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TucsonJim's avatar
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Jun 24, 2015

Lippert Installing Wrong Axles.

Grand Design who is the manufacturer of my rig has encountered serveral Lippert manufactured frames with the wrong axles installed. Unfortunately, this wasn't detected until the rigs were already delivered to the customer. Fortunately, they are taking care of the issues and fixing the problem for these owners quickly.

If you have a Lippert built frame, you may want to check your axles to make sure they are the correct size. Look at the GAWR rating for your TT or FW, and then look at the axle tag on each axle. They should match. If wrong, contact your dealer or manufacturer. In Grand Design's case, Lippert installed 5200# Axles instead of the specified 6000# axles.

Jim
  • I am pretty sure that the axle tube wall thickness is different as well.

    I know for a fact that the 5200#s I am replacing with 7000#s weigh 50# less per axle.

    But all of them will physically interchange with one another even though the ratings differ.
  • I'm not sure of the physical differences. But I've heard that they also have a heavier duty tube. The key thing is that if this mistake has happened on your trailer, you have 1600 pounds less GVWR than specified with two under rated axles.
  • MFL wrote:
    Jim, correct me if I am wrong, but I always thought the Lippert 5200#, and the 6000# were the same axle, including brakes. I was thinking the only difference, was the 6000# axle had heavier duty bearings.

    Jerry

    I've seen others make the same claim about Dexter axles also....because they use a 12" x 2" brake.

    A email from Dexter says;
    ...While the 5.2, 6 & 7K brakes are all 12x2 in size they do have different lining material, magnets and reinforcement of the metal backing plates.


    Thanks

    Jim Miller / Dexter Axle
  • Jim, correct me if I am wrong, but I always thought the Lippert 5200#, and the 6000# were the same axle, including brakes. I was thinking the only difference, was the 6000# axle had heavier duty bearings.

    Jerry

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