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10-14-2017, 12:35 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 15
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Axle woes
Bought my 2016 Evo 220rbs in February of 2017, took it on a couple of weekend trips in the spring to work out the bugs, then spent the month of June traveling to Denali Alaska and back. Wonderful trip, and the trailer performed admirably. Experienced the road construction, frost heaves, etc that we had read about before the trip, but kept the speed down around 60 or slower when it got a little rougher, no faster than other trailer traffic on the roads we traveled.
We often had the fresh water tank about 2/3rds full, as we spent the nights without full hook ups about half the time, but never traveled with all 3 tanks anywhere near capacity, and had weighed trailer fully loaded and with fresh water tank full prior to trip to make sure we were not over loaded.
Took a couple more weekend trips after we returned from Alaska, and I noticed the rear wheels looked to be leaning out at the bottom and in at the top. Further investigation showed both axles to be bowed down in the center, though the rear was the worst. Also noticing inside edges of tires wearing abnormally.
Now, I am trying to decide the best course of action to repair this condition and prevent it from reoccurring. I am also disappointed that these repairs are necessary on a new trailer, as I do not feel that I pushed the trailer beyond any normal or reasonable limits.
Has anyone else experienced similar problems? What measures did you take?
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10-14-2017, 02:05 AM
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#2
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Multi-Slacker
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,279
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Still under warranty, is it not?
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Safe Travels
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10-14-2017, 03:08 AM
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#3
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Road Trippin
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Pismo Beach, Ca
Posts: 161
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Just out of curiosity did you look at your trailer after you pulled it straight? I say this because I remember my tandem axle trailer would bow up and the tires would bend a bit if I was backing and jack knifing it into a spot. Once I straightened it out the tires went back to normal. If I didn't straighten it out and would have just disconnected they would have stayed in that position.
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10-14-2017, 04:47 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Waynesville
Posts: 14,428
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I guess you have Torsion Axles? Wear on the Inside of tires is "Normally" Overload and with Both axles "Bowed Down"your only recourse is "Axle Replacement"! If spring type suspension you can have the axles repaired! Youroo!!
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10-14-2017, 10:36 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CurtPutnam
Still under warranty, is it not?
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I was told this would not be covered, as they contend it is due to damage, not failure. My frustration is that I do not believe this in any way due to over loading or abuse and should not have happened.
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10-14-2017, 10:46 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pismolocal
Just out of curiosity did you look at your trailer after you pulled it straight? I say this because I remember my tandem axle trailer would bow up and the tires would bend a bit if I was backing and jack knifing it into a spot. Once I straightened it out the tires went back to normal. If I didn't straighten it out and would have just disconnected they would have stayed in that position.
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The first couple of times I noticed the tires bowing out, that's exactly what I thought it was. Further investigation proved otherwise.
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10-14-2017, 10:56 AM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by youroo
I guess you have Torsion Axles? Wear on the Inside of tires is "Normally" Overload and with Both axles "Bowed Down"your only recourse is "Axle Replacement"! If spring type suspension you can have the axles repaired! Youroo!!
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Mine are straight axles with leaf-spring suspension. I know I can have them straightened, but fear the same thing will happen again. Curious if others have had similar problems and what they did to prevent recurrence?
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10-14-2017, 11:18 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Alberta - East of the Rockies, West of the Rest
Posts: 1,785
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I know it's a bummer, but look up your axle size and compare that to the weight rating of the trailer. It might be best to invest in heavier axles and good tires to keep it safe on the road, instead of having them straightened.
I sometimes have slow down to under 40 mph (even on some 4 way highways), put the flashers on and keep my eyes peeled for potholes.
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2018 RAM 5500 Laramie CC
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Ordered: 2021....
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10-20-2017, 11:25 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 15
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I have been looking into upgrades, as I do not want to have to worry about this happening every time I travel on rough roads. Anyone put Timbren axle less suspension on a travel trailer?
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10-21-2017, 06:46 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Texas
Posts: 360
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I had an issue with the tire on the street side leaning in at the top. After a very stressful experience with the dealer, a new axle was installed. 65 miles later, (just taking it home), some issue, tire leaning in at top. I looked in to have the axle bent by a frame place, but the cost was $300. I talked to Forest River about it and no help. I figured I would just buy a new axle myself as a new axle is less expense than the frame shop. I called Lipert to get the specs on the axle, (I was going to buy a Dexter, but wanted all the numbers). Told Lipert of the issue and they said "No problem we will send you an upgraded axle". I had a 3500 # axle and they sent me a 4400# axle. Best thing that ever happened as far as the axle issue, (and I also upgraded the tires). I have just topped 1,100 miles on the new axle this weekend and all is well. No tire wear whatsoever and tires are straight. By the way, I had to send Lipert a bunch of pictures, but they were great to work with.
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2016 Wildwood 195BH
2009 Silverado 1500
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