Axles-Tires-Springs

Robbie Ribbins · 11-11-2009, 10:55 AM

There has been lots of posts on tires and axles, and here may be a new angle about the problems.
2 friends have another brand of equipment about 36 to 38 ft 5 th wheels. They have been having tire wear on one side and its the side where there are at least 2 slides. Both of these guys are retired air line mech. and expect everything to be perfect when fixed. Due to the extra weight on the slide side they found that the axles were spaced different then on the other side. They did much testing with both rigs by sliding out the slides and taking a measurement between the tires on both sides and then doing it again with slides in. They then stopped the rig half way thru a turn and did the measurement again on both sides with the slides both in and out. What they have figured out the extra weight on the slide side makes the axles to be spaced further apart,due to weight thus causing excess tire wear on that side. They also noticed the springs on the slide side was weak due to the extra weight and this also caused the axles to move apart more. All springs on both sides were rated the same, even tho there is more weight on that one side. They contacted the Mfg and they are sending them new heavy weight springs for the slide side. Comments Please Thanks Robbie

fhenn · 11-11-2009, 11:05 AM

I have a 35foot 11 inch unit Three slides on one side tow 15,000 miles since I got it two years ago, no tire wear. My speculation is that when people back into their site they just stop and set up. If you look at the axles they are twisted and ajar from the turns while backing in. I will pull forward and back in three times before I unhook. I feel that this lets the axles and suspension go back to normal. Next time you are at a camp ground watch the units being backed in and see how twisted those axles get, and those peopple will go ahead a camp on them for several nights can not be good. Just my two cents worth

Robbie Ribbins · 11-11-2009, 11:27 AM

Have not though about what you said but does make sense. Me being a rookie always looking for new ideas. Thanks

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