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FlyPod
Newbie
Joined: 07 Sep 2013
Location: Eugene OR
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Posts: 14
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Calendar Event: Bent Axle 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...
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FlyPod
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128
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Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 9:27am |
Who informed you of this, and we need pics, the axle is built with an upward kink.
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wingnut2312
Senior Member
Joined: 25 Aug 2013
Location: MI
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Posts: 231
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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.
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2014 rpod 182G
Ford Expedition
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GLBCamper
Senior Member
Joined: 30 Jun 2015
Location: Oregon
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Posts: 274
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Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 12:24pm |
What "symptoms" should I look for on a bent axle? Does it wobble? Sway?
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Old: 2014 177 HRE
2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab
New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd
2016 F150 4x4 Sport
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CharlieM
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Nov 2012
Location: N. Colorado
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Posts: 1797
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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.
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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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FlyPod
Newbie
Joined: 07 Sep 2013
Location: Eugene OR
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Posts: 14
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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.
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FlyPod
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CharlieM
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Nov 2012
Location: N. Colorado
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Posts: 1797
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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.
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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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David and Danette
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 24 Nov 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1218
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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.
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2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp
Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9059
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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.
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CharlieM
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Nov 2012
Location: N. Colorado
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Posts: 1797
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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.
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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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