WTH ?

[Bols2DawaLL]

We haven't yet purchased our TT but will be in the next few years , right now it's all about the research . There seems to be lots of discussions regarding folks changing out tires and/or axles and/or springs etc etc on brand new TT's . Is this normal ? Is this an issue prevalent with most new Trailers ? Are there certain frames or axles etc I should avoid at all costs? Thanks

[westend]

IMO, it's not normal to have suspension issues or replace parts within the typical use time, although some owners have issues immediately.

The sad truth is that the typical frame and suspension are engineered to carry the trailer weight at the maximum of their ability. Mfgs put the cheapest tires and components together without thought of wear or possible stress to the suspension or frame.

FWIW, when I bought my old Starcraft, the first thing I did was to get underneath and see what it had for frame and suspension. I knew it had deteriorated wood frame issues with the body of the trailer but it was important to me to have an adequate frame and suspension. As it is, I am now using the restored trailer with it's original suspension and frame. I have torsion axles, shock absorbers, and a full boxed frame. The trailer is 45 yrs old.
I did replace the mixture of tires that were on it when I got it. It has a set of new Carlisle's, now, and tracks like it is part of the truck. The brake wiring, as has been mentioned, was replaced into a Star configuration. I'm happy with how the running gear is performing.

Good luck with a future trailer purchase. I wouldn't let bad reports of running gear dissuade me from a purchase.

[DiskDoctr]

I've read all the posts with great interest. Aside from some of the sass that comes with online forums, if you skip over those parts, their are some brands and models that have had frame/tire/roof/slide/etc issues during certain production runs.

Some of those problems are deal killers, some affect the offering price, some are a good heads up to what work has to be done if we purchase one of those.

It's unfortunate that some feel insulted or insulting when discussing such things. I often think it is due to the lack of body language and voice cues in online forums...and the too oft-prevalent "one-upped-ness" of so many forums condition certain (poor) behavior.

Anyways, thanks to all for the discussions and information. I think it was a fair question and fair answers, even if it wasn't always presented in the softest words 😉

[Lynnmor]

schlep1967 wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
Yes, I am stupid and know way less than an engineer. I should have known better and not replaced bent, worn and broken parts. My problem is that I actually look for developing problems, but apparently it is better to ignore them.

I didn't say you were stupid. And I didn't say don't replace damaged parts. I also don't know how those parts got damaged. Was something like a pothole hit on the road? Did somebody hit a curb? Not saying you did but the hotshots delivering these things to the dealer don't really care what they do.

The RR spindle was bent forward like it was backed into a high curb. It was either defective before installation, happened in transit, or my best guess it was damaged by the dealer, judging by his attitude.

The remainder of the issues below the frame was just the usual poor quality parts now being used. The plastic bushings, spring shackles made from metric stock instead of the right thickness, a leaf spring that was made with the pin off-center and stabilizer jacks that bound up because the were manufactured wrong. I could write a book, but many would just defend their excellent purchases.

I take great care of all my vehicles and still use my 38 year old van and my 40 year old motorcycle. The only physical damage inflicted on the trailer was the possible curbing mentioned above and you are likely correct about that.

My point was that there are so many that just assumes their trailers are safe, dependable units and dismiss anyone that suggests that they might become knowledgeable about the real problems.

[schlep1967]

Lynnmor wrote:
Yes, I am stupid and know way less than an engineer. I should have known better and not replaced bent, worn and broken parts. My problem is that I actually look for developing problems, but apparently it is better to ignore them.

I didn't say you were stupid. And I didn't say don't replace damaged parts. I also don't know how those parts got damaged. Was something like a pothole hit on the road? Did somebody hit a curb? Not saying you did but the hotshots delivering these things to the dealer don't really care what they do.

[shelbyfv]

Well, I don't think any of us know if you are stupid or not and I doubt we care. And being stupid and being ignorant about some subject are two different things as well. The point is, you seem to be assuming that the reason others have not suffered the problems you have is because we've just ignored them. That's insulting and just wrong. Some trailers are built better than others. Sometimes folks choose those, sometimes we just get lucky. Sometimes people get stuck with a lemon. I'm sure you thought you were making a good choice when you bought your trailer, sorry it went wrong for you. At least you were able to fix some of the defects.

[Lynnmor]

Yes, I am stupid and know way less than an engineer. I should have known better and not replaced bent, worn and broken parts. My problem is that I actually look for developing problems, but apparently it is better to ignore them.

[schlep1967]

Bols2DawaLL wrote:
We haven't yet purchased our TT but will be in the next few years , right now it's all about the research . There seems to be lots of discussions regarding folks changing out tires and/or axles and/or springs etc etc on brand new TT's . Is this normal ? Is this an issue prevalent with most new Trailers ? Are there certain frames or axles etc I should avoid at all costs? Thanks

Is it normal? No it is not the norm. There are cases where it is necessary due to truck height (fifthwheels). Most times it is just the people that think they know better than the engineers do. Or they didn't buy enough trailer for all of the "equipment" they feel they need to carry. There have been cases where defective equipment (a friend recently had brake issues on a new trailer) is installed. He made 3 trips back to the dealer before they replaced everything with better brakes under warranty.
There are just some people out there that like to work on things. Go onto a motorcycle forum some time. I've seen guys buy a brand new Harley and within 6 month they have the engine apart to upgrade it, they have to put a different size front wheel on it so it is cool even though it completely screws up the handling, and of course new pipes that cause the engine to no longer be in proper tune.
Same thing with campers. They have to make it their own.

