Forum Discussion

RVER's avatar
RVER
Explorer
May 15, 2014

MY TIRES and Brake problem

I have a 2002 Sunnybrook fifth wheel. Got new tires, Duvais, 2010 I believe it was. The other day I was looking at the tires and noticed that the rear passenger side tire(has two axles) no longer had any grooves in the tires to grip the road etc. The other 3 tires do not look as bad but I think there is definitely wrong. Looks like they were scrubbed smooth. They still have grooves that go around the tire but no on the surface of the sections on that one tire. What could cause this? Shocks, axle etc. I had my spouse drive behind me and said there is no bouncing or swaying etc but she said that it seemed that the tire bent inward sometimes. What kind of place do I go to to have it check it out? I need help for sure, we have a trip next weekend and am out now at a campground til Monday.
I have a Prodigy brake controller for the brakes on the fiver, seems like I am not getting braking I should on the trailer. It is adjusted all the way up now and still have to about stand on the truck brakes to get the rig to stop. IF I use the handle underneath it makes the brakes work fine. Do I need a new Prodigy? I have not had the checked in a long while. Appreciate any help.

9 Replies

  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 17, 2014
    IIRC, my Prodigy has three "boost" modes that can be used. Do you have the controller set on the highest mode?

    If your wife saw the tire orient inwards at speed, it would indicate a suspension issue, possibly worn spring shackle brackets. I'd suggest to get the offending side up in the air and give it a good inspection.
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    May 16, 2014
    RVER wrote:
    Down home These all sound expensive but will have to get whatever is needed done so we are safe.
    I need to have the brakes checked some how they do not seem to work by pressing the brake pedal but when I use the lever on the bottom of the Prodigy the brakes work so could it be corrosion on the plug. The indicator does show it is connected when I plug her into the outlet on my truck but the brakes are not getting the message.

    I'm not good enough to figure it out from here.
    ......Might the controller internally. Check all the connections.
    Somebody here has tore into one?
  • RVER's avatar
    RVER
    Explorer
    May 16, 2014
    Down home These all sound expensive but will have to get whatever is needed done so we are safe.
    I need to have the brakes checked some how they do not seem to work by pressing the brake pedal but when I use the lever on the bottom of the Prodigy the brakes work so could it be corrosion on the plug. The indicator does show it is connected when I plug her into the outlet on my truck but the brakes are not getting the message.
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    May 16, 2014
    Jacking the RV around to park and sharp turns as well as normal driving are bad on usually the rear tires, especially if not really level lash up.
    The belt(s)may have slipped.
    It may be that simple excessive wear on just one tire I would check the bearings and the axle. Being now 12 years old wouldn't hurt anything to check them all as well as springs hangers and bushings.
    A bent axle is entirely possible as is a bad/bent spring.
    It doesn't take too many years, for those small springs to settle or deform.
  • RVER's avatar
    RVER
    Explorer
    May 16, 2014
    Tires- NO they look like someone took something to smooth the treads on ONE tire. Rear pass side. I will take to a trailer place and check axle and such and also axles and bearings although bearings are NO LUBE but....
    Brakes, The handle under the Prodigy does put the brakes on but putting the brake on in the truck does not seem to be working to put the brakes on the trailer completely, they do work a little and the thing that showes the amperage does show there is amperage being applied but not sure it is making it completely to the brakes. Can it be dirty contacts etc? I will call Tekonsha.
  • eHoefler's avatar
    eHoefler
    Explorer II
    May 16, 2014
    Get the axles aligned for the tire wear.

    Adjust the brakes on the trailer and check the settings on the controller, most likely the pendulum lever has been bumped.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 15, 2014
    Does it look anything like this slipped belt?





    I am thinking you just need new tires. Then check the alignment and ride height.

    Remove a couple tires for a proper inspection. You will probably need to post a few pics to get best answers.


    As for brakes... when was the last time they were adjusted and bearings repacked?
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 15, 2014
    Tire(s)
    Bent axle/bent spindle/bad bearing/out of alignment/overloaded/broken suspension
    A shop that works on trailers (not an RV repair shop)

    Brakes
    When was the last time you adjusted the brake shoes?
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2014
    For the Tire, I'm thinking - Damaged Axle or Spring/Spring mountings. Pretty easy to hit something way back on a heavy trailer and not feel it.

    The Brakes - Call Tekonsha - Cequent Performance Products
    (800)632-3290

    It seems the brake controller doesn't know that you're braking. Some of their controllers have lifetime warranty so they might just send you a new one. The only one I've actually used was a Tekonsha Voyager, a very "entry level" unit. Works fine, just not very user friendly. We had a case here where a Voyager wouldn't respond to stopping and the little pendulum inside had broken off. I don't think Prodigy series uses a pendulum but don't hold me to it. Tekonsha's tech people are very helpful.

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