Would appreciate the groups thoughts on tandem axle issue

[bandj0521]

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,

Jay

https://imgur.com/zTFzvkr
https://imgur.com/M1qz7fw
https://imgur.com/LE6sPqq

[Grit_dog]

bandj0521 wrote:
Grit Dog, I didn't look at the axles before we purchased it. I didn't know then what I do now, about axles. I presumed that it was "new" we would not have had an issue. The driveway is pretty bubble flat, so trailer is as well.

Ok. My point was trying to establish when the axle was damaged. Your presumption should have been correct btw. And no dealer with any conscience would let that trailer drive off.
Still a 99% chance you didn’t cause it. Be firm with the dealer that this problem had to exist before you took delivery.
Good luck in getting it fixed quickly so you don’t lose much time with it

[time2roll]

With that wear I would be inspecting a bit closer to see where the actual damage is located. Looks bad enough you should spot something bent or running gear loose. Otherwise +1 for a new axle.

[bandj0521]

Grit Dog, I didn't look at the axles before we purchased it. I didn't know then what I do now, about axles. I presumed that it was "new" we would not have had an issue. The driveway is pretty bubble flat, so trailer is as well.

[Grit_dog]

Not to sound trite or accusatory, but was the axle like this when you bought it? Did you look? How level or flat is the trailer behind your truck?
Yes that axle is bent to _____ and the fix is easy. New axle(bolt on) and some new tires.
Didn’t see where you live but quite possible it got towed nose up from the mfg to the dealer much further than you’ve towed. Almost not possible to wear a tire that bad in that few of miles.

[badsix]

carringb wrote:
There's a good chance it was overloaded during factory delivery, by a truck with the hitch too high. Once the limits of the spring equalizers are reached, the rear axle quickly becomes overloaded. Same with the tires. The proper fix is a new axle and rear tires.

this is probably what happened with the rear axel carrying most of the weight to a point that it was overloaded.
Jay D.

[bandj0521]

Thanks again for the advice everyone. The dealer won't come out to access the trailer's condition (about 25 miles) before towing it again....they told me to take it easy and bring it in so they can measure camber and something else (while they continue "to work with" the manufacturer)....

I was able to get the General Manager's name, who said bring it in, so we will tomorrow morning...probably about 20 mph....ugggg When we are there, we are going to ask to meet the owner or GM and nicely vent our frustrations to get things moving on this issue. My wife just wants to dump it now, she'll never feel comfortable with it. I doubt that will be an option with the dealer.

Anyway, I used a level and tape measure. the rear axle ranges from 1 inch (left side) to more than 1 1/2 half inches lower (on the right side of the trailer- where the rear wheel is so worn)...Doesn't seem like a lot, but I am not a mechanic...

thank again everyone.

[Huntindog]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

^ 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.