New 29' travel trailer dog walking

[Big_Zig]

Brand new 29' travel trailer seems to be pulling a little sideways, or dog walking. While going straight down the highway, the back of the camper is almost 1 foot to the left and points across the center line while driving perfectly straight. I would welcome anybody's ideas, or experiences, on this. I'm not having great luck with the dealer, and a little more with the manufacturer of the frame. Any good links on the subject would be welcome. Thanks in advance, Big Zig.

[myredracer]

Thanks for the update. That's good news, sort of - not as terribly serious as it could be sometimes. If all that is involved is relocating spring hangers, that's pretty straightforward. If Lippert ends up authorizing the dealer to get the repair done, as I said, be who does the work. I would not want the dealer doing the work or them getting someone else to do it. Insist on a shop of your choice. The actual work won't take long either.

Have had one bad experience already with a dealer sending some frame work to a nearby suspension shop who ending up botching it. Three trips back to the suspension shop to get it fixed and it's still not right despite me giving them a detailed drawing of exactly what to do plus they damaged something and refused to accept responsibility.

If the rear axle is to the left, are the spring hangers bent sideways? Spring hangers should be perfectly vertical. Do you know if the frame I-beams are the forged type or the 3-piece fabricated welded ones? If the latter, those frames are inherently weak and I would suggest adding some re-enforcement at the spring hangers.

Someone stated here not too long ago that Lippert has improved their quality control as of late. Doesn't sound like it if this sort of thing still happens. You're very lucky to have caught this in the beginning.

[Big_Zig]

I called 8 RV dealerships in Houston and found a pattern of them using one particular truck/trailer facility for alignments, Jamail's in Houston. Went there and the initial inspection (free) showed the back axle 1/2 inch to the left (driver side). Also the distance between tires is 1/2 inch less on passenger side. I called the GM at the RV place and he wanted the findings documented and sent to him, to send to Lippert, for their instructions since it's their responsibility. Jamail's expects to have to cut the hangars off and reweld them. Lippert will have to pay, I just hope it doesn't involve a battle, if you know what I mean, Vern. I'll keep y'all updated, and thanks for your input.

[4X4Dodger]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Take trailer to a big truck (semi) shop and have axles properly aligned.
They can also check frame for straightness

Dealer can't do it and most rv repair shops don't have proper set up

This is your problem axles out of alignment. This is a common problem with tractor trailers. Aligning the axles cures it.

[hawkeye-08]

I have taken a long straight edge and tape measure to figure out alignment problems, both on cars and trailers.

I simply start finding a flat place and pull forward and back so no side pressues on any tires from turning, etc. I then hold the straight edge up to the wheels (helps to have another person holding) parallel to the ground, across the center of the wheels, then sight down the edge. You can tell if things are out of wack very much. If that looks good, check the other side, if both sides good, then you need two straight edges and more help (family is great). I have also used jack stands to hold my straight edges when no help was around. I measure with tape measure between the straight edges front and back.

A couple things to look for in addition to above,

does the straight edge contact both sides of wheel?
are you straight edges really straight (turn them over and see if things change if in doubt)?

this method is not perfect, but can help you understand what is wrong.

I have a double axle snowmobile trailer that was abused by previous owner. One of the spring hangers is bent so it throws the front axle out of alignment. I have it on my fix list, but seldom use the trailer nowadays so have not fixed it yet. It walks down the road off to one side just like you describe.

[goducks10]

Lynnmor wrote:
Only a heavy duty truck/trailer shop, that has alignment equipment, will give you the correct answers. Dealers and manufacturers have an interest in covering up the problem. Spend some money and get a quote on repairs and go from there.

x2 exactly. Pay the $$ and have an alignment shop check it out. Then when the problem is found ask for reimbursement for the inspection and ask GS to pay to fix it.

I had the same run around with a Heartland TT. Dealer said all was fine. Blamed the tire manufacture for premature wear. I just ended up taking it to a large truck MH alignment shop in town and paid the $195.00 to align the axles. It was my word against theirs as to why the axles were bent. If yours are welded in wrong or maybe the tongue is not aligned with the frame, at this point who knows? That's why an alignment shop will find the answer.

[Lynnmor]

Only a heavy duty truck/trailer shop, that has alignment equipment, will give you the correct answers. Dealers and manufacturers have an interest in covering up the problem. Spend some money and get a quote on repairs and go from there.