[fla-gypsy]

It's like everything else, some people actually put some effort into buying a RV and some are mesmerized by the fluff. My trailer is approaching 12 years old and I had to fix a few items but it has the same axles, wheels, springs etc.

[westernrvparkow]

Bols2DawaLL wrote:

spike99 wrote:
IMO, buying a trailer is much like people with their vehicles.

Some folks buy it, never wax it, never "make it better" and only reactively fix an item - when it does breaks. Like a BIC lighter, they use it until it costs too much to fix, then get rid of it (re: throw it away, sell or trade it in for another). Especially since Trailer ownership is between 3-5 years.

Others buy a vehicle, add little things to it (to make it better than factory) and in the end, dramatically reduce the risk of things reactively breaking. Especially while on the road - far away from home.

For me, I investigate each of my trailers and where needed, +1 its tires, +1 its leaf spring packs, replace factory linear brake wiring with much better STAR brake wiring AFTER its factory warranty is over. I will also install better power fan in the bathroom, install roof vents, install better mattress, LED tail light upgrades, electrical Surge protection, etc. etc. Make it better for longer life and to reduce the risk of "reactive" breakage. And, upgrade the things that make its usage better for me (to my liking) as well.

Remember that RV factories only build to "minimum" SPECs. Above minimum means more profits out of their pocket (which is a bad thing from their view). If you want "better than factory" and plan to keep your trailer a long time, then some "minimum spec" items must be upgraded yourself. Sad to say but true....

Some good valid points but I wouldn't buy a car and then expect I'd need to replace all the tires , brake assemblies , shocks , springs etc. Pretty sad situation . Too bad they don't have an option when ordering "any" trailer to upgrade to a heavier duty running gear package . Sounds like it would add a couple of grand to the price but I know I'd pay it .

But some people do buy a new car and then upgrade or replace multiple components. Heck, the luxury car market has two major players that actually do that exact thing to their vehicles. Mercedes has an "option" to have AMG customize their top of the line vehicles. AMG replaces such things as the seats and trim. They upgrade and tweak the brakes and engine. The put in new electronics. This turn a vehicle that stickers for $120,000 into a vehicle that stickers for upwards of $200K. BMW does the same with their "M" models.
Other manufacturers have offered upgrades to standard equipment for decades. You can always upgrade the radio, upgrade the stereo, get a bigger engine, get different axle ratios on trucks, and get different wheels and tires. Often a smart shopper can make those same upgrades for less money by ordering the standard version and then buying the wheels, tires or radio equipment on their own. Nothing new with changing out standard features on autos.

[Hannibal]

I must be lucky. We've bought all of our trailers including three Jaycos, enjoyed them for 6-8 years and traded them for new and improved features like flat screen TV, bigger fridge, recliners etc. I haven't had a problem with running gear yet. I give all the pivot points in the suspension a couple drops of Mobil-1 5w-30 before each trip. Same with the hitch and stabilizers. Our newest Jayco has some decent looking Chinese tires on it with plenty of capacity for the weight of the trailer. So far at almost a year and maybe 4k miles, all is well. I keep them covered and it sits on a gravel bed. I get between 3-7 years out of tires before I notice the warning signs. Then I replace all five.

[shelbyfv]

Lynmor, I'm sorry your choice of trailer didn't work out for you. However, I think you are wrong to discount the idea that some folks have bought trailers that they are happy with and it's not blind luck. I reviewed your list of complaints and my trailer has not suffered from any of those issues in the 4 years I've owned it. Well, the tires (Goodyear) were made in China but served me well until I replaced them last year due to age. When shopping, you have to prioritize what you want, do research and recognize that you may have to pay a premium for some level of quality. My trailer is a small 17' fiberglass Casita. For the same $20,000, I might have bought a 25' with slide out and space to sleep 6, rather than 2. I chose quality of construction, low maintenance and depreciation over size. It was a trade off, but right for me.

[Lynnmor]

myredracer wrote:
O gawd, frame quality? Don't get me started... It's shameful what many of the TT manufacturers do.

Gil, I guess we both bought the "wrong" trailer. In a previous post was a fellow that knows how to buy the right trailer. Yea, right, there is no right trailer with all the poor quality frames, suspension parts and brakes. If/when I buy another it will be a Northwood Mfg. unit with at least a real frame, and upgrade things like the stupid plastic bushings.

I was at an RV show on Saturday and looked under a new S261RK. They now have a frame about the same as your improved model and they added a leveling system. I am sure the original junk frame would not have handled the stresses of leveling behind the axles.

[RPreeb]

goducks10 wrote:
As for the springs, look at the cargo carrying capacity. It should be as high as you can get. Stay away from trailers that have 900-1500lbs of CCC. By the time you load up with gear and maybe water you'll be pushing the limits.

This statement needs qualification. CCC is also dependent on the size of the TT. Mine only has about 1300 pounds, but it tops out at 5500 max, and it really doesn't have the space to carry more anyway. Max load is 23% of the max weight, and almost 31% of the dry weight, which I would consider pretty good.

I can't imagine a typical TT at 3500 dry weight with a ton or more of cargo capacity.

[time2roll]

Once you buy an RV you will not need another hobby.

Yes over 12 years I have replaced springs(sagging causing alingnment issues), suspension(worn and was replacing springs), upgraded tires(blow out, lost tread), new wheels(pin hole in the steel), and soon to install disk brakes :B
Axles themselves are still original(knocks on wood) and frame is also holding fine.

And that is just suspension. But again that is over time well spent enjoying the trailer.