Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: BENT AXEL

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BENT AXEL

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
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=16077
Printed Date: 17 Jun 2025 at 11:33am
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Topic: BENT AXEL

Posted By: Capt Kidd
Subject: BENT AXEL
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2024 at 12:16pm

So I have had to replace my axel four times so far. It gets be bent on the passengers side right where the square part ends. It is the The first axel lasted over 6,000 miles this is the longest of any of them. One only lasted 600 miles. I have never hit anything to cause this. Has any one else had this problem and if so what have you done to prevent it in the future. I am thinking that I might make a square box out of 1/4 inch steel do go over the first 6 inches or so. This last the axel bent after about 2,ooo miles and 10 months of use. Lippert replaced the axel for free as they have a one year warrenty.

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The Pirate's Pod

Replies:

Posted By: Capt Kidd
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2024 at 12:18pm

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The Pirate's Pod

Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2024 at 2:33pm

We had a Forest River Vibe and the axle was replaced twice becuse of a bent axle and the second time it was replaced with a stronger axle all under warranty. Maybe Forest River should replace your axle with a stronger axle under warranty. It sure appears that something is wrong with the axle they are using.

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2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2024 at 11:03am

I've had to replace both axles on our tandem camper and they were made by Dexter. Torsions axles are light duty at best. The design of the Rpod where the axle rides outside of the frame makes it worse.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Kawasaki KLR650

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2024 at 11:05am

It all boils down to the fact that the frame is inboard of the wheels by roughly a foot. If the frame went all the way out to the outer wall (and closer to the wheels), the axle would be plenty strong enough.

Solutions (assuming the frame does not change) involve reinforcing the axle (many examples on this forum), or replacing the axle with a heavier duty model.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2024 at 7:39pm

We are in the process of replacing the axle on our 14 year old 177. From day one the driver side wheel was at a slight angle. I called FR then and they told me all the pods with a slide had that as the extra weight caused that problem. Not knowing any better, I believed them. Until this year, and 50,000+ miles later it wasn't an issue, tires were barely worn after 5 years when replaced, but this last year - a marked change happened. The tire on the driver side was canted in about 1.5" from the bottom and the tire was showing excessive wear. I will find out tomorrow from the axle company where I am getting this replaced at - the name of the manufacturer, and report back.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2024 at 9:52am

This axle is built by Sirco out of Indiana and came with a 2 year warranty.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2024 at 10:10am

Originally posted by jato

This axle is built by Sirco out of Indiana and came with a 2 year warranty.

Interesting. I have to admit I have never heard of Sirco until you mentioned it. It will be interesting to see how that works out for you.

FWIW, when we had our axles replaced on our tandem, the trailer and frame shop said they could easily convert the trailer to leaf spring suspension. I may consider it if this set of axles fails.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Kawasaki KLR650