Broken Axles I have a 2014 Salem 27RLSS. It was purchased new in February 2015. It has less than 3000 miles on it. While having some service done on it I was told and shown two axles that need to be replaced on my camper. All four tires showed wear on the inside showing a bow in the axles. I’ve got a couple of questions that no one seems able to answer. How did this happen after such light use. It’s only used by my wife and myself. The replacement axles are rated for 3500 pounds each for a total of 7000 pounds. However according to Salem specs the dry weight is 6373 and the payload weight is 1239 for a total of 7612. Is this a case of they just don’t use the right size capacity axles? I’d appreciate it if someone could explain this for me. Thanks.

that is odd to have worn out with only 3k miles. I have over 50k on my 2013 trailer and it's ready for a new axle. it only has one, and I run heavy so understandable it takes a beating.could be your factory axles had some defect, or you ran really heavy these past four years? maybe the factory put on the wrong axles? how many lugs on your wheels, what diameter is the axle tube?

That sucks. I doubt the factory will do anything, but try it. When you do replace them look into 4400lb axles. There shouldn’t be much difference in price. You might also consider bumping the tire capacity up a notch. Those are usually on the just barely scale too. Good luck!

I had this same issue, and I and the tire shop highly suspected the tires. The jury is still out on that until I get more mileage on these tires. What tires are you running?I also think I got ripped off by a mobile mechanic in Twin Falls ID who claimed to 'straighten' my axles with a jack and chains.

I would bet your actual dry wieght is within a few hundreds pounds or less of you axles limits. Add a few common items and water and your well over. Yes, your axles were undersized from the factory. This is something to look for when you buy (bet you will next time!). I wont buy anything without at least 1500# of CCC and preferably 1 ton. My last TT had 3900# of CCC. As I wrote in your other post, upgrade them to 5200# (or 4400# if your concerned with ride) axles and your good to go.Oh and they're not worn out, they're bent from over loading.

This is typical of MFG's when building entry level TT's. They depend totally on the tongue weight to help with carrying capacity.

Broken axles | Good Sam Community

34 Replies

ScottG
Nomad
Jan 19, 2019
I would bet your actual dry wieght is within a few hundreds pounds or less of you axles limits. Add a few common items and water and your well over.
Yes, your axles were undersized from the factory. This is something to look for when you buy (bet you will next time!). I wont buy anything without at least 1500# of CCC and preferably 1 ton. My last TT had 3900# of CCC.

As I wrote in your other post, upgrade them to 5200# (or 4400# if your concerned with ride) axles and your good to go.

Oh and they're not worn out, they're bent from over loading.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 19, 2019
I had this same issue, and I and the tire shop highly suspected the tires. The jury is still out on that until I get more mileage on these tires. What tires are you running?

I also think I got ripped off by a mobile mechanic in Twin Falls ID who claimed to 'straighten' my axles with a jack and chains.
campigloo
Explorer
Jan 19, 2019
That sucks. I doubt the factory will do anything, but try it. When you do replace them look into 4400lb axles. There shouldn’t be much difference in price. You might also consider bumping the tire capacity up a notch. Those are usually on the just barely scale too.
Good luck!
GordonThree
Explorer
Jan 19, 2019
that is odd to have worn out with only 3k miles. I have over 50k on my 2013 trailer and it's ready for a new axle. it only has one, and I run heavy so understandable it takes a beating.

could be your factory axles had some defect, or you ran really heavy these past four years? maybe the factory put on the wrong axles? how many lugs on your wheels, what diameter is the axle tube?

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Broken axles

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