r-pod (Lippert) torsion axle issues and replacement....again
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- 5/15/24 update: Lippert has approved a 3rd replacement axle to be sent out. I will be replacing it in the next week or 2. This mean the camper will be on its 4th axle. It has been replaced every year. :(
Sorry for the wind noise. There was wind and I had to shoot the video. :(
0:00 intro
0:14 my campers and their axle history
0:44 backstory
2:30 What to check for, what info does Lippert need
4:23 Initial resolution
4:50 axle failing again
5:30 Lippert approved another replacement axle
7:48 Visual of the negative camper issue
8:54 Tools needed
10:07 Axle replacement:
11:20 disconnecting and unbolting the old axle
12:57 Dropping old axle out
14:03 Old and new axle comparison
15:26 New axle positioning
17:45 Brake wiring
21:05 Wheel install!
Tools used:
2 floor jacks: amzn.to/48xEFW1
2 jack stands: amzn.to/48Ic2Wu
4 furniture dollies: amzn.to/3tgkV9c
1/2" torque wrench: www.harborfreight.com/12-in-d...
1/2" Impact: www.harborfreight.com/20v-bru...
3/4" socket: amzn.to/3RwfI7w
1" socket: amzn.to/46ddkab
12" adjustable wrench: amzn.to/3ZvTu7D
Side Cutter: amzn.to/3EWpS9Y
Crimper: amzn.to/3ESYhGE
Torch (I generally just use map gas): amzn.to/3PW51dl
The torch it complete overkill for shrinking the connectors and you need to be careful not to melt anything.
Blue shrink butt connectors: amzn.to/45hGP9K
Yellow shrink butt connectors: amzn.to/46p3TUQ
Zip ties: amzn.to/3rtLMya
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For your convenience, I try to post links to everything I use in the video description. That's part of how I cover the costs of this channel. I appreciate your support buy using these links!! - Наука та технологія
FWIW - my 3.5 year old simple Dexter axle, 2,000 Lb leaf spring type, has lost all camber on one spindle and half its camber on the other spindle. A new axle has been ordered. Tis time I will triple check spindle slope (camber) as well as camber on the spindles before I even mount the axle. This is on a 2003 Aliner Scout. Actual axle load including self weight is 1,680 Lbs on the CAT scales.
Great video! After watching this I'm pretty sure it's within my DIY skills, although I think I'll get my neighbor to help. Free beer (after) should do it! My Lippert axle has been bent for about 6 years. I kept my eye on tire tread wear and and there was literally no offset tread wear whatsoever! I called Lippert and they told me my 2013 axle had only a 1-year limited warranty and was not covered under their 11-year warranty, but as a show of good faith they're sending me a new one...I just have to pay shipping. Also the 11-year warranty will not apply. But, hey...it's a free axle!
Thanks!
It is honestly a very easy job, especially if you have a hand to wrangle the axles around.
I’d heard about the outrigger fix for all rpods, unrelated to the axles. So I emailed Forest River to get the outrigger parts and they are telling me I need to replace to axles! What a shock! So thanks for your video so it doesn’t seem so unusual
Unfortunately it’s not unusual. :(
Forest River generally does not approve modifications (outriggers, or higher capacity axles) so I’m not surprised they just want to send a new axle. The good news is that it’s really not difficult to swap out.
Thanks for watching!
Long story short,we purchased a forest river Kodiak cub. Shortly after getting home I found some major issues, I contacted Forest River and they took care of everything, told us to hang tight and built us a brand new camper. Shipped it to us, took original camper, took care of tag transfer and everything in between. While talking to production manager during this process I stated to him that the camper had a 4k axle and the camper weighs 3870lb. Just by me stepping into the camper put it over weight. The replacement camper came to me with a 5200lb axle under it. This is something to be aware of when purchasing a new camper, my experience could have been a build mistake but there's not very many regulations or safety inspections on these things. Forest River did us right, treated us correctly and respectfully, but I can honestly say I will not purchase another camper from any manufacturer, I will build my own..
That’s great to hear the took good care of you!
I left a ton out of this video because it would have made this video way too long.
Short version: Mickey (at Lippert) would not approve a higher rated axle for me because it was not spect out that way from the factory.
Also keep in mind that 2 things need to be subtracted from the trailer weight to find out how much weight is actually on the axle.
1: unsprung weight (wheels, tires, hubs, brakes.
2: Tongue weight.
I agree that they are still cutting it too close, but the weight of those 2 things will probably exceed 500lbs or even 600lbs and that’s certainly worth calculating.
Thanks for watching and commenting!!
That’s unreal that those axles have bent so early. I see this a lot when following tow behind campers either single,dual or triple axle’s being bent with awkward, looking camber.
I have really liked torsions axles, but I'm questioning them now. At least in this application.
I bought a 2021 forest river r-pod 193 and I left for my first trip with it and 15 Mike's from home I hit a pothole and that bent the end of my axle and blew my tire. I need to fix it but I feel like they must make something stronger than what is on there. Anybody know of anything? Maybe an axleless axle?
I don’t think an “axleless axle” is a thing, but an upgrade to a higher load rating I think would help.
@@bennieaust Timbren makes one
@@DGP311i see what you’re saying. In my experience that part of the axle isn’t the part that’s failing. I don’t have personal experience with either the Timbren or Beast Mode suspension systems so I’m not sure if they are a reliability upgrade or not. I can only speak to the unreliability of this axle in this camper. I think I higher weight rating would be a good start.
I’m not sure if another type of axle would even be a bolt in replacement. I have a feeling the frame is not built to accommodate something like that.