Look at your 8285ws axles ??

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Would someone that has a Rockwood 8285WS look at you mounting of the axles to the frame (front and rear axles) of the RV where they are bolted on. See if you have a space on the front of the axles where they are bolted to the frame. See the picture posted ?

I have a email off to Rockwood/ Forest River asking if this is normal. I just noticed this this morning and email was sent today.

My 8285 WS is new, was picked up Jan 27, 2011.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Part two of the axles pictures.

[sherdep]

Sorry I cant help with you question

wow - almost looks like the plate is bending as well from the pictures (Picture #2) - you would think it would be solid against the perch instead of sitting off of it - it does look like if you loosen the bolt it will slide and put the perch and the frame to a touching position.
Also would think there would be a flat washer on the bolt head side as well which doesnt appear to be one there either - just my observation

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Both axles have the same space as if they were adjusted for the space.
Will see if Rockwood has a answer.

[backin15]

I understand this is not an uncommon problem. If you search this forum there is a thread on how to fix it. You can see in your pics one of the holes is elongated and you can see the indentation in the paint where the washer used to be. If I remember right you need to loosen the bolt and jack the axel plate back into position then retighten the bolt. In the thread there is a permanent fix, it involves drilling a new hole and installing an additional bolt so it can't shift again.

[4runner]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

Would someone that has a Rockwood 8285WS look at you mounting of the axles to the frame (front and rear axles) of the RV where they are bolted on. See if you have a space on the front of the axles where they are bolted to the frame. See the picture posted ?

I have a email off to Rockwood/ Forest River asking if this is normal. I just noticed this this morning and email was sent today.

My 8285 WS is new, was picked up Jan 27, 2011.

Thats worse than my 2011 2304s.You need to loosen the bolts jack the axels up and put bolts up threw the frame.Thats what iam doing.

[crocus]

Check the thread called ;
How many bolts hold your axels on?
I posted there how I fixed the problem.
I hope you can follow it, as it is a little confusing.

If they all slipped, it isn't as bad if only one or two slip, as that places uneven loads on the axles and tires.
As far as I am concerned, it is pathetic how the factory mounts these, and they should be adding the extra bolts as I did.

[Hoo Dad]

I checked out my 8285WS axles and did not find the problem as seen in your pic's. Have you heard back from Forest River?

[crocus]

Hoo Dad, your axles may not have slipped yet, but it will happen one day. There is simply not enough clamping force to keep them in place.
Or do you have more than two bolts per axle flange?

[wfmdfm]

I have a 8528RKWS and checked an I have the same issue. I have used this maybe 150 miles since picking it up 3 weeks ago. I assume this would be repaired by the Dealer?? I will discuss it with them. I am not a welder but think I could have done a better job than whoever put this together. Its ahame to get under there and see all the rust and its brand new.

[crocus]

It really isn't a difficult job, except fror getting the bolt in the back axle, that was a bit of fun. But I don't know if the dealer would be interested. I think you would have to convince FR that it is a warranty issue, and they should pay for it. That might never happen.
UPDATE!;
Apparently, Daisy got FR to cover it under warranty. Check the other thread on this subject;
How many bolts hold your axels on?

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Received answer back from Forest River. They are very concerned about the axles slipping and a ongoing brake problem I have. FR told me that it was uncommon for the axles slipping. They said to not drill any holes, The axles have to be realigned and the bolts torqued properly. They said apparently the bolts were not torqued properly when aligned to the frame at time of production. I have contracted with a trailer axle, frame specialty shop for the alignment and brake repair. I will pay the bill , then be reimbursed by Forest River for my out of pocket cost. The 8285WS is under warranty (1/27/2011 bought).

I had made the statement to Forest River about when it is all done that I would like 1/2" holes drilled in the vertical mounting plates next to the slotted holes with 1/2" bolts installed. They were very firm about not drilling any holes, that proper torque should correct the problem. I will have to rely on the axle shops repair work. Axle shop said torque properly, should be good enough with out drilling holes also!

I will keep all posted.

[crocus]

Please report back here also Daisy.
I am very interested in what they have to say.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

I purchased a one gallon container of Phosphoric Prep & Etch by Klean Strip
from Lowes (About $14.00). Used my pump-up bug sprayer, crawled under "ROCKY" , sprayed all the rusty surfaces, followed directions on container.
The chemical dissolves, seals the rust. Bought two spray cans of black Rust-oleum gloss protective enamel, got careless, sprayed myself, wheels,
axles, brake drums, frame, rusty propane pipe, drive way, hydraulic jack and anything that got in the way.

Oh well, what do you expect, I'm no pro painter. Then I stood back and watched the paint dry while I had a .

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

FR told me that it was uncommon for the axles slipping. They said to not drill any holes, The axles have to be realigned and the bolts torqued properly. They said apparently the bolts were not torqued properly when aligned to the frame at time of production.

Did Forest River say why there's a slotted mounting hole in the first place? Is it slotted to allow for axle alignment? If that were the case, how do you how whether it's slipped or not. Seems like a very strange mounting arrangement.

As many of you have obviously spent some time under your camper, what do you think of the axle mounting spacers between the frame and axle...a 2x4 and a 2x2" 1/8" wall tubing stacked on top of each other. The ends aren't capped off which would really strength the spacer. It looks like one of my 2x4 spacers has widened a bit. Definitely on list to cap these...have to remove the underbelly cover in that area to weld caps on. I'll post some pictures when done.



Dave

[crocus]

On Daisy's axles, you can clearly see where the bolt washers used to sit, and how much the bolts have slipped.
I do agree that the tubing on the mounting frame looks awfully light, and your idea of capping the ends is a good one. That would also keep salt out of the tubes, and keep them from rusting from the inside out. Just make sure they are dry before you cap them!

[crocus]

Daisy, did all four axle ends slip on your camper?
I only had one slip, and that is how I know they were initially all tight up against the trailer frame.

[Hoo Dad]

Crocus, I also have 2 bolts per axle.

Daisy, What is the proper torque for the bolts? Also, what happened to your brakes?

Thanks

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Hoodad, I had a spring to brake in the left front brake drum on the way home from the RVWholesalers , sort of wiped out the magnet and damaged the brake shoes. I had only brakes on the back axle after the spring broke. Forest River paid Camping World for a complete brake backing plate assembly, installed for repairs. They did the warranty repairs because they are a listed as a Forest River Dealer.

For everybody's information, I will give a report back about the alignment and axle repair after next Tuesday 4/19.

Thanks for all concerned.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Dave Monica, I would be very careful about welding on the frame to plug any holes. I would use the insulating foam to plug the holes. After 30 years of welding experience, you have to be careful about any welding on the frame, especially any vertical welds or horizontal welds on the frame can cause weakening and cracks.

My personal experience and opinion !