Failed axle

[315RLTSinPA]

Had the axle fail on our last trip. I noticed the wheel looked tilted in and when I took a closer look I saw the tire was completely bald on the inner half. Had to put the spare on to come home. Axle tube now has a downward arch instead of an upward arch. Not sure if it's part of the 3 year warranty or not, but I don't want the same under sized axle put back on. The axles, springs, wheels, and tires are less or barely over the GVWR of the trailer. Time to change the axles,springs, shackles to a heavier weight rating. I'm also going to replace the wheels and tires to 16" for more reserve capacity. Don't know why rv builders don't make the running gear sized for the full GVWR of the rig instead of subtracting the tongue weight and using smaller components.

[Cate&Rob]

No argument that there is less margin than there should be between trailer weight and suspension capacity. But . . . before you over-strengthen everything, consider that the trailer suspension should be sized to use its full travel to absorb road impacts. If the suspension and tires don’t flex, the trailer body and contents will take a more severe beating.

Rob

[howson]

Had the axle fail on our last trip. I noticed the wheel looked tilted in and when I took a closer look I saw the tire was completely bald on the inner half. Had to put the spare on to come home. Axle tube now has a downward arch instead of an upward arch. Not sure if it's part of the 3 year warranty or not, but I don't want the same under sized axle put back on. The axles, springs, wheels, and tires are less or barely over the GVWR of the trailer. Time to change the axles,springs, shackles to a heavier weight rating. I'm also going to replace the wheels and tires to 16" for more reserve capacity. Don't know why rv builders don't make the running gear sized for the full GVWR of the rig instead of subtracting the tongue weight and using smaller components.

The 315's setup is no where near what it should be for our very large TT. Your experience is exactly why I had MORryde's IS installed on mine. I'll be very interested to know what you end up doing, so please continue this thread as you work through the process.

[315RLTSinPA]

No argument that there is less margin than there should be between trailer weight and suspension capacity. But . . . before you over-strengthen everything, consider that the trailer suspension should be sized to use its full travel to absorb road impacts. If the suspension and tires don’t flex, the trailer body and contents will take a more severe beating.

Rob

Not going to go nuts with the upgrade. Will change from 5200lb axles and springs to 6000lb. Will also add morryde CRE3000 and heavy duty shackles/ wet bolts. Will also switch out the 15' wheels and tires for 16" for a little reserve capacity. Was going to do disc brakes, but that may wait until next year. 5 new wheels and tires pretty much eats up the disc brake budget. I would rather have an upgraded suspension with drum brakes than an under sized suspension with disc brakes. Plus I won't have time to do all of it before the next trip.

[Country Campers]

https://gdrv4life.granddesignrv.com/...t-tires-wheels

Here is a set of wheels and tires , not far from Pa. home that may save you some money. The tires may not be good but the wheels would be worth it.
I thought that the 315 came with 16" wheels?

Brian

[TucsonJim]

https://gdrv4life.granddesignrv.com/...t-tires-wheels

Here is a set of wheels and tires , not far from Pa. home that may save you some money. The tires may not be good but the wheels would be worth it.
I thought that the 315 came with 16" wheels?

Brian

I'm on the third axle on my 297RSTS. I was having the same issue with inside tire wear and an out of alignment axle. So far, I'm finally getting good tire wear.

Jim

[Calbar]

I'm on the third axle on my 297RSTS. I was having the same issue with inside tire wear and an out of alignment axle. So far, I'm finally getting good tire wear.

Jim

This is concerning to hear Jim. So far I am good on my 297RSTS. Hope it stays that way.

Rob

[315RLTSinPA]

Anyone have a picture of the axle tag from a Reflection with the dexter axles?

[howson]

Anyone have a picture of the axle tag from a Reflection with the dexter axles?

One of the originals that were removed from my '19

[315RLTSinPA]

Thanks Howard

[315RLTSinPA]

Well we have a plan. Looking for a distributor of Dexter axles, I came across a trailer repair company in NJ. They seem to really know their stuff. Grand Design specs their own axle length. They are not a stock size. They came up with using 7000lb heavy wall axles, 2900lb springs so as not to make the suspension to stiff, morryde CRE3000 equalizers, and morryde heavy duty shackles and wet bolts, new bearings and races. They said the LCI axles are 3/16' thick steel. The new Dexter axles will be 5/16' thick steel. I can swap my brakes and drums over from the LCI axles. They will order the new axles to match Grand Design's specs. Should have them in about 2 weeks. Also ordered 16' wheels and Goodyear Endurance tires. Disc brakes will have to wait a little longer.

[howson]

Also ordered 16' wheels...

Where did you order the wheels from--same NJ company or separately? I need one for my second spare.

[315RLTSinPA]

Howard
I ordered them from etrailer $167. I just ordered a plain white spoked wheel for the spare $65

[mbopp]

I had a bent 3500# axle on a previous trailer. We have a very good heavy truck & frame shop here & they were able to pull the axle back to spec & give me a 4-wheel alignment on the other axle.