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WandaLust2's avatar
WandaLust2
Explorer
Apr 01, 2013

Heartland NT BRS 28 tire and axle failure :(

I ready read (on this Forum?) that the 28BRS NorthTrail had inadequate axles for the weight of the trailer. Well now we found out. After no more than 3000 miles both axles are bent and all four tires are BALD on the inner edge... all threads are GONE. The tires are no longer perpendicular to the ground. Now what? This TT had never been in an accident. We've never even hit a pothole. It carries a light load as we're both retired and don't travel with kids and loads of junk. We have anti-sway bars and a WDH. It's out of warranty. We didn't notice the problem until we were 300 miles from home, on our way back from FL today. I have a feeling we're going to have to spend a lot of money on heavier duty axles more appropriate, more adaquate for the weight of this TT. This is a hell of a way for a company to save money - people can get killed when something like this happens and they don't happen to notice it. Suggestions anyone? Ideas? Thoughts?

Yes we plan to call Heartland tomorrow.

And now this, while looking for the information on inadequate axles on the BRS28: http://www.rvbusiness.com/tag/nation...dministration/

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 North Trail travel trailers. The suspension can come in contact with the LP pipe mounted on the frame under the trailer above the equalizer arm. Which model? Mine? I not only have to fear the ruined tires blowing and having the bent axles break, but now we have to worry about the propane lines also?

2 Replies

  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    I used lengths of 1-1/2" 1/4" ANGLE IRON tacked across the full width of the axles to drastically reduce the incidence of axle flexing and bending. To be specific, welded with one inch long beads of Allstate 275 (Super Missile Weld) every nine inches. Alternate the beads front-rear-front-rear. This DC machine rod uses very low amperage and affects the axle tube the least.

    I used a hold down ground loop and hydraulic porta-power to pull the axles down until a LEVEL placed vertically on the tires achieved centered bubble, then welded the angle iron to the axle tube.

    Hope This helps
  • wobly's avatar
    wobly
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    We have a 28BRS that we purchased in March of 2011. We had it out a lot in 2011 and early 2012. I was checking on the stock tires that came on it (bias-ply) and they were pretty much worn out with probably 5000 miles on them. I ordered some Maxxis 6006's (radials) and that is probably the biggest improvement to towing I could have made. A close second is the Blue Ox hitch.

    Our axles aren't bent, but those bias ply tires suck. My next project is actually to do the axle spring-over conversion...commonly called and axle flip...to get some extra clearance.

    EDIT: I forgot to ask...are you sure your axles are bent? The reason I ask is that trailer axles have a "bow" in them. This "bow" flattens out with weight.

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