R-pod Owners Forum : GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 17:54:10 +0000 Fri, 15 Mar 2019 01:59:13 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=12510 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Originally posted by michaelnI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121550#121550 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 15 Mar 2019 at 1:59am

Originally posted by michaeln

I am betting that reinforcing the axle is just going to transfer stresses to some other part, and that will end up bending or breaking.

How much do you want to bet Tongue?

Seriously though, in this particular case it doesn't work that way. The axle loads are proportional to the distance between the wheels and the axle mounting points, meaning that if you can support the axle tube farther outboard things get better for the axle tube.  That includes the section of axle tube between the supports. 

That's not going to change the loads on the spindle or torsion arms, or rubber cords or any other parts outboard of the axle tube supports, which will see the same loads as before. So if any of those were the failure point before (and they for sure could be in some cases) then they still would be after reinforcing the axle tube. 
]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2019 01:59:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121550#121550 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Originally posted by podwerkzYou... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121549#121549 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 15 Mar 2019 at 1:47am

Originally posted by podwerkz

You guys got me curious, so I went and looked and the axle on my new 171 actually has "CAP 3500#" printed on the label.

The sticker on the trailer has 3000 for the GAWR.

Yep, makes sense. I'm pretty confident that the lighter rPods are using 3500 lb rated axle just like the heavier ones, they've just derated them to 3000 lbs to limit the total published load you carry. Consider yourself lucky to have some extra margin we don't have on our heavier ones. 
]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2019 01:47:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121549#121549 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Originally posted by SC for... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121548#121548 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 15 Mar 2019 at 1:43am

Originally posted by SC for Huskers

Fellas, I have tried to speed read seven pages of axle bending.  Sunday I had my 172  home to spring flush and noticed the tires, both sides wearing on the inter part.  Taken trips from Charleston SC to SD, CO, and three to GA.  Not a whole lot for 2017.  I use equalizer sway bars and carry a heavy suit case, a Cushman Scooter, 2 alum ramps, 2 Hyd. Jack, 2 tool boxes, lawn chair, food for 2 weeks, CD and DVDs.  I know I am transferring some of the weight in the pickup back to the camper. What you have said, if I read correctly, I shouldn't have used the equalizer bars because FR didn't build a sturdy camper.  WinkOne thing bothers me.  No one has said the rubber in the axle is bad.  Rubber doesn't become dis-formed around the inter part of the axle? Wink Second, How do you measure the hump in the axle? 
Thanks to all of you,


Sorry to hear your having axle problems. 

When you say equalizer bars I assume you mean a weight distribution hitch? If so then possibly you could have transferred more weight back to the trailer axle than you really should. It would depend on how much tension you put on the wdh bars. I suggest that you load up, tension your bars as you normally do, then run through a public scale and get the individual axle weights. That way you'll know exaclty what you're putting on the trailer axle.

To measure the crown/arch/camber on your axle, run a string line between the ends of the axle tube along the bottom of the tube from one side of the trailer to the other and measure the gap between the string line and the tube in the middle.

Yes, I've read that the rubber cords on these torsion axles can get flattened and go bad. But, this would make the wheel on one or both sides sit low, it shouldn't change the wheel camber angle, so shouldn't cause the inside of the tires to wear more, which indicates you have negative camber. That's most likey to be a bent axle tube.  




]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2019 01:43:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121548#121548 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : You guys got me curious, so I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121539#121539 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 12510
Posted: 14 Mar 2019 at 8:06pm

You guys got me curious, so I went and looked and the axle on my new 171 actually has "CAP 3500#" printed on the label.

The sticker on the trailer has 3000 for the GAWR.
]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2019 20:06:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121539#121539 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : I am betting that reinforcing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121538#121538 Author: michaeln
Subject: 12510
Posted: 14 Mar 2019 at 8:02pm

I am betting that reinforcing the axle is just going to transfer stresses to some other part, and that will end up bending or breaking.]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2019 20:02:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121538#121538 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Fellas, I have tried to speed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121535#121535 Author: SC for Huskers
Subject: 12510
Posted: 14 Mar 2019 at 6:21pm

