Dexter Axle moved?

[TakingThe5th]

When we got back from our trip and parked the Cougar 333MKS we discovered that our X-Chocks would not fit between the curb-side wheels. The street-side X-Chock fit just fine. Odd because the X-chocks were previously interchangeable. These are the smaller style x-chock with the adjuster nut on top and a handle at the bottom.

My inspection did not reveal a problem. Everything was tight and nothing appeared to have moved. Tires were good but the street-side rear tire was worn more then the others.

I took the 5er to a well-regarded frame shop that knows RVs. They checked parallel axle alignment and found the left side short. (5200 lb Dexter axles, MorRyde CRE 3000) They also found worn out plastic spring bushings at the bracket end of both rear springs. They replaced the worn bushings and moved the spare up to the left rear. I also had them pack the bearings and adjust the brakes. The rig has 12,000 miles on it.

When I went to pick up the rig I checked wheel clearance with the X-chock and it appears that the clearance between the street-side wheels has not changed. I talked to the manager and left the rig there for more investigation. I asked about possible structural problems and there are none, that was all checked out.

Any thoughts on this appreciated. I can't understand how the axles can be parallel yet the clearance between the wheels is different, especially when rims and tires are all the same.

[Huntindog]

XPS RIBs and be happy for evermore.

Been running them HARD for over 11 years now with no problems of any kind. With STs, I never had any reach the 2 year mark.

[Lynnmor]

With 16" wheels, there is no way I would run cheap Asian tires. Put some good LT tires on it and leave all the trailer tire debates to others.

[Dayle1]

TakingThe5th wrote:

New tires - I'm thinking Goodyear Marathon, Maxis M8008, or Michelin XPS to replace my Trailer King ST235/80R16 Load Range E (10 ply) on a 6.5" rim. Comments welcome.

Skip the ST choices, go with the XPS or other LTs.

[Dayle1]

tinner12002 wrote:
I've noticed since having my TPMS system for pressure and temp that the curbside tires always run about 6-8 degrees warmer than street side. That might be why your curbside tires have ballooned out more than the street side.

Higher temps on the trailer curb side tires is likely due to the diesel exhaust. Not weight, wind or which side the sun is hitting. I use internal sensors on my trailer so they are less sensitive to sun or wind effects, yet these internal sensors always show the curb side tires are hotter than the street side tires. Also, there has been at least one case of plastic trim on a fiver being melted by diesel exhaust temps during regen, so I frequently check my fiver for similar damage.

[TakingThe5th]

Moderator - did I put this issue in the wrong forum? Should it be in "5th Wheels"? If so please move it. Thanks.

[TakingThe5th]

Lynnmor wrote:

tinner12002 wrote:
I've noticed since having my TPMS system for pressure and temp that the curbside tires always run about 6-8 degrees warmer than street side. That might be why your curbside tires have ballooned out more than the street side.

Turn around and drive west for awhile, the sun can change the temperatures that much or more.

Measurements for alignment, should be taken from wheel to wheel, thus eliminating any variation in tires.

Yes, and that is the way it was done, but I was concerned because my question was not answered "Why doesn't the X-chock fit?". Answering that question lead us to the problem, the tires. In the past my X-chocks have always fit so I wanted to know "what changed" and I used the X-chock as my measuring device rather then simply adjusting the X-chock.

[TakingThe5th]

tinner12002 wrote:
I've noticed since having my TPMS system for pressure and temp that the curbside tires always run about 6-8 degrees warmer than street side. That might be why your curbside tires have ballooned out more than the street side.

Interesting. I think it's time for me to jump on the scales and see if my curb side is heavier, although it doesn't seem possible since the kitchen, bed, etc are all street side. I do travel with pretty full tanks at times, maybe that plays in ???

New tires - I'm thinking Goodyear Marathon, Maxis M8008, or Michelin XPS to replace my Trailer King ST235/80R16 Load Range E (10 ply) on a 6.5" rim. Comments welcome.

