Travel Trailer Owners, I need your help

[Archive]

Last weekend on my way back home from Tulare my 5th wheel trailer broke the end welds that support the center cross memebr between the lower frame welds, although it did not cripple the trailer I am very concerned at this point after seeing the poor weld jobs. Here is what I need from my fellow Trailer towing TDR memebers: I need to know everyone that has ever had a problem with A) Dexter 5200# axles, B) 15" Rims w/ load D rated tires, C) Zema Chasis in general. d)Skyline/Aljo/Komfort This is my current setup with a trailer that is rated at gross of 12,000. I am arguing with the manufacturer (Skyline) that they are pushing the envelope of that rating by using what I and some others have considered undersized components. So if you have every had any problems with any of these, please post back, the more the better because then i have a case for something to be corrected. Thanks everyone

------------------
TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. BD Torc Loc, BD Pressure Loc, Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB, Pac Brake, Power Edge, Edge EZ, Grover Air Horns

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz.com

Add on's to come: any other Ram Runner required modifications...

 

[Archive]

I think every TT ,5th wheel ,an Gooseneck that I've had ,used the 6,000# dexter. I've never had a problem, over 20 years pulling the RV stuff.

 

[Archive]

Mr. Mc:
I also pull a 31 ft. 5th wheel. It is made by Thor of Ca. and called a Wanderer. The under carrige is the same as you describe but the frame, I don't know. I too feel the 5200 lb. axles and 8 ply tyres are a bit under. I used to build equiptment trailers and used Dexter. I went to a local supply warehouse here and asked the difference in a 5200 and a 6000 lb. axle. The owner said the hub was all. You can replace the 5 lug with an 8 lug and go to a 16" wheel. Same spindle and bearings. I will need to move my axles under the springs to allow for clearance and possibly go to a different spring. I weighted my rig at the local truck scale and it was 11,500 dry. You see where I am.
My wife and I really love the fiver and intend on keeping it for a while. So far no problems in 14 mon. It will cost me about $600 to do what I want, but I like a little saftey margin. I know this does not answer your question but thought I would let you know others have the same concerns.
Best of luck.
Preston Thompson

------------------
96 3500 Black 5 speed turbo diesel, SLT, with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , with other goodys on the way.

 

[Archive]

thanks TT, that actually makes me feel better that you can just change the hub, the 16" rim is more of my convern than anything else. I have been told my several people that they have had problems with the actual tube bending in and then loosing it all. I just wish trailer manufaturers would give safety a little more thought.

------------------
TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. BD Torc Loc, BD Pressure Loc, Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB, Pac Brake, Power Edge, Edge EZ, Grover Air Horns

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz.com

Add on's to come: any other Ram Runner required modifications...

 

[Archive]

I have 31' 5th wheel with the Dexter 5200 pound axles. I changed from 15" to 16" wheels because of tire failure. My axles came with 6 lugs. I just bought new wheels and tires (same brand unfortunately and still had problems) Have since bought new 16" tires of another brand and so far (6000 miles) no problems.

------------------
White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 100 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[Archive]

Try a post at
http://www.rvforums.com

There is a wealth of info there like here, but RV's.

There is a "towables" and Rv forum. More folks on the RV forum.

------------------
1997 3500 Dually CC, Emerald Green 5 speed, 4:10 , Reese 15K 5th hitch, K&N Air Filter, Jacob E-brake, gutted cat, running boards. Maybe more,if I can keep it out of DC'$ hands. .

 

[Archive]

Don't have a 5ver but I have noticed that 90% of all towable RV's have under rated axles and tires.
My 94 Layton 2251 tongue pull has tandum 2800# axles and B rated (1430#) tires. The GVWR is over 6100# so that *** -U-MEs the weight above and beyond the 5600# allowed on the axles will always be on the hitch which may not be case - I can't wait to wear out these tires so I can upgrade them to C's (1760#).

------------------
4-sale or Trade
'99, 3/4, QC, SLT, 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 3. 5xlsd, tow pac, HD tcase, tow mirrors, camper pac, White over driftwood, Mist gray interior. With less than 19,500 miles.

 

[Archive]

thanks everyone I was hoping for more people to chime in here, I know that there are a lot of people with travel trailers, and I have seen enough of them on the side of the road broken, maybe they just have not seen this yet.

 

[Archive]

Buy an Automate he he

 

[Archive]

Hi Mike, I too feel that trailers do not offer much in the way of safty and ,from what I see, axles and weight ratings are almost always under sized or overlooked entirely.

I would battle with the manufacturer first and if that fails to resolve the axle issues, call Oakland rim and wheel<510-451-6022>and bend their ear. They are quite knowledable regarding Dexter stuff, weight ratings, and fixes. They are an authorized Dexter dealer.