Fellas, I have tried to speed read seven pages of axle bending.  Sunday I had my 172  home to spring flush and noticed the tires, both sides wearing on the inter part.  Taken trips from Charleston SC to SD, CO, and three to GA.  Not a whole lot for 2017.  I use equalizer sway bars and carry a heavy suit case, a Cushman Scooter, 2 alum ramps, 2 Hyd. Jack, 2 tool boxes, lawn chair, food for 2 weeks, CD and DVDs.  I know I am transferring some of the weight in the pickup back to the camper. What you have said, if I read correctly, I shouldn't have used the equalizer bars because FR didn't build a sturdy camper.  WinkOne thing bothers me.  No one has said the rubber in the axle is bad.  Rubber doesn't become dis-formed around the inter part of the axle? Wink Second, How do you measure the hump in the axle? 
Thanks to all of you,

]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2019 18:21:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=121535#121535 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Things finally warmed up and dried... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119931#119931 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 23 Jan 2019 at 3:53pm

Things finally warmed up and dried out enough out here on the OBX for me to crawl under my rPod and measure the crown in my 179 axle for comparison to StephenH's new axle. 

I have a definite crown in the axle center too, about 1/4 inch, so my crown is a little less than StephenH's. I probably have a bit more weight in mine that StephenH does (mostly some canned goods), or it could be that my axle has started to fatigue a little bit, or it could simply be measurement error. 

I took a look at the deflection calcs and get about 0.1 inch for an unloaded trailer and 0.14 inch for a fully loaded trailer, so there really isn't a whole lot of change as the axle loading changes.  

Based on this I think if we did proceed to add reinforcing angle to the bottom of our rPod axles we probably should try to get the angles made up with a 3/8 inch crown in them to match StephenH's axle. That way there would be no impact on a new axle's crown or bending stress under light load conditions when we clamped the angle to the axle.  But in reality the deflection changes are going to be small enough that if the crown ends up slightly off its probably not a big deal. 

StephenH, what are your thoughts. do you want to proceed? We live close enough to each other that we might get a benefit by finding a shop to make up two angles for us. 
]]> Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:53:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119931#119931 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : I’ll take a look at mine and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119475#119475 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 09 Jan 2019 at 3:15pm

I’ll take a look at mine and see what it’s crown is. My trailer is more or less empty right now too.

Just to be clear deflection is a different analysis from yield stress. Beams will deflect under load and return to their original positions. Think jet aircraft wings. The reason the axles are crowned is so the wheels don’t end up with too much negative camber when loaded. If a beam doesn’t return then it has been overstressed. I’ve not yet looked at the axle deflection calcs yet. ]]> Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:15:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119475#119475 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : I was able to get outside and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119470#119470 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12510
Posted: 09 Jan 2019 at 2:27pm

I was able to get outside and measure my axle with a string and tape measure. There is a definite 3/8" crown to the axle. This is with the wheels on the ground but only partially loaded (no water, groceries, clothing, etc.) with only non-perishable items such as dishes and cookware. I don't really have a good way to lift it up off both tires at the same time to measure that way.]]> Wed, 09 Jan 2019 14:27:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119470#119470 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Originally posted by lostagainIt... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119427#119427 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 8:22pm

Originally posted by lostagain

It was a sad day when science discredited alchemy.  My favorite was phlogiston.  
I carry a bunch of unobtainium in the back of our RP-179. It has negative gravity, and ensures I don't have a heavy tail (so to speak).]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 20:22:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119427#119427 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Yes it makes sense, and I tried... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119407#119407 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 5:18pm

Yes it makes sense, and I tried to find Lippert axle weights because I wanted to know how much more the 5200 lbs ones weigh. I couldn't find anything on their website. 

I'm pretty confident that Vikingr's and mine/StephenH's have the same actual load capacity because the part numbers are identical except for the one set of digits that defines the starting angle of the torque arm, which shouldn't effect load rating at all. And, if I was FR I wouldn't want to state the 172 axle rating any higher than 3000 lbs anyway, for the reasons I mentioned above.

