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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Replacement axle?
    Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 3:52pm
Some time back there was a discussion about bent axles and replacement options. One stated that a 5,000 lb axle had been ordered to replace the 3,500 lb axle. I noticed today that the axle on our RP179 is apparently bent sufficiently that the inside of the driver's side tire is wearing excessively. I will be looking to get this addressed as soon as we get home which will hopefully be tomorrow.

If anyone ordered a 5,000 lb rated axle to replace the 3,500 lb axle, what were the specifications used? How has the 5,000 lb axle worked out? Did you have to get new wheels to go along with the axle?

p.s. I would like to get this taken care of ASAP as we have reservations for the R-Pod 10th Anniversary rally in October.
StephenH
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 4:00pm
SH, just for info, did this have anything to do with the wearing tire and brake issue you posted before? My opinion wheel size is determined by bolt pattern and preference. If I went with a 5000 lb axle I would probably go with a 15" wheel. Just cause you can. Just inquisitive.
Mike Carter
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marwayne View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 5:08pm
If you go with a 5000# axle you have to use 15" wheels, they do not make 5000# axles with 14" bolt pattern
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 5:09pm
Makes sense.
Mike Carter
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 5:11pm
Yep you will need new wheels and tires. I think, if you contact Lippert or Dexter with the specs off your current axle tag, they can hook you up pretty easy.
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Happy Tripping View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 7:40pm
Sorry to hear of your axle troubles.

Is there a reason for your wanting this fixed ASAP?

Mine is also bent but rather than replace the expensive axle, I have chosen to replace the much less expensive tires on an accelerated schedule as their wear becomes excessive. 

If there is a reason why it's best to replace the axle rather than the tires, I also will upgrade to a 5000 lb unit.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 7:46pm
When I was at the rally in Goshen in 2015 I talked with the Dexter rep, he told me that the heaviest axle they can make for 14" wheels is 4200#
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 9:21pm
4200# is better than 3500#.
Why replace? It isn't minor wear on the inside. It really is significant. We are returning from a trip and I noticed the tilt of the tire and then felt and saw the wear. I also had the brakes squealing. It sounded like it was coming from the tilted wheel, not the passenger side which is the one where the brakes seem to tighten up too much. I also was noticing that there seemed to be some increased heat at the axle that I will want to get addressed also. Before I spring for a new axle though, I will take it to a shop to make sure I am reading the symptoms correctly. I don't want to spend money unnecessarily.
StephenH
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David and Danette View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Sep 2018 at 6:10am
   Our Vibe may have originally had the same axle as a r-pod 3,500 lb 14" wheel, it was replaced with a 4,400 lb axle 15" wheel. I think the manufacturer is Lippert. It too was bent tilted inward and thankfully was still under warranty, Lippert and Forest River replaced it with the stronger axle because the newer model Vibes were changed to the stronger axle.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Sep 2018 at 8:48am
StephenH, how did you bend your axle?  Was this something that happened in the accident you had a while back?  

If it were up to me, I'd take a look at that Dexter 4200# axle that will allow you to keep your 14" wheels.  The 700 lbs. of extra capacity is probably about all you'll need.  Is it really cost effective for another 800 lbs. of capacity to have to go to the expense of tire and wheel replacement when the trailer chassis is really built for the 3000 lbs. GVW?  

Asside from weight capacity, are the 5000# axles really that much "beefier" than the 4200# that they are less susceptible to getting bent under normal use?  If you're driving on really rough roads where there are rocks and such that could hit the axle, it seems to be focusing on ground clearance may be worth the effort.  Does the heavier axle provide significantly greater clearance apart from the change to 15" wheels and tires?  

Best of luck in sorting this out and let us know what factors you considered in making your decision.
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