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.
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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.
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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Originally posted by 315RLTSinPA View PostHad 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.Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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Originally posted by Cate&Rob View PostNo 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.
Rob2018 Reflection 315RLTS
2023 F350 Lariat 6.7L/CC/LB/FX4
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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?
BrianBrian & Michelle
2018 Reflection 29RS
2022 Chevy 3500HD
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Originally posted by Country Campers View Posthttps://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
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
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Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
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
RobRob & Barb
2022 RAM 3500 Big Horn, 6.7 Cummins HO/Aisin
2022 Solitude 378MBS
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Originally posted by 315RLTSinPA View PostAnyone have a picture of the axle tag from a Reflection with the dexter axles?
Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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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.2018 Reflection 315RLTS
2023 F350 Lariat 6.7L/CC/LB/FX4
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Originally posted by 315RLTSinPA View PostAlso ordered 16' wheels...Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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