We bought this 2018 Shadow Cruiser 20' TT with rear slide out June 2019. The trailer was supposed to be new. Since purchase we had been waiting to take it back to the dealer for cosmetic warranty repairs we discovered at time of pickup. we took it on one trip three weeks ago (140 miles round trip). I took it back to the dealer two weeks ago for the warranty work to be completed and picked it up last evening. On the drive home, I was flagged over by a passing construction guy who said i was about to lose my rear axle. I immediately stopped and found the right rear tire of the second axle bowed and showing wire cording four inches across the tire. I limped to a place to change the right rear tire, then limped another 6 miles at 10 miles an hour to my home.can anyone tell me what would cause this? Again, I only put about 180 miles on the unit since purchase (including back and forth to the dealer). I have been told the axle is probably shot, and may have been put on upside down? I have not idea, but the front axle has a bow (as it should) the rear axle is level. Appreciate any responses as i await a response from my emails and phone calls to the dealer.I have pics, but i don't know how to post them in here. Would appreciate help on that too..thank you,Jayhttps://imgur.com/zTFzvkrhttps://imgur.com/M1qz7fwhttps://imgur.com/LE6sPqq

My first thought is the dealer may have placed jacks incorrectly under the axle to jack it up and caused the axle to lose the bow. Or as you wrote the axle is installed upside down which is unlikely since the spring pads would have to be welded on the wrong side of the axle from the factory.Second thought is a curb or rock strike which bent the axleThird thought is the tire went bad. This is common with original equipment tires.Good luck in solving this mystery.

Photos would help, here is help in posting: Photo Posting

Same thing happened to mine . Undersized axles right from the factory. My rear one straightened out thus causing the both reat tires to wear on the inside on my maiden voyage. Had to rotate tires to get home ...ontario to nefoundland..big trip. . Front tire was ascue from the start . Could be caused by poor weld from the get go or transport company hitting a curb delivering it. Lippert admitted that axles shouldnt do that so thay shipped 4400# axles and springs in liew of the 3500 # ones on it . I was under weight also. Maybe have bigger axles installed under waranty. Company shipped me 4 new tires too.

Hard to say without looking. However its under warranty so call the dealer and get it back to them. One tire on one side worn like that sound like the axle stub (usually where the axle stub is welded to the axle tubes) was bent like happens as the trailer is drug around a corner and impacts a curb as its side scrubs. Doing so can take the end of the axle out of toe and camber at that end only. Or the tire was a run flat or at low pressures causing high heat and the tread cap came off.

With that low of miles I think it's a case of a poorly welded spindle. Seems like whom ever was welding the spindle on screwed up and welded it on crooked. It normally takes a while for an over loaded axle to bend enough to get bad tire wear. If you only towed it 140 miles and then figure in how far it was from the factory to your dealer that would be the total miles. Being delivered from the factory it should've been empty so overloading wouldn't be an issue.

Would appreciate the groups thoughts on tandem axle issue

Huntindog
Explorer
Sep 19, 2019
bguy wrote:
Lippert does not make a #4400 axle.

You have same as me. #3500 axles with #4400 springs. They call that a #4400 axle. They do have a #5200 axle that is a direct fit except for the U bolts.
There arw many combinations of springs, brakes/drums axle tube sizes and thickneses that can be spec'd for just about any rating the customer desires.
Lippert custom made me 7000 axles/springs that were a direct replacement for my 5200 axles.

My last TT came with 3500 axles and 3" tubes. standard fare for 3500 axles is 2 3/8" tubes.
bguy
Explorer
Sep 19, 2019
Lippert does not make a #4400 axle.

You have same as me. #3500 axles with #4400 springs. They call that a #4400 axle. They do have a #5200 axle that is a direct fit except for the U bolts.
allen8106
Explorer
Sep 19, 2019
My first thought is a wheel alignment issue. I have my 5ver axles aligned every two years. I realize this was a new unit but it still could have been out of alignment. no way to you to know that though, especially since it was new.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Sep 15, 2019
The pic from the rear its obvious the rear axle camber bow is the wrong way for what ever reasons.

I would contact the rv dealer and see how quick they can replace that axle. Or check with area big rig trailers repair shops and let them have a look at it. They can rebend the axle tubes back into proper wheel alignment specs or replace the axle assy for you.
Its harder than some are saying And yes I've change several on the road or at the truck yard. You tube vids can give you a idea of the equipment involved and tools needed.
Huntindog
Explorer
Sep 15, 2019
If you are gonna have the dealer fix it.. You will most likely miss your trip.

If it was me, I would buy an axle and install it. They are not all that expensive. Be done in an afternoon, and then go camping.

I actually did similar once. We were heading out of town to New Mexico for a dog trial. 80 miles out, the TT spun a bearing. welded itself to the spindle. I got the tire off, strapped the axle to the frame to keep it from dragging, and headed home on 3 wheels. Bought a new axle, installed it, and headed off to New Mexico for the trial. Cost was less than 200.00

Yeah, I know, it's under warranty, and it should be on them.... How bad do you want to go on this trip?
BarneyS
Explorer III
Sep 14, 2019
Here are your pictures. I used this site to post them. It is just upload, copy and paste. :)
See this thread for more information.
Barney
Me_Again
Explorer III
Sep 14, 2019
Lynnmor wrote:

I was able to see the photos, but the links are not hot.

https://imgur.com/zTFzvkr
https://imgur.com/M1qz7fw
https://imgur.com/LE6sPqq
Lynnmor
Explorer
Sep 14, 2019
bandj0521 wrote:
Hi All, thanks for your quick replies, and information. I finally figured out how to link photos I think (see original post).

it certainly appears the rear axle is flat (no bow)

Dealer said "they're working on it with the manufacturer" ...problem is we have (had) a trip planned to Niagara Falls, Lake Champlain and Vermont in two weeks! I know this will not be resolved by then : ( I wonder if they will compensate me for loss of "trailer time"

thanks again

I was able to see the photos, but the links are not hot.

The trailer was severely abused.

If you want the trailer fixed now, simply install new axles yourself. You will come to learn that many things are up to you and warranties are a waste of paper.
Jebby14
Explorer
Sep 14, 2019
^ depends how much they want you to go away and be quiet. cause a fuss, make your displeasure known but don't be threatening or menacing. explain your situation and then when you are met with a negative response start sharing your story with anyone and everyone around.
bandj0521
Explorer
Sep 14, 2019
Hi All, thanks for your quick replies, and information. I finally figured out how to link photos I think (see original post).

it certainly appears the rear axle is flat (no bow)

Dealer said "they're working on it with the manufacturer" ...problem is we have (had) a trip planned to Niagara Falls, Lake Champlain and Vermont in two weeks! I know this will not be resolved by then : ( I wonder if they will compensate me for loss of "trailer time"

thanks again