[Big_Zig]

The videos I sent CLEARLY show the TT pulling at an angle going straight down a straight road, and I sent them to the lady at Lippert. She doesn't see the problem. Now she wants someone to photograph the beams and springs, and I am having the dealer do it. RedRacer, thanks for the good info in the links andby the way, we have a springer spaniel also. I would just love for the dealer to take this back and give us a new TT without this or any other problem, but I'm going to give them every opportunity to make this TT right. Unfortunately, they are denying that there is an issue. As soon as I get it back from the "photo shoot" I'm arranging for someone professional to determine the measurements, and inspect for anything else. I'm running out of softballs, and soon will have only hardballs left. Thank all y'all for your input, keep it coming.

[campigloo]

Sounds like a manufacturers defect to me. You have tried being polite, to no avail. I think you should go the lawyer route asap. Let the attorney tell you where to go and what procedure to use to confirm the problem from a third party. A letter from him could the the incentive they need to actually do something about it. I would push for a new trailer.

[Huntindog]

In addition to what has alredy been mentioned, a dragging brake or a bearing problem could cause this.

Bottom line: It's not good. I can't think of a reason for this that wouldn't result in bigger problems later on, if it's not fixed.

[Tyler0215]

You are not over reacting. This NEEDS to be fixed. Either the axels are out of alignment or the frame is bent. Either problem will cause excessive tire wear. Plus you can't see what behind you on the one side. Take a measurement from the tire to the front of the trailer on each side. I bet they're not even close to the same.

[Ozlander]

Is the distance between the tires the same on both sides.
Might be a clue.

[myredracer]

Big Zig wrote:
I asked for Gulf Stream's instructions on what to have done, and they had the dealer re-measure, and guess what. Everything is perfect this time, no problem.

Gee, what a surprise... Yup, that's what they do. Gulfstream does not fix issues with frames. Any problems (under warranty) get re-directed immediately to the frame manufacturer (Lippert) who makes the determination and will simply blow you off.

Big Zig wrote:
Do you think I am overreacting on this?

NO!! There is clearly something wrong and it should not be ignored. Could be something straightforward to fix or a serious issue. You should get it dealt with pdq. It's a potential safety issue as well as possibly causing premature wear or failure of tires and suspension components. Depending on what's wrong, it's even possible you shouldn't be towing the TT until fixed.

Doing a video yourself is a waste of time. Same if you did your own measurements. IMO, what you MUST do at this point is go a frame and axle shop that is experienced and knows travel trailer frames and has qualified staff. If you don't have some credible evidence, they can/will play with you and it will never get dealt with.

You need a shop that is not afraid to report it like it is. Tell them exactly what's wrong and get a detailed inspection report in writing along with photos for the frame and suspension components. Should only cost in the order of $100 - $200. Then send the report to your dealer, Gulfstream and Lippert. You should find the right persons at Gulfstream and Lippert to send the report to. Hopefully all that is wrong is something straightforward like spring hangers welded in the wrong locations. If so, that's easily remedied by cutting them off and relocating them. In a worst case scenario, a frame cannot be repaired and made like it should be from new and the only remedy is to get a new TT.

Here is Lippert's info. on how to measure a frame. LIP sheet 0088

This may also be of interest: http://www.centrevilletrailer.com/news-notices/trailer-tire-problems-tips.htm

It sucks to have a problem like this on a brand new TT, but you need to stay on top of it and get something accomplished with the dealer. In the end, if it's something that can be fixed locally, be wary of who the dealer wants to send it to and don't let them send it to any old shop down the street. Good luck and please post any progress on resolution.

[CampingN_C_]

opnspaces wrote:
Based on your description you're not over reacting. But here's another suggestion. Can you have a friend follow you and record the trailer pulling off center as you drive down the road?

X2 and take detailed pics of you hitch setup. I wouldn't be shocked if they try to blame it on that in an effort to get out of it, especially after the measurements they took.
But, check for signs of wear at the U bolts on the axles, could be lose and could 'possibly' explain the different measurements.

[opnspaces]

Based on your description you're not over reacting. But here's another suggestion. Can you have a friend follow you and record the trailer pulling off center as you drive down the road?