Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Torsion Axle Failure

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Torsion Axle Failure

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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14152
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 4:21am
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Topic: Torsion Axle Failure

Posted By: ronahue
Subject: Torsion Axle Failure
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2020 at 11:43am

Yesterday while driving my 2015 R-Pod 179 to winter storage I heard a loud bang (like a shotgun going off) I stopped and could see no visible damage. However when I resumed driving I notice the trailer had no bounce. After jacking the trailer on both sides I determined their was limited downward movement of the torsion bars. I assume a broken torsion axle. Anyone experience this?

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2020 at 1:14pm

No, but please keep us posted as to what you find out.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2020 at 2:14pm

The axle torsion arms are independent, they only extend into the axle tube a short distance at each end and are embedded in rubber, which is what flexed under load. So, it seems unlikely that there would be simultaneous failures of the torsion arms at both ends. If you haven't already, take a close look at the axle to frame attachments and at the frame rails themselves in that area. We have had a couple of failures reported on the forum in those. Let us know what you find.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2020 at 3:42pm

Frame attachments look fine I’m in touch with Lippert customer service and will keep the forum posted.

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 2:53pm

I spoke with a Lippert Tech today and he agrees that I experienced an internal failure of the axle. New axle $1,000 with shipping.

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 3:15pm

Did he say what he thinks failed? Doesn't make sense that both sides would fail simultaneously since they are independent.

A new axle shouldn't cost that much unless you are replacing the brake assemblies too, maybe.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 3:42pm

He did not say what he thinks failed but indicated that a failure of both sides simultaneously was indeed possible. They will only ship the axle with the full hub assemblies. $699.50 for the axle and $300 for shipping. While I'm not happy about this this axle has seen some very rough roads all through Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and a trip to Alaska so I can't say I'm surprised.

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 4:39pm

Once you get the old axle off see if you can tell what failed.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 6:45pm

Having had to replace an axle out of warranty, I feel your pain. That axle had a bad weld on the brake mounting bracket, so it got replaced under warranty. I hope I never have to replace the axle again.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 7:05pm

You could consider getting a higher load rated axle, the 3500 lb one is marginal for a loaded 179. But the higher rated ones have 6 lug brake drums so you would be looking at new tires and wheels as well. If my axle needed to be replaced I would bite the bullet and do it though.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 7:13pm

Thanks I looked into that but have decided not to go that route.

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 7:23pm

You might see if your local Forest River RV dealer can have the axle shipped along with the next load of smaller trailers that are typically shipped to the dealer on a step-deck.

Many years ago I had this done with a cargo trailer replacement axle and the shipping was free this way, they just add the axle to the shipment...this takes a bit longer (especially with the RV manufacturing delays we are seeing now) but might be doable in your area.

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r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

Posted By: Toyanvil
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 8:05pm

It should be under warranty 11 years on torsion axles. http://www.lci1.com/axles%20 - http://www.lci1.com/axles go to the bottom of the page "downloads" and click on Axle warranty sheet

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 10:08pm

The problem is the age of the axle. The warranty download says that it is as of January 1, 2017. Since this is a 2015 RPod, it may or may not apply. It would not hurt to contact LCI directly and find out.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2020 at 8:38am

I have been in touch with Lippert again this morning here's the latest:

My axle was manufactured on 09/21/2016 and came with a 1 year warranty. All axles manufactured on or after 01/01/2017 have an 11 year warranty. The cost of the new axles is $699.50 plus $300 for shipping. Lippert has agreed to provide the axle for free and I will pay only for shipping.

I want to thank Lippert for good willing the axle and also for outstanding customer service they made everything easy and straight forward.

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2020 at 9:27am

Just curious, does Lippert want your old axle back or is it yours to keep?

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2020 at 9:29am

They do not want the axle back.

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2020 at 9:32am

Ok, that's interesting. Kinda suggests that they already know. It would be great to learn what actually looks like it failed if you get a chance once you get it off the trailer.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2020 at 4:04pm

When mine was replaced under warranty, they also did not want it back. They knew what the flaw was from the pictures I sent.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2021 at 1:07pm

Axle Update

Axle was installed yesterday by a free lance mechanic, a friend and myself total time 5.5 hours about 45 minutes on the axle the rest of the time removing tires brakes etc. and reinstalling. Mechanic charge me $160 I'm happy and ready to go.

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2021 at 1:18pm

Having gotten the old axle off can you tell any more about what actually failed on it?

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2021 at 1:30pm

Originally posted by ronahue

Axle Update

Glad you got it done. That was a very reasonable price for the mechanic. I'm also curious as to the actual failure.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2021 at 2:01pm

No idea what failed something internal, mechanic said thinks the "torsion bracket" what ever that means. But he's just guessing.

I'm just glad it is done and ready for camping season.

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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated

Posted By: MitchReef
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2021 at 2:15pm

Check with other trailer parts places. I see axles of every description in any number of trailer places. If it's a trailer shop and not an RV center the same axle will probably be cheaper.

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Mitch and Laurie Carter....
Still rolling....