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JVJR's avatar
JVJR
Explorer
Sep 05, 2016

wrong trailer axles

Wondering if anyone else has seen this issue. We recently had a tire failure on our 2006 Forest River Cherokee. In shopping for tires, I realized that this trailer has the wrong tire size and load range, and wrong size wheels, according to certification decal on outside of trailer. Further research shows that it also has under weight rated axles. The trailer has GVWR of 10840, decal specs 5080 pounds per axle. The OE tags on the axles show 3500 lb capacity.
In e-mail communication with FR, they claim to be looking into this, but feel that the axles may have been changed. I have filed complaint with NHTSA, but I am curious if there are others out there, who are having tire issues due to this unsafe situation. Thanks for any input or advice. I did buy this unit used, but axle tags are also dated 1/05, which would be right for the build date of trailer.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2016
    Have you owned the TT since it was made, or have there been other owners in between?

    Bill
  • Tiger02's avatar
    Tiger02
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    Seems low for that GVWR even with some weight riding on the hitch. Our Outback has a GVWR of 10,020 and came with 5200 lbs axles. I hope you here something positive from FR.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    Are you looking at the tire rating when the entire trailer is sitting on it's axles, or the tire rating when the proper amount has been sent up to the vehicle in front. Sometimes it seems, they tell you the total trailer amount, and then they tell you the amount that is actually on your axles. They have been known to adjust the tire ratings to reflect the amount on the axles.

    Maybe that is what has happened here?
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    sounds about right. when I bought my forest river I had 14 and 15 inch wheels on mine. forest river didn't do a darn thing to correct their mistake. I had to go to a tire shop and pay for it myself.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Sep 05, 2016
    Huh, one trailer with axles that are significantly under capacity and another with 2 different size rims?
    Must be the worlds crappiest camper mfg.
  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    My dads FR fiver came with the under rated axles and tires as well. Only one of a long list of problems. The axles bent and caused uneven tire wear. He replaced the axles and FR gave a pro rated refund for the tires.
  • Chuck_thehammer's avatar
    Chuck_thehammer
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    right to the Edge, then the Edge moved.

    my concern.. is WHAT is your Real trailer weight?

    mine is off by 800 pounds.. Empty

    7,500 to 8,300... the 8,300 is what it scaled at.
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    On a 10,840 lb trailer, 3500 lb axles is about right. App. 20% of the weight is on the tongue not the axles.
  • Walaby's avatar
    Walaby
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2016
    My Forest River (Prime Time) Lacrosse has dual axle weight rating of 8800 lbs. Total GVWR of 9700 lbs, and two 4400 lb axles.

    Yes, I believe yours are underrated for the trailer you have. Only question becomes was it sold that way (since you are not first owner) or were the axles replaced by chance. Forest River should be able to answer that. I asked for the original manufacturers equipment listing from PrimeTime and they responded in like 24 hours with the whole listing, including axles and their rating.

    Mike

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