Anyone can feel free to call Lippert and ask. Frankly, after I got two different answers to my question from them on two phone calls I'm not going to waste my time anymore. 
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:18:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119407#119407 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Has anyone visited the Dexter... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119403#119403 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 4:54pm

   Has anyone visited the Dexter or Lippert website for axle specifications. Would you be able to find the axle that is on the r-pods and compare a 3,000 lb axle to a 3,500 lb axle to see if there is a difference, perhaps they would list the weight of each axle. At one time I was on a website comparing their axles and I believe it gave the weight. I would think a 3,500 lb axle would be heavier than a 3,000 lb. axle if they are the same weight then it may be true they are same axles just labeled different. But if they are different in weight there must be something different in their construction not just labeled different. Does all this make any sense.]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 16:54:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119403#119403 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Be happy to help. I've even... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119402#119402 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 4:50pm

Be happy to help. I've even volunteer to take some gold off your hands to reduce that tongue weight to a more reasonable level...]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 16:50:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119402#119402 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : It was a sad day when science... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119400#119400 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 4:27pm

It was a sad day when science discredited alchemy.  My favorite was phlogiston.  

You would be most welcome to drop by when I've loaded the trailer with gold.  I'll need someone to help me calculate the trailer and tongue weight ratios.  
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 16:27:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119400#119400 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : You might need to remove your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119397#119397 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 3:48pm

You might need to remove your battery to make room for the gold. Changing lead into gold would make you a modern day alchemist. But do let me know when you've got that gold sitting on your trailer tongue. Sounds like it would be a good time for a midnight campsite visit....]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:48:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119397#119397 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : No, I am not planning on any axle... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119394#119394 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 3:15pm

No, I am not planning on any axle reinforcement any time soon.  At least not until I discover gold on one of our trips and have to haul out giant nuggets.  I'm sure that will happen eventually, but I'm realistic enough not to count my nuggets before they're found.  

And since the dry weight on our 172 is only 2259# I'd have to carry some of the gold on the tongue to keep it all balanced.
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:15:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119394#119394 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : BTW, I think the reason that FR/Lippert... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119392#119392 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 2:39pm

BTW, I think the reason that FR/Lippert appear to be deliberately derating the axles on the lighter rPods could be to mitigate the risk of a customer encountering trailer sway. It's going to be difficult to load a lighter rPod's axle to anywhere near 3500 lbs without also winding up with low tongue weight as a percent of total trailer weight. 

There is quite a bit of evidence that rPods with tongue weights at or below the industry standard minimum 10% figure can sway. To load a 172's axle to 3500 lbs and still be at least 10% on the tongue the trailer would gross out at at least 3889 lbs and have a tongue weight of 390 lbs. That's a crazy huge load on a trailer with a dry weight of 2338. There's just no sensible way or reason to load a 172 like that I don't think. On a 179 that's not an unusual load at all. By limiting the axle to 3000 lbs the gross weight is 3333 with a tongue weight of 333 to keep within the 10%. Much more sensible on a 172. 

]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 14:39:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119392#119392 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Yep. But as you've had your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119390#119390 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 2:03pm

Yep. But as you've had your 172 for awhile and knowing that its a lighter rPod, and you keep it light, and have no uneven tire wear to date, I don't think you really have any pressing need to do any axle reinforcement. 

 


]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 14:03:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119390#119390 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Thankfully, my tire wear is phenomenally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119388#119388 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 1:42pm

Thankfully, my tire wear is phenomenally even.  It is easy enough to measure the crown, when the weather gets nicer and my arm recovers, simply by stretching a string from one side to the other.]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 13:42:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119388#119388 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : lostagain, it would depend on... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119382#119382 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 11:37am

lostagain, it would depend on whether or not your axle was crowned. StephenH's is which makes me think that that is the way the Lippert ones are made. But your's and mine might no longer be crowned or yours might never have been crowned to begin with. If your axle isn't crowned and you're not getting uneven tire wear from too much negative camber then I wouldn't try to change its camber by strapping it to a crowned reinforcing element.  ]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 11:37:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119382#119382 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Sounds like a plan. But then I'd... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119380#119380 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 10:19am

Sounds like a plan.  But then I'd have to get the metal guy to not only cut the pipe, but to bend a crown into it? Right?]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 10:19:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119380#119380 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : If you do go to the trouble to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119379#119379 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 9:59am

If you do go to the trouble to measure it I'd suggest lifting the trailer off its wheels first so you can get the crown dimension with the axle unloaded. Then if you crown the angle to match things should line right up under load. ]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 09:59:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119379#119379 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : My axle is about 3" inches... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119378#119378 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 9:55am

My axle is about 3" inches in diameter.  Since I broke my arm at the end of Dec., I'm in no condition to crawl under and measure it right now. Cry  I have no idea who the manufacturer is, except to say it's likely to be one of the two common brands.  When the weather warms up and my arm heals, I'll take a gander below and see if I can find a label.  Maybe I should just call FR and see what was originally installed.  Since it's probably never been replaced, that should answer the question.

