Bent axle!!!

[Pwrfactor]

Coming home today I traveled on some rough roads (US 30 Central Ohio) didn't really pay much attention to the bumps. I looked into my drivers mirror and noticed the front wheel tracking differently. I stopped and looked and my axle is bent on my 2015 Cruiser Aire 33re. I have camped all of my life from pop-ups to motorhomes and have never had some many problems with a camper. I'm still waiting from my dealer to get back with me about all of the other issues my wife and I are having with this new camper. The dealer is requesting that it needs to be sent back to the factory to have the whole entire side wall replaced due to a slide leak.
It's been over 3 weeks waiting on a reply from the factory. I am not impressed with Crossroads right now.

[Lloyd]

Have you followed up by sending the info and requests to CR yourself?
If not, I suggest you do it, and document everything.

[Loneoak]

We got a bent axle on our former trailer, a Jayco, after one of us (not saying who) hit a big pothole at too high a speed in a service station lot. It cost a few hundred dollars to replace and we did not have to go to a dealer for that - a truck garage helped us.

[Pwrfactor]

I've talked to CR when I first purchaced our unit (2/2015) , the costomer service rep. didn't help too much with our first slide issue. I'm going to call my dealer in the morning and try to get the ball rolling. I intend to call CR myself also.
I'm going to be camping in 2 weeks and I need it fixed ASAP.

Thanks for your help. I'll keep you posted on what they end up doing.

[Pwrfactor]

I called my dealer this morning and CR this afternoon. Crossroads has approved the work order to have the unit brought back to the factory for repairs. My only problem now is how can I get it there without ruining another set of tires. I know I can't run on 3 tires.
The crossroads customer service representative told me that they are waiting on LCI to get back to them on the axle issue. I expect they will have to have someone come to my home to replace the axle or have it taken to a local dealer.

[Lloyd]

Sounds like things are starting to move in the right direction.

[ttroup]

Glad to hear that things are moving forward. Please keep us updated on what happens!

[Pwrfactor]

I think I spoke too soon. I have talked multiple times to Crossroads customer service about my bent axle on my camper. I have sent 20+ pictures @ their request of the damaged axle. I have been told that they are still waiting for LCI (the axle manufacturer) to decide what to do.
I have had to take matters in my own hands and order a new axle on my own. The best part is they don't have any in stock. they will have to make one. I feel sorry for the people who break down in remote areas and try to get parts. I only live 60 miles from the factory and can't get them!!!!
My next camper will have Dexter axles on it. With all of the problems I am having with this camper I'm going to be purchasing one very soon.

[rcflyer]

I guess I was lucky. I bent an axle on my Cruiser back in 2010 hitting chuck holes the size of a Volkswagen on I40 between Kingman and Flagstaff.

We had stopped at Meteor Crater and I noticed the tires on my rear axle had worn on the inside.

Found this on the rear axle.



This was on Thursday the day before Good Friday. I called Crossroads sent them the picture and they got we in contact with LCI.

LCI had a truck two men and a new axle at the campground by 8:00 am on Monday the day after Easter. I was back on the road by 1:00 PM.

Meteor Crater is somewhat in the middle of nowhere. But a very interesting place to visit.

[swimimg3]

Good luck....
Here is my post for our trailer..!
We bought a new Zinger (30 ft.) last April. We also bought the extended warrantee.
I have noticed the rear tires were not following true compared to the front tires, especially when backing up. Dealer told me to take it to a local trailer allignment company. while walking out to check it out, the mechanic said it had a bent rear axel, and did I hit some "pot holes" or have to crank hard into some camp sites.? The tire wear on the inside is definately different than the front tires... but not bad enough to change rubber yet.
Pot holes = No Crank into tight camp sites = yes.
Now the dealer and Rt. 66 extended warrantee are not covering the $1000. 00 repair bill. The dealer warrantee expired in April, the Rt. 66 says in the fine print that they do not cover bent axel's.
I'm kinda concerned about this entire issue.
BTW... I towed a 30 foot travel trailer for over 20 years...the last 10 years with the same H2 Hummer. (1995 Nomad, still in great shape.!) We gave it to my son when we bought this Crossroads.
Any ideas on how I prevent this from happening again.? Some say carry some sand to spread when backing into a camp site.... Really.?