[Lynnmor]

tinner12002 wrote:
I've noticed since having my TPMS system for pressure and temp that the curbside tires always run about 6-8 degrees warmer than street side. That might be why your curbside tires have ballooned out more than the street side.

Turn around and drive west for awhile, the sun can change the temperatures that much or more.

Measurements for alignment, should be taken from wheel to wheel, thus eliminating any variation in tires.

[tinner12002]

I've noticed since having my TPMS system for pressure and temp that the curbside tires always run about 6-8 degrees warmer than street side. That might be why your curbside tires have ballooned out more than the street side.

[TakingThe5th]

OP here. We went back to pick up the rig and paused to take a closer look. The manager joined us and we all came to the conclusion that the suspension is now in fine shape and all measurements are within 1/16" and we are very satisfied with that work. Turning to the tires, we re-measured all four tires and the curb-side tires are definitely larger. Both street-side tires were smaller and that included the spare tire which had replaced the worn tire. The spare tire had never been on the ground so it probably was at the correct diameter.

It's very clear to us that the curb-side tires are having a problem and all 4 will be replaced with some brand of LT tire.. I'm also getting very fond of X-chocks, they also made a great measuring device.

Thanks to everyone for all your good insights. You kept my family from harm in what could have been a really bad situation.

[Airstreamer67]

Yeah, when my trailer tires began their belt separations after 8 years of service, one of the signs was I couldn't get my between-the-tires chocks between them anymore.

[mkirsch]

TakingThe5th wrote:

mkirsch wrote:
Are you saying the X-chock still won't fit on the curb (i.e. right) side?

You only mention the street side, which you said fit fine before.

The X-chocks were interchangeable. When we discovered the problem on the curb-side, we took both X-chocks over to the street-side to verify that we had a curb-side problem and not a problem with either X-chock. Both chocks worked well on the curb-side.

I am asking about *AFTER* they "fixed" it.

You do not mention whether the X-chock will fit on the CURB side after the trailer shop was finished working on it. Only the street side. The street side fit before, so I don't know why you'd even check that.

Though, if the tires are 1/2" larger, they're likely on their way out. I'd replace them ASAP.

[Dayle1]

TakingThe5th wrote:
So they measured the tires. One pair of tires is actually larger then the other pair of tires. The two tires where the X-chock will not fit add about ½". I never rotated the tires and those are the two that take the most abuse in most turns. The two turns in the driveway are left turns, and I try to avoid blind turns (right turns) when backing up, so the majority of turns backing are to the left.

Maybe not, especially if we are in the early stages of belt separation.

Could very well be belt separation. I had that happen on some ST tires a few yrs ago but I too did not recognize the problem right away. Fortunately, one tire started loosing air pressure and the TPMS when off.

Stopped w/o damage to the tire, I even thought the tire could be patched and took it to a tire shop. Leak check discovered multiple leaks at the bottom of the tread grooves at the edges where the tread wrapped onto the sidewall.

I debated replacing all four tires, made the decision to do it but had to drive 40 miles to the nearest Discount Tire. While driving, several of the tires were rubbing against the fender skirt and inspection at the tire shop also showed they were rubbing against the underside of the trailer floor. Even then, my initial thought was a suspension failure. But, while the other 3 tires did not have air leaks, all showed the same tread failure, at the bottom of the grooves you could actually see the tread cord showing and this was over 1/3 of the tire circumference. My tires had grown in size more than what you are seeing, but 3 never leaked.

With the sharp turns you have to do, tread separation is very likely and you should probably replace all 4 tires. BTW, if the tires are original ST tires they are due to be replaced anyway, 3-5 yrs is the recommended maximum life for ST tires from several brands.

[TakingThe5th]

mkirsch wrote:
Are you saying the X-chock still won't fit on the curb (i.e. right) side?

You only mention the street side, which you said fit fine before.

The X-chocks were interchangeable. When we discovered the problem on the curb-side, we took both X-chocks over to the street-side to verify that we had a curb-side problem and not a problem with either X-chock. Both chocks worked well on the curb-side.