R-pod Owners Forum : Bent Axle http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Bent Axle Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 14:42:47 +0000 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:43:22 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7322 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Bent Axle : They didn't cover it under... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71981#71981 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7322
Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 4:43pm

They didn't cover it under warranty? I suppose they called it excessive wear ...]]> Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:43:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71981#71981 Bent Axle : We have a 2015 R179 and when we... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71978#71978 Author: KennesawCampers
Subject: 7322
Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 4:33pm

We have a 2015 R179 and when we took it to our dealer for its 1-year maintenance, we were told we have a bent axle. The left wheel was leaning out very slightly. Our 1-year annual maintenance checkup has turned into a very expensive trip!! Hopefully this won't happen again.]]> Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:33:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71978#71978 Bent Axle : Banged mine out with a mallet... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71848#71848 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7322
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:50pm

Banged mine out with a mallet too. Not good enough. Bugs me too! It was like $57 or so. Not too bad. Expected worse. ]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:50:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71848#71848 Bent Axle : Originally posted by dacolsonUpdate.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71842#71842 Author: Mountainrev
Subject: 7322
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:32pm

Originally posted by dacolson

Update. After lots of calls with Forest River, Lippert and my trailer repair shop, I'm replacing the original axle with the OEM from Forest River. Couldn't get a replacement with a higher weight limit without changing the lug pattern. I just bought new tires last fall. Gave up and went back to the standard 3500#. Just going to have to mind my total GVWR more carefully. Funny thing was, the price for FR was over $100 cheaper than Lippert! And FR orders it direct from Lippert! Confused Regardless, parts will be here in 10 days or so and we'll be rolling on straight wheels again. Had them throw in a replacement fender for the one I banged up dropping a kayak on it last summer. Can't wait to be all shiny and new again. Gonna get after all the interior/exterior calking next. 


How much was the fender?  I banged one up last summer pulling up to a gas pump.  Argggghhhhh.  I was able to pound most of the dent out with a rubber mallet, but it bugs the heck out of me every time I look in the sideview mirror.  Thankfully, it's on the driver's side, so I don't have to look at it going in and out of the Pod when we're camping!
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:32:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71842#71842 Bent Axle : Update. After lots of calls with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71834#71834 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7322
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 6:33pm

Update. After lots of calls with Forest River, Lippert and my trailer repair shop, I'm replacing the original axle with the OEM from Forest River. Couldn't get a replacement with a higher weight limit without changing the lug pattern. I just bought new tires last fall. Gave up and went back to the standard 3500#. Just going to have to mind my total GVWR more carefully. Funny thing was, the price for FR was over $100 cheaper than Lippert! And FR orders it direct from Lippert! Confused Regardless, parts will be here in 10 days or so and we'll be rolling on straight wheels again. Had them throw in a replacement fender for the one I banged up dropping a kayak on it last summer. Can't wait to be all shiny and new again. Gonna get after all the interior/exterior calking next. ]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:33:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=71834#71834 Bent Axle : Thank you D & D. Do you have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=70781#70781 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7322
Posted: 06 Mar 2016 at 11:03am

Thank you D & D. Do you have part numbers for the replacement 4500# setup? And pictures? Would be helpful. Started looking for replacements and seems like there's a ton of options and variables. ]]> Sun, 06 Mar 2016 11:03:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=70781#70781 Bent Axle : Our Vibe which originally from... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=70750#70750 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 7322
Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 5:58pm

  Our Vibe which originally from the factory had a 3,500 lb. axle and was changed later under warranty to a 4,500 lb.axle. It was a Lippert axle replaced with a Lippert axle. The r-pods I think have been built from the factory with either a Lipert or a Dexter axle. Both the r-pods and Vibes have the same axle and fender design. The only thing that may be a concern would be the strength of the frame the Vibe has a stronger frame from the earlier model r-pods. I don't think the frame on the earlier model r-pods would have a problem with a 4,500 axle but I am no expert on frames. Marwayne has added a lot of weight to his earlier model r-pod I am sure he could be of some help. ]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 17:58:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=70750#70750 Bent Axle : We have a 2010 RP-172t. Last... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=70747#70747 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7322
Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 3:54pm