Dexter, IMHO, is deplorable with customer service but I have found a guy in the Dexter plant in Indiana that is the best source for detailed Dexter axle, brakes, bearings, and hubs info. If there is an answer or some little known detail, Ron Kinase, <219-295-7888> will undoubtably know it. Call him if you need detailed info on your axle application.

On another subject, I was thinking that you may have experienced a limp home mode on the transmission because of higher pressures comming home Sunday. If so, just cycle the key. A higher value resistor may be of some help to prevent the PCM from seeing govoner over pressures and setting a fault. Don't try starting out with a trailer when you are in limp home mode. You will damage the forward clutches. E-mail me privately if you wish.
-Paul R. Haller-
phaller@uclink4. berkeley. edu

 

[Archive]

I have three 6000 Dexter axles on my flatbed 5er. They've been very good for me,one thing I can tell you though-if you ever need the drums turned just buy new ones,they won't cost much more and you will have a hard time finding someone qualified to do it. I got more service info from their website than I did with the trailer. their website is excellent,just be prepared to download. http://www.dexteraxle.com/ for bent axle check http://www.dexteraxle.com/FAQ/Axle%20Beam/Axle%20Beam%20FAQ.htm



[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 10-26-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Boy I would like to know where you guy found your axle weights. Did the dealer tell you or?? When I purchased my new AUTOMATE the axles had a tag on them that said "Hayes4500" . I added up the two axle specs and my tongue weight and I have about 2000lbs to load in the trailer. Wrong, the strongest 15" tires I found are rated at 1850lbs so figure that out. Your axle is so good as your tires. 6000lbs axle, I dont think so.

[This message has been edited by bombero (edited 10-26-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by bombero (edited 10-27-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

I agree that your tires can be the weak link but even though they are 15" tires they are D rated for 2750#'s I know I have the dexter 5200's because there was a tag at one time and that is what the manufacturer is saying.

------------------
TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. BD Torc Loc, BD Pressure Loc, Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB, Pac Brake, Power Edge, Edge EZ, Grover Air Horns

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz.com

Add on's to come: any other Ram Runner required modifications...

 

[Archive]

Goodyear had a recall on some of their RV tires. Check a dealer if you have bad I mean Goodyear tires.

 

[Archive]

Folks:
I know the axles are 5200 when the tube has a tag, spot welded in place. The spindles and bearings are the same as 6000 lbs. I used Dexter Axles for 11 years and had no trouble. I feel they are as good as any on the market. Our problem is not the axle but the trailer mfg. useing under-sized parts.
Preston

 

[Archive]

Mike--I have a Holiday Rambler 28 ft, came with Goodyear ST22575R15, load range "D". I've blown 2 off in 4 years, the last of which tore up the trailer. I called the dealer, and he said there was a recall on the tires. Phone number(s), 1-800-321-2136, and/or 1-800-787-0572. The tires are rated at 2540 lbs, which is probably a big lie. My trailer weighs 9700 lbs wet, 8320 dry. It also has 6-lug rims. I'm gonna go to LT 225 75R 16 tires, (load range "E"), and wheels, same as the larger variety of H/R trailers come with from the factory. Goodyear said they would replace all 5 of my tires for free, and I tried to get them to upgrade to the 16" if I bought the wheels, and they wouldn't. So I told them to keep their "ST" (special trailer), tires, and I would take care of the underrated tires myself. I got tired of dealing with these morons as it relates to my safety, and the safety of others on the road. frijole

[This message has been edited by frijole (edited 10-30-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Goodyear is replacing my 225/75R15 Load Range D Marathon tires.

Two are deformed, ready to blow. The other 3 will be pro-rated.

Goodyear will also repair your trailer if it suffers damage from a blowout.

My two trailer axles together only weighed 6,600 lbs. - well within the posted "D" weight rating for four tires.

I would love to have 16" tires also. Goodyear says the Light Truck tires will not last either. They claim the flaw is in the design of the belts and the fact that the tires are allowed to slide when making tight turns. The new S tire supposedly has additional belts that compensate for the pressure during tight turns. Over on the RV forum, there has been much discussion about the S tire not really being any better.

I'll see for myself.

 

[Archive]

I need enlightenment! Where the heck is the RV FORUM?? TIA-RON

------------------
2K1 auto 4x4 QC dooley--stock as a rock--except for shiney stuff.

 

[Archive]

Right here http://irv2. infopop.net/2/OpenTopic/a/cfrm

------------------
98 2500 SLT, QC 12V, 4X4, Auto, 4:10's, SB, 285 BFG's on Mickey Thompson Challengers, LSD, Alpine alarm, Tekonsha brake controller, 5th wheel hitch, DeeZee stainless boards, Stull billet grille, MTX Thunder sub enclosure, Kenwood amp, Trans. temp gauge, CB radio, White/Driftwood, Camel interior. BINFORD TOOLS decal on rear window

 

[Archive]

Here is another RV forum :
http://www.happycampers.net/bbs/