Tire wear 3,000 miles

[Go Bills]

I have a 2019 Flagstaff 26FKBS. It has 2 Torx Dexter Axles. After 3,000 miles the rear passenger tire outside tread wore down to the danger point. I put on the unused spare and within another 3,000 miles it blew out. Same axle, same place. Forest River said it will not fall under warranty even though I reported this problem at the two year point. RV City in Benton, AR has submitted another claim without positive affirmation from Forest River. They say the only way to solve the problem is replace both complete axles, hubs, bushings, spindles entirely. Shouldn't Forest River be held accountable?

[TitanMike]

If only the one tire was wearing and tires on the other axle are not, only the axle with the worn tire needs to be replaced.

The issue is merely alignment within the axle/swing arm assembly and replacing merely that one axle will correct it.

The Dealer is over-selling, most likely because they don't have anyone that understands alignment and axle geometry.

A complete 3500# Torflex axle with brakes can be purchased for ~$800 and installation is not a major "special tools required" job.

[Go Bills]

Titan Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I will begin to contact Dexter. I also found a dealer 90 minutes away. Do you know if the axle GAWR is stamped on axle or part number is on a sticker attached or do I have to contact F.R. for that info? TY, GO BILLS!!

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Go Bills

Titan Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I will begin to contact Dexter. I also found a dealer 90 minutes away. Do you know if the axle GAWR is stamped on axle or part number is on a sticker attached or do I have to contact F.R. for that info? TY, GO BILLS!!

The label attached to the axle should tell you that. Dexter support can't confirm by model number.

I had to replace both axles under warranty last year due to never spindles. Don't expect to get a call back for messages left with Dexter but, when you actually get to talk to somebody, they're sincere in wanting to help.

They will ship axles only dealers. They needn't be RV dealers. Why trailer repair shop is fine. If you plan to do it yourself, find a cooperative independent repair shop to take delivery.

For the first axle, I couldn't find anybody willing or able to do the job without a 3 month wait. A shop was willing to accept delivery on my behalf. I picked it up there and did the repair in a friend's front yard.

Dexter will pay 1.5 hrs at standard rates for installation under warranty. I paid that to the receiving dealer for their help and got reimbursed.

The second axle was replaced at a trailer shop near my home. They handled all financial transactions directly with Dexter. That was much easier.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Go Bills

I have a 2019 Flagstaff 26FKBS. It has 2 Torx Dexter Axles. After 3,000 miles the rear passenger tire outside tread wore down to the danger point. I put on the unused spare and within another 3,000 miles it blew out. Same axle, same place. Forest River said it will not fall under warranty even though I reported this problem at the two year point. RV City in Benton, AR has submitted another claim without positive affirmation from Forest River. They say the only way to solve the problem is replace both complete axles, hubs, bushings, spindles entirely. Shouldn't Forest River be held accountable?

The axle should be warranted by Dexter, not FR. If you have evidence of having reported it within the warranty period, call Dexter directly to see if they'll take responsibility.

[Mikeytheb]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

The axle should be warranted by Dexter, not FR. If you have evidence of having reported it within the warranty period, call Dexter directly to see if they'll take responsibility.

I can see two issues. First you have (apparently) passed the warranty period. I think you would also be “accused” of hitting a curb hard or a big pothole, etc. From other posts I have read, it is apparently very easy to bend an RV axle.

[clintbonnie73]

Just curious .. what is the brand name of the tires ? I have had similar problems with China made tires.. switch to GoodYear.. problem goes away..

[JimMorrell]

I would never buy another TT without having the axles aligned by a reputable axle and springs company. Generally, these companies work on trucks, but they also do trailer alignments. Many trailers come from the manufacturer with out of alignment axles. I would also never use the tires that the manufacturers install.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by JimMorrell

I would never buy another TT without having the axles aligned by a reputable axle and springs company. ...

As far as I know, torsion spring axles, such as Dexter Torflex on Rockwood trailers, can't be adjusted.

[cboss]

We have 27,000+ on our camper now. On the past winter's trip I hit a nasty pothole on I81 south in PA. When I got to Charleston I noticed wear just like yours (but on the inside). I had ruined a brand new GY.
Took it to a frame shop (not an RV repair joint). The tech said these torsion axels can be heated and fixed (sometimes), but did not recommend it. I opted for a new axel and two new GYs. The good GY on the other side became my spare.
My guess was a bent spindle. BTW: $1600 (includes the tires).

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

As far as I know, torsion spring axles, such as Dexter Torflex on Rockwood trailers, can't be adjusted.

It's going to depend on what bent and where.

A bent spindle is a problem that only replacement can fix. If part of the torflex axle framework is bent, resulting in a misaligned swing arm/spindle, then repair might be feasible.

It's going to take an expert to make the determination.

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by Mikeytheb

I can see two issues. First you have (apparently) passed the warranty period. I think you would also be “accused” of hitting a curb hard or a big pothole, etc. From other posts I have read, it is apparently very easy to bend an RV axle.

All the above.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Mikeytheb

I can see two issues. First you have (apparently) passed the warranty period. I think you would also be “accused” of hitting a curb hard or a big pothole, etc. From other posts I have read, it is apparently very easy to bend an RV axle.

Dexter didn't ask me anything about curbs or potholes, when mine got bent. I don't think they had any interest in deflecting responsibility.