Feeling sad today

[Seawind36]

I'm feeling sad today. It looks like the end of the RV adventure for us for a little while. We lost an axle on the way to Florida and I think we are about ready to call it a loss. 😞 I'm hoping after the first of the year to get something else, but we'll see. We will have to decide what route we want to take when we replace it.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Seawind36 wrote:
We only have about $5200 in it now. If we write it off, we have someone interested in it so we might recoup a little. Then after the first of the year we can look for something newer. Now that we know we really enjoy it, I wouldn't mind spending a bit more to get something nice. We just have to decide what route - do we stick to a travel trailer, look at a class A, Class B, what? Right now there are 6 of us, but it won't stay that way forever.

As others have said, axle replacement isn't that big or expensive a deal; but your above post sorta clears things up, I think. Sounds to me like you've pretty much made up your mind that it's time to move on to something else; my advice is to go for it!

[Oasisbob]

There may be hope. I bent an axle two years back and was able to order replacement complete with hubs A& brakes for around $500. Easy install. Did it myself. Sorry don't recall who made it. Got axle through trailer supply place. Best of luck

[Ron3rd]

Seawind36 wrote:
Yes, Ron. There are several issues with it - it has water damage (which we can do ourselves), it's going to need a new A/C and fridge, some work on the heating system, roof leaks, etc Just starting to think it may be a money pit.

With all that work ahead, I would consider another trailer too. Lots of good deals out there on used units if you're patient. The Class A and B discussion is entirely different, and they cost more and can be money pits too if you're not careful; more to go wrong like the engine, transmission, etc. On a limited budget, the trailer offers more bang for the buck IMO if you have a good tow vehicle.

[beemerphile1]

ALL RVs ARE MONEY PITS!

If you otherwise like the trailer, axles are cheap. Take it to a small trailer manufacturer that builds utility, cargo, and landscape trailers. They can probably have you back on the road in two days.

Do NOT take it to an RV dealer.

[Seawind36]

We only have about $5200 in it now. If we write it off, we have someone interested in it so we might recoup a little. Then after the first of the year we can look for something newer. Now that we know we really enjoy it, I wouldn't mind spending a bit more to get something nice. We just have to decide what route - do we stick to a travel trailer, look at a class A, Class B, what? Right now there are 6 of us, but it won't stay that way forever.

[Seawind36]

Yes, Ron. There are several issues with it - it has water damage (which we can do ourselves), it's going to need a new A/C and fridge, some work on the heating system, roof leaks, etc Just starting to think it may be a money pit.

[Ron3rd]

Seawind36 wrote:
Newman, if the trailer was in better shape I would agree. There are a number of things that will have to be done in the next year and we could easily spend 7-10 grand in repairs.

I hope it works out for you and sorry to hear of your problems. It sounds like you need repairs other than the axle, thus the 7-10 grand, correct? If so you have a decision to make whether to dump more $$ in the trailer.

BTW, around here, there are axle shops that will make you up anything you want, with any spindle welded on for a reasonable price. Axles are not a big job actually.

Did you see if you can have that axle repaired by welding on a new spindle?

[Seawind36]

LOL Newman!

[Seawind36]

Newman, if the trailer was in better shape I would agree. There are a number of things that will have to be done in the next year and we could easily spend 7-10 grand in repairs.

[newman_fulltime]

i have a tenant with an older mallard he leaves on weekends want some axles:B just kidding guys

[RVcircus]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you have some luck with the replacement.

Does anyone do axle repairs? Find someone that can keep the axle tube and get you setup with a new spindle, etc? I've never had to deal with a trailer axle problem, but I've have 4x4 axles shortened & widened for different projects.

[mleekamp]

I feel your pain. My sister and her family lost an axle just a few months ago...thankfully only 40 miles from home. Its an older trailer, and I found one at Big R..in STOCK even. Half day later, its back on the road. Slightly narrower than orig by 2 inches, but we didn't even mess with the manufacturer.

By the way, complete axle assembly - hub to hub - was less than $150. YES, the loads matched what was on it.

Might look at Big R or other "farm" type stores. Might be surprised.

[Seawind36]

No. As old as the trailer is, we didn't have insurance (other than coverage for an accident)

[newman_fulltime]

lookup tiger axle in louisiana if the trailer is in good shape why not