[Pwrfactor]

I think the problem is LCI your 1995 Nomad probably had Dexter axles. If you can believe this rusty axle is from a 2015 Cruiser. It was delivered in the winter, but the factory to the dealer is only 45 miles away. I wouldn't think the salt could do that much damage in such a short span of travel.


IMG_5121.jpg

[Pwrfactor]

It has been a few months since I have posted about my experience with my bent axle. My dealer took a while to return the axle to LCI for testing. LCI sent back a statement that they will not cover the axle under warranty due to they have stated that I had hit something to bend it.

I have always stated that I did hit a large bump going down the road. I am not going to pursue the warranty claim anymore it's not worth the time. I now have two spare tires on the back and a complete spare axle shaft mounted on the back of my bumper as a back-up so when it happens again I will be prepared.

CrossRoads RV has been very helpful with taking care of this and the other issues that I have had with our new camper.

[mike06081969]

I'm glad to hear that Crossroads took care of your problems. Most all new campers come with way more problems than they should for the cost, but at least they got you fixed up. I do have a problem with manufacturers using LCI axles as many problems as they've had. Not only are they very poorly made with a litany of problems, they've (LCI) built a reputation for not standing behind their products. Cheap axles that barely meet the spec for the weight they will be carrying pose a very, very serious safety risk when they become bent and then prematurely wear tires. I will get off my soapbox now. I'm with you on Dexter, though. Much better made.

[Pwrfactor]

Yes, I agree with you on the Dexter axles also.

[harley]

" EVer, We have a sst250rb& are very happy with layout & quality in all areas so far(2 yrs old last month). Only caution is watch the wear on outside & inside of tread, check them b4 & after each trip.
Our break in trip & the1st long trip (4000mi) the outside tread on passenger side rear axle wore down to 2/32. No curbs, potholes, evidence of abuse. We took many pictures & dealer took measurments showing axle Was misaligned. Finally CR sent to Lci for replacement. Another couple months down time with lci & finally replaced the axle. 2nd long trip produced more severe tire wear as well as slight wear on the other 3tires. CR & Lci then claimed wheel was out of round. This was approx a month before warranty expired.
Now after warranty has expired & another long trip(approx 6k mi) we have The new tire completely bald on the outside rib & approx 50% wear on 3 other tires. Again no evidence of abuse. Niether CR off Lci will discuss problem even though we have a history of misaligned axles.
Took trailer to two different alignment shops & was told definitely out of alignment. One said he could try to bend(bend a tubular axle???). I left & went to a second shop. He said only thing that could be done(since axles cannot be aligned) was to rotate the tires & flip the worn tires on the rims so the worn area was on the other side.
With this completed it looks like my only recourse is to watch them closely & file a claim with my extended warranty co. Warranty dealer is preparing a statement supporting no abuse. Not sure ow long tat will take.
Have seen other instances of similar situations in past.
Just be careful & check your tires b4 & after each trip, take pics & document.

Otherwise we are happy with the trailer just not happy with the cheap axles.

Loogie17

I was having wear and a bent axle on my 3500 # axles 1/2 way thru maiden voyage to nfld, and had them replaced with 4400# axles and no problem since. new tires too and no uneven wear yet.

Harley, we had a great custower service rep when this began and since then it seems to have been constant turnover. Looks like CR is trying to improve with the people reading some of our posts now but they have thier hands full & sometimes you have to pick your battles. My repair service thinks thatifCr doesn't step in we have a good chance with extended warranty co.
Just lucky that I was watching & swaping to spare on the bald tire or we could have had serious problems with a blow out.

Originally Posted by loogie17

Otherwise we are happy with the trailer just not happy with the cheap axles.

Thank you for the heads-up!

How can I transfer my 2 posts from this to the "bent axle" post?

[swimimg3]

YES..!!!!
So do I.!! Maybe Crossroads should look into this issue..