Where would I find a piece of steel pipe split in half without getting into going to a metal fabricator to cut one for me?  Would the round half pipe configuration be sufficiently resistant to bending to make it worth it?
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 09:55:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119378#119378 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : I did find some online, but none... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119376#119376 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 9:41am

I did find some online, but none of the correct dimensions for this purpose. I did not measure, but there was a little bit of crown visible. I don't think it was more than about 1/2", but I would really have to measure to be sure.]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 09:41:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119376#119376 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : StephenH, I've never seen... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119374#119374 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 9:33am

StephenH, I've never seen a v bottomed U bolt but yes if there was one that would be good. Or you could weld up some custom clamps but I'm not convinced its necessary. 

If your axle is crowned you'd probably want to crown the angle a bit to match. We'd probably have to ask a metal shop what that would cost to do. Angle iron gets bent all the time but I've mostly seen it bent parallel to one of the flats.   

I don't notice any crown in my axle but I haven't looked carefully. Could be mine has already started to fail, or its got more weight on it. About how much of a center crown do you have?

I calculated the 3/8 bolt size based on only a single thread engagement, so it's really way overkill even with standard nuts, but more threads can never hurt. 

lostagain, interesting that you have a round axle. Vikingr's 172 has pretty much the same axle as StephenH and I do. Who is the manufacturer? 

With a round axle you might be better off thinking about using a piece of steel pipe cut in half lengthwise rather than an angle to reinforce it. What is the OD of the round axle?  You should be able to buy off the shelf u bolts to clamp it. 

I just looked at the 3 x 3 x 3/16 angle, which seems about right for reinforcing the 3 x 3 x 3/16 inch Lippert box tube axle, while not adding a lot of weight. Your case might be totally different, your configuration might or might not even be subject to axle failure. Have you had any signs of it?  
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 09:33:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119374#119374 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : ummm, errrr, I just went out into... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119371#119371 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 8:10am

ummm, errrr, I just went out into the pre-dawn chill to confirm what I recall, that my axle is round.  I was actually thinking  of standard U bolts, not square ones like you'd find on a leaf spring.  The round part would rest against my round axle and the retainer plate passing over the angle iron.  The issue I had with that was that the retainer plate wouldn't fit up against the angle iron completely as it would have to be bent with a right angle in it to touch the angle iron and would need additional bends where the bolts go through at 45º or so.  Or am I, once again, trying to put round pegs into a square hole?

Another dumb question:  Has anyone calculated the various potential sizes of angle iron and what additional strength they would impart to the axle once installed securely?  For me, if I were to engage in such a modification, I would not be looking to significantly increase the load capacity of our 172, but to give it a little more strength for forest service roads and such when loaded within the defined limits.  If I put a 1 1/2 inch angle with about 1/8th thickness angle iron would I be wasting my time or would it add enough strength to make it worth the bother.  It's a lot of work wallowing around under a trailer for an old geezer my age.
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 08:10:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119371#119371 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Originally posted by offgridHa... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119366#119366 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 7:43am

Originally posted by offgrid

Ha Ha lostagain. Not laughing at your idea of using square u bolts, just laughing 'cause I beat you to it by 22 minutes Tongue.

The reason I was mentally resisting them at first is because with the diamond orientation of the axle you need to have two of them at each point to symmetrically hold the angle to the axle, so its a little weird. But it should still work I think.  The holding capacity of each u bolt in the direction of force is derated to cosine(45 deg)= 71% so two together would be about 1.4x the the holding force of a single u bolt used normally. 
It would be nice if there were such a thing as a V bolt used with a V plate, washers and nuts. I don't know if such a thing exists, but it would make things easier, I think.
The only issues I'd take with your summary of the situation is first that there isn't just the one weak point, the stresses on the axle are continuous. The points just outboard of the axle attachment brackets are most likely to see the most stress over time but that doesn't mean they're the only points to worry about. 

