Typical bent axle

[660catman]

So during my 2600 mile round trip to Yellowstone I noticed my rear tires on my Zinger ZT260BH started wearing on the inside a lot. To be safe I bought new tires in Cody for the rest of the trip. Has anyone had luck getting axle straightened or is it just better to buy a new one? New tires showing wear too so I want to fix this before next trip. I can replace axle myself no problem.

[Lloyd]

Here is a post from Steve7.
If you go the route of replacing the axles, I suggest checking out the Dexter axles.





Steve7
Full Time Camper



Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Nv
Posts: 621
Registry


I had a similar issue on my Crossroads trailer. Turned out to be the hanger needed adjustment, and the axle was bent. The trailer went to a trailer alignment shop that has a laser alignment tool. Heavy duty truck shops can often do this also. Most RV dealers don't have the equipment. The cost was only a coupe hundred bucks, $350 at the most. Crossroads picked up the dime on mine since it was under warranty I think, dealer never really told me. They knew I needed it back and had it corrected in a couple days after sitting for quite a while.
__________________
Steve & Sue
2017 Grand Design 297RSTS Travel Trailer
2017 Ford F-350 Lariat Crew Cab diesel 6.7 SW LB 11,500 lb GVWR package
Former: Crossroads ST26RB

[660catman]

Thanks Lloyd. I’ll do some research on suppliers for new axles in my area.

[harley]

I had crossroads replace my 3500 # axles and springs with 4400# axles and springs...all goo after that ...was under warranty then so new tires back then too.

[660catman]

Originally Posted by harley

I had crossroads replace my 3500 # axles and springs with 4400# axles and springs...all goo after that ...was under warranty then so new tires back then too.

I wish I could make that happen but way out of warranty. Who puts two 3500 lb axles on a trailer with a GVW of 7912 lbs anyway???? I traveled on this trip with 2/3rds fresh water and camper weighed in around 6500 lbs loaded. All other trips have been without water.

[sleepyT]

Originally Posted by 660catman

Who puts two 3500 lb axles on a trailer with a GVW of 7912 lbs anyway????

Catman
All the manufactures do it because they take into account that some of the weight is absorbed by the tow vehicle...God forbid they might overbuild one of these campers...

[660catman]

So I got an estimate from one frame shop for around 800 bucks. I cringed at that price until I got a price from dealer for new one at 1700 bucks. We sure pay a price on goods and services in Canada!!

[660catman]

So I found a supplier 2 hours from me with the exact axle. It’s a Lippert but I have to be price conscious on this one. $503.98 for a full assembly doesn’t hurt the pocketbook as much. This is a second supplier of RV parts I have found on the internet in our province.

[Lloyd]

Price is getting more reasonable all the time.
Is that a complete setup, or just the axle?

[660catman]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Price is getting more reasonable all the time.
Is that a complete setup, or just the axle?

Complete assembly with brakes

[RC3]

Have you checked out Standard Spring in Winnipeg on Princess?

[micklyn]

my tires were wearing like yours so I replaced the equalizer with this https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea.../LC279687.html. All bushings in springs were wore out also. Problem went away. I agree the axles are way too light for the trailers so you need to keep the wheel bearings in good shape. Had bearing fail in south Dakota and wheel almost came completely off. Luckily I got by with new hub and bearings plus brake assembly. Happened a second time on other axle in Florida panhandle this time ruining the spindle so I had to replace the axle. When I got home, I replaced all wheel bearings and seals on the older axle. Now I jack it up and grease hubs and check wheel bearing adjustment before every trip.

[micklyn]

P.S. not a new camper

[660catman]

Originally Posted by RC3

Have you checked out Standard Spring in Winnipeg on Princess?

Yep, I know the guys there but they don’t do it anymore. Went to Capital frame across the street for my quote. There’s probably the big truck guys way out Oak Point Hwy but I never tried them. Picking up new one on Tuesday from DL Parts for Trailers in Cartwright, Mb.

[660catman]

Originally Posted by micklyn

my tires were wearing like yours so I replaced the equalizer with this https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea.../LC279687.html. All bushings in springs were wore out also. Problem went away. I agree the axles are way too light for the trailers so you need to keep the wheel bearings in good shape. Had bearing fail in south Dakota and wheel almost came completely off. Luckily I got by with new hub and bearings plus brake assembly. Happened a second time on other axle in Florida panhandle this time ruining the spindle so I had to replace the axle. When I got home, I replaced all wheel bearings and seals on the older axle. Now I jack it up and grease hubs and check wheel bearing adjustment before every trip.

I would have to find ones that are 14.75” from eye to eye. These ones with “secure stance” are pretty long.

[660catman]

So I removed axle and laid it up on Jack stands. With the drums on stands I spin axle and the drums “wobble”. With axle sitting as it should the lead side is as wide as it goes and the tops are leaning in. Spin axle upside down and lead side turns in and the tops lean out. Hence why the tires were scuffing on the inside only.

[egrum]

Oh god I want to reply to this but unfortunately I do not have time right now but when I return I will relate my storey of axels on a crossroad sunset trail. Less than a year old

[dagst1]

Micklyn. You are a new camper based on the number of posts you have not your camping experience. As you post more it will change.

[micklyn]

That's a rather dumb labeling system. It is misleading. Who wants to listen to a "new camper". I have taken mt RV to 48 states and a lot of them twice. I know a thing or two about RV'S and camping.

[660catman]

Micklyn, Don’t worry I did not take your advice based on your profile info lol.