage]

Did you take measurements all the way down both sides from the frame to the outside of the camper? Is it off all the way down both sides?

Just trying to get my head wrapped around this?

The side that hangs over the most is the side with the rubbing?

[BarryD0706]

Prof_fate, you missed an option:
Forest River is so embarrassed by this that they give you a new RV. (Personally, I'd choose that option and think it should be offered.)

[bodzcampers]

I would contact FR. That seems fundamentally (beyond warranty) incorrect. I know you don't want to be without your trailer. Maybe you could negotiate a loaner.

[SaskCampers]

Did you guys happen to notice Bob Byrne from FR has reached out to Prof, perhaps we should let things take a natural progression at this point as it seems FR has some interest here.

[Campingnut]

I know it was mentioned to let FR deal with it but I thought I would put my 2 cents in. The idea to use wheel spacer would work fine till you have time to deal with it properly, as long as the wheel studs are long enough.

[prof_fate]

From frame edge to outside edge of trailer

RF - 13 3/16" midpoint - 13 1/2" RR - 13 5/16
LF - 12 7/8 midpoint - 12 15/16 LR - 13 1/8
How straight is the frame, the edge of the camper? 1/2" give or take would IMO be a reasonable spec and they're pretty close to that.

From the frame to the inner wheel well - Right side 2 3/4", left side 1 1/4"
The left side rubs so 1.25" is too little clearance apparently. Here the diff side to side 1.5".

I'm not measuring axles or tires - just body on frame.

FR did call me - but the nearest dealer in an hour away and I know they'll want a rep to see it - so that's 4 hours of driving, $70 in gas, a few more hours of chit chat on 'is there an issue' and 'what is the fix' - and the 50 miles to get there the tires will be rubbing...

I can fix this in an hour for probably no money out of my pocket, maybe some caulk or a saw blade.

Not worth the hassle and expense.

I just posted as a WARNING to others - go check your TT, even if it's new you may have issues that are hiding. And I'll keep this in mind on my next RV purchase.

Originally Posted by Lynkage

Did you take measurements all the way down both sides from the frame to the outside of the camper? Is it off all the way down both sides?

Just trying to get my head wrapped around this?

The side that hangs over the most is the side with the rubbing?

[bakken]

Those differences are not enough to say that the camper is not centered on the frame. A half inch is not desirable, but probably within tolerances.

[Indymule]

Prof Fate,

Sounds like you know how to fix it.. Good luck.

Thanks for the heads up..checked mine, looks good,

[SaskCampers]

Ya hopefully it turns out like you have it planned.

[OldCoot]

Prof, can you get into the inside to make the mod to the inside first and then cover the repairs on the outside and coat with some rubberizing type spray?