Second, I'm not sure what you mean by "get pushed away from the bend site"? The bending forces are upwards on the wheels so the axle ends are getting pushed upwards while the midsection of the axle is getting pushed downward. By clamping the to the axle at the ends the two parts should stay in intimate contact over their whole lengths under load. You could add more clamps inboard if you wanted to but I don't really think they're necessary. 
When I look at the new axle, I can see a little upward bend in the middle section. Would an angle iron need to be bent to match the initial shape of the axle? Would adding a straight piece of angle iron tend to start a bending stress on the axle if an initial matching of the shape is not done?
StephenH, I think the hose clamps you found should work but I'm now leaning toward trying square U bolts if we can find the right size. They would probably need to be 3/8 inch to have enough thread area to carry the load and have a 3.5 inch opening to slide over the 3 inch axle plus the 3/16 in angle.

These would probably work. We'd need bolt plates, nuts and washers as well. 

https://store.uboltsdirect.com/SecureCart/ViewCart.aspx?mid=0D3EC8DE-C0FA-487C-81A3-BB423F37A886&sctoken=164be636ce8a4f7da159cd2aa91502b4&optionId=1012189971,&bhjs=1&bhqs=1

I saw the 3/8" deep nuts and washers offered as an option. I like the idea of the deep nuts as they would have more threads.
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 07:43:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119366#119366 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Nope, you can't weld to torsion... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119360#119360 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 7:05am

Nope, you can't weld to torsion axles. There are rubber cords inside there that would burn up. 

When Lippert and Dexter make them all the welding is done before inserting the rubber. The rubber cords are compressed and frozen (in liquid nitrogen I think) then everything is inserted and allowed to warm up. 

The axle ends bend up under load, the center section of the axle between the frame attachments bends down.  


]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 07:05:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119360#119360 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : This discussion brings me back... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119359#119359 Author: Pod People
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 6:59am

This discussion brings me back to a question I asked a while back--does the axle bend up or down ? it would seem to me that you could weld the 3x3 angle to the axle and it would stop the bend regardless of the directin.  Is it not possible to weld to the hollow axle instead of U bolts?
Vann
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2019 06:59:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119359#119359 GVWR>GAWR and Stabilizer Issues : Ha Ha lostagain. Not laughing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12510&PID=119357#119357 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12510
Posted: 08 Jan 2019 at 6:35am

Ha Ha lostagain. Not laughing at your idea of using square u bolts, just laughing 'cause I beat you to it by 22 minutes Tongue.

The reason I was mentally resisting them at first is because with the diamond orientation of the axle you need to have two of them at each point to symmetrically hold the angle to the axle, so its a little weird. But it should still work I think.  The holding capacity of each u bolt in the direction of force is derated to cosine(45 deg)= 71% so two together would be about 1.4x the the holding force of a single u bolt used normally. 

The only issues I'd take with your summary of the situation is first that there isn't just the one weak point, the stresses on the axle are continuous. The points just outboard of the axle attachment brackets are most likely to see the most stress over time but that doesn't mean they're the only points to worry about. 

Second, I'm not sure what you mean by "get pushed away from the bend site"? The bending forces are upwards on the wheels so the axle ends are getting pushed upwards while the midsection of the axle is getting pushed downward. By clamping the to the axle at the ends the two parts should stay in intimate contact over their whole lengths under load. You could add more clamps inboard if you wanted to but I don't really think they're necessary. 

StephenH, I think the hose clamps you found should work but I'm now leaning toward trying square U bolts if we can find the right size. They would probably need to be 3/8 inch to have enough thread area to carry the load and have a 3.5 inch opening to slide over the 3 inch axle plus the 3/16 in angle.

These would probably work. We'd need bolt plates, nuts and washers as well. 

https://store.uboltsdirect.com/SecureCart/ViewCart.aspx?mid=0D3EC8DE-C0FA-487C-81A3-BB423F37A886&sctoken=164be636ce8a4f7da159cd2aa91502b4&optionId=1012189971,&bhjs=1&bhqs=1


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