We have a 2010 RP-172t. Last summer I noticed excessive tire wear on the insides of both tires. Not bald but much more than the rest. I replaced the tires but now see the sit with a tilt in toward the trailer at the top. See pic. I can't get a good pic of the axle. I suspect it's been overloaded and bent past 3500# limit. Not currently loaded in this pic so I bet it's permanently bent. We travel w/ water plus a bunch of supplies and bikes for 4 on the back. I'm reading we should fill up water at the destination and maybe move the spare tire to the truck. Has anyone upgraded the axle to a 5000#? I'm replacing the OE this spring and would like to know if it's possible/recommended. 
]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 15:54:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=70747#70747 Bent Axle : http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=70745#70745 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7322
Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 3:39pm

]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 15:39:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=70745#70745 Bent Axle : Doug,I believe that's true... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68746#68746 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 10:18pm

Doug,

I believe that's true for the as built weight posted on the yellow sticker, but not for the advertised catalog weight. That's the way mine came in.
]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 22:18:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68746#68746 Bent Axle : Originally posted by CharlieM...things... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68742#68742 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 9:16pm

Originally posted by CharlieM

... things that are not included in FR's dry weight (AC, Micro, batteries, propane and tanks, fresh and waste water plus stuff ...

Based on my discussion with FR, the dry weight includes what was installed at the factory, which includes the propane tank, and may include the A/C and microwave.
]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 21:16:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68742#68742 Bent Axle : Our Vibe has a axle very similar... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68726#68726 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 4:47pm

   Our Vibe has a axle very similar to the r-pods perhaps the only difference is the weight load capacity. Our axle was replaced after a few months when purchased new for being bent. The way ours looked is that one wheel was straight up and down and the other axle was on a slant. By looking from the front or back it was easily visible. ]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 16:47:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68726#68726 Bent Axle : It does seem you have a problem... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68725#68725 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 4:25pm

It does seem you have a problem if it's that obvious. I've long thought the larger Pods are at or beyond the practical limit for a single axle. By the time you add all the things that are not included in FR's dry weight (AC, Micro, batteries, propane and tanks, fresh and waste water plus stuff you're there. The smaller Pods used a 3500# axle; I don't know what's being used on the larger pods now. ]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 16:25:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68725#68725 Bent Axle : The person who handles my trailer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68720#68720 Author: FlyPod
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 2:13pm

The person who handles my trailer hitch service noticed it when I took a new vehicle in for a hitch modification and system inspection. The issue is that one side no longer matches the other in terms of angle. The wheel/tire on the door side of the RPod has a greater angle running slightly on the inside of the tire tread now. They are clearly visually different when you stand behind the unit on level ground.]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 14:13:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68720#68720 Bent Axle : Originally posted by FlyPodI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68719#68719 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 1:38pm

Originally posted by FlyPod

I was just informed that my 2013 RPod 178 has a BENT AXLE! 
After 2 great seasons of use I have never hit a bad hole or bump sufficient to cause a bent axle. I am wondering if others have experienced bent axles and if this might be a weak link of concern that we can learn from one another. Thanks all... 



I would be very suspicious of a bent axle diagnosis, especially if it comes from an RV dealer. There have been bent axle problems with other campers, but not with Pods. Thoroughly evaluate your source. A bent axle will show up as tire wear, most probably on the inside edges. As others have noted, the Dexter axle is designed with a built in upward bow. Furpod has the best advice: Who? and send pictures.
]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 13:38:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68719#68719 Bent Axle : What "symptoms" should... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68714#68714 Author: GLBCamper
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 12:24pm

What "symptoms" should I look for on a bent axle? Does it wobble? Sway?]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 12:24:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68714#68714 Bent Axle : We've been "off roading"... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68712#68712 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 10:36am

We've been "off roading" with ours a few times and no problems. I would get a second opinion before doing anything. As furpod said, it's got a kink. Mke sure they aren't misdiagnosing it.]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 10:36:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68712#68712 Bent Axle : Who informed you of this, and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68709#68709 Author: furpod
Subject: 7322
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 9:27am

Who informed you of this, and we need pics, the axle is built with an upward kink.]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 09:27:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68709#68709 Bent Axle : I was just informed that my 2013... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68697#68697 Author: FlyPod
Subject: 7322
Posted: 02 Jan 2016 at 2:03pm

I was just informed that my 2013 RPod 178 has a BENT AXLE! 
After 2 great seasons of use I have never hit a bad hole or bump sufficient to cause a bent axle. I am wondering if others have experienced bent axles and if this might be a weak link of concern that we can learn from one another. Thanks all... 

]]> Sat, 02 Jan 2016 14:03:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322&PID=68697#68697