Just bought a 5 yr old camper. Slept in a total of 8 nights. Axles?

007matman · 03-05-2021, 08:54 PM

So..

I just bought this camper.. it was basically in a climate controlled garage for the first 3 yrs of its life, then placed under a carport. It looks brand new. Previous owners took it on two trips that were around 1000 miles each. Other than that it didn't go anywhere other than between those points.

Just had new Goodyear Endurance tires installed and the tech noticed there was some extra bearing play.

I removed the wheels to check the bearings.. right away I noticed the castle nut was very loose and I didn't need a wrench to remove it. Inspected the bearings and they're like brand new. Being 5 yrs old I thought about replacing them. However, in thinking about it they look great with zero signs of wear.

What would you do? Considering just removing them all, greasing them well, and putting them back together. When I did it with one of them it firmed right up and has zero play (at least for that axle).

Axles are from Lippert.. 4400lbs ea.

SeaDog · 03-06-2021, 09:18 AM

If they are not sealed bearings I would repack them and reinstall set the preload and consider it good to go.

Chuck_S · 03-06-2021, 09:38 AM

My Roo trailer wheel bearings are a least 17 years old and still in perfect condition (fingers crossed). I used to have them cleaned, inspected, and repacked every year now every other. Preventive maintenance is key.

-- Chuck

oxcamper · 03-06-2021, 09:53 AM

If the spindles look in good shape, no abnormal wear, then I would do as SeaDog suggests in post 2

007matman · 03-06-2021, 11:04 AM

Thanks guys. I think that's what I'm going to do. I don't see what sense it would make to replace them at this point.

CGK · 03-06-2021, 10:18 PM

I agree with the others, but remember if you pull the bearings you almost have to replace the seals. At least I've never been able to remove the assembly without damaging the seals. They're cheap, so it's good insurance! Happy camping!

The Evil Twin · 03-06-2021, 10:27 PM

The Big castle nut should NEVR be tight enough to need a wrench to remove. Pull, clean, pack and re
Install if no damage is present.
I have pulled 3000 mile hub bearings and had damage. So inspect carefully. We replaced a hub drum at about 3000 miles due to galling.

007matman · 03-06-2021, 10:31 PM

Judging by the outer ones.. they're all in perfect shape. I just threw some more grease in on the inner ones and called it good. Torqued them down too seat them properly then backed them off to finger tight.. seem in good shape. Wheels spin nice.. no abnormal signs or sounds.

D W · 03-07-2021, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Evil Twin

The Big castle nut should NEVR be tight enough to need a wrench to remove.

X2.

Lins · 03-11-2021, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D W

X2.

x3! That's a good way to burn up bearings.

matman, what did you end up getting?

007matman · 03-22-2021, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lins

x3! That's a good way to burn up bearings.

matman, what did you end up getting?

Sorry.. I didn't see your question.

2015 Sunset Trail Reserve ST33FR. It has dual opposing slides w/bunks in the rear so much more room for the kids.

This one was such a good deal I couldn't say no. I really wanted to stay with FR but couldn't find what we want for what we was willing to spend. We had to make some sacrifices in going from our Rockwood (the non-walkable roof was a big one). I also miss the exterior lighting in our old camper.

Lins · 03-22-2021, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007matman

Sorry.. I didn't see your question.

2015 Sunset Trail Reserve ST33FR. It has dual opposing slides w/bunks in the rear so much more room for the kids.

This one was such a good deal I couldn't say no. I really wanted to stay with FR but couldn't find what we want for what we was willing to spend. We had to make some sacrifices in going from our Rockwood (the non-walkable roof was a big one). I also miss the exterior lighting in our old camper.

Yeah we're looking at switching to a lightweight 5th wheel ourselves. The 2701 has been a good first TT but time for something else now.

007matman · 03-22-2021, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lins

Yeah we're looking at switching to a lightweight 5th wheel ourselves. The 2701 has been a good first TT but time for something else now.

Yep.. my ideal choice would have been a 5th wheel too. Good luck finding one you like. They're spendy right now.. it'll be interesting to see what impact that fire at Forest River will have on the marketplace.

Campers are hard enough to find right now..

Lins · 03-22-2021, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007matman

Yep.. my ideal choice would have been a 5th wheel too. Good luck finding one you like. They're spendy right now.. it'll be interesting to see what impact that fire at Forest River will have on the marketplace.

Campers are hard enough to find right now..

We're not forcing ourselves to upgrade unless we find a good deal. There were actually good deals in the fall but due to travel restrictions (we have to isolate upon return) we couldn't jump on one for an amazing price. Oh well...

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