Bent Axle
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7322
Printed Date: 01 May 2024 at 2:52am
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Topic: Bent Axle
Posted By: FlyPod
Subject: Bent Axle
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2016 at 2:03pm
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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... ------------- FlyPod 
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Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 9:27am
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Who informed you of this, and we need pics, the axle is built with an upward kink.
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Posted By: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 10:36am
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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. ------------- 2014 rpod 182G Ford Expedition |
Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 12:24pm
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What "symptoms" should I look for on a bent axle? Does it wobble? Sway? ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 1:38pm
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. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: FlyPod
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 2:13pm
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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. ------------- FlyPod
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 4:25pm
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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.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 4:47pm
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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. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 9:16pm
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. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 10:18pm
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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. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: dacolson
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 3:39pm
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------------- Dave - 2016 Silverado 2500HD LML - 2010 RP172T 
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Posted By: dacolson
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 3:54pm
We have a 2010 RP-172t. Last summer I noticed excessive tire wear on the insides of both tires. Not bald but much more than the rest. I replaced the tires but now see the sit with a tilt in toward the trailer at the top. See pic. I can't get a good pic of the axle. I suspect it's been overloaded and bent past 3500# limit. Not currently loaded in this pic so I bet it's permanently bent. We travel w/ water plus a bunch of supplies and bikes for 4 on the back. I'm reading we should fill up water at the destination and maybe move the spare tire to the truck. Has anyone upgraded the axle to a 5000#? I'm replacing the OE this spring and would like to know if it's possible/recommended. 
------------- Dave - 2016 Silverado 2500HD LML - 2010 RP172T
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Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 5:58pm
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Our Vibe which originally from the factory had a 3,500 lb. axle and was changed later under warranty to a 4,500 lb.axle. It was a Lippert axle replaced with a Lippert axle. The r-pods I think have been built from the factory with either a Lipert or a Dexter axle. Both the r-pods and Vibes have the same axle and fender design. The only thing that may be a concern would be the strength of the frame the Vibe has a stronger frame from the earlier model r-pods. I don't think the frame on the earlier model r-pods would have a problem with a 4,500 axle but I am no expert on frames. Marwayne has added a lot of weight to his earlier model r-pod I am sure he could be of some help. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: dacolson
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2016 at 11:03am
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Thank you D & D. Do you have part numbers for the replacement 4500# setup? And pictures? Would be helpful. Started looking for replacements and seems like there's a ton of options and variables. ------------- Dave - 2016 Silverado 2500HD LML - 2010 RP172T
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Posted By: dacolson
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 6:33pm
Update. After lots of calls with Forest River, Lippert and my trailer repair shop, I'm replacing the original axle with the OEM from Forest River. Couldn't get a replacement with a higher weight limit without changing the lug pattern. I just bought new tires last fall. Gave up and went back to the standard 3500#. Just going to have to mind my total GVWR more carefully. Funny thing was, the price for FR was over $100 cheaper than Lippert! And FR orders it direct from Lippert!  Regardless, parts will be here in 10 days or so and we'll be rolling on straight wheels again. Had them throw in a replacement fender for the one I banged up dropping a kayak on it last summer. Can't wait to be all shiny and new again. Gonna get after all the interior/exterior calking next. ------------- Dave - 2016 Silverado 2500HD LML - 2010 RP172T
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Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:32pm
How much was the fender? I banged one up last summer pulling up to a gas pump. Argggghhhhh. I was able to pound most of the dent out with a rubber mallet, but it bugs the heck out of me every time I look in the sideview mirror. Thankfully, it's on the driver's side, so I don't have to look at it going in and out of the Pod when we're camping! ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills." 
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Posted By: dacolson
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:50pm
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Banged mine out with a mallet too. Not good enough. Bugs me too! It was like $57 or so. Not too bad. Expected worse. ------------- Dave - 2016 Silverado 2500HD LML - 2010 RP172T
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Posted By: KennesawCampers
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 4:33pm
| We have a 2015 R179 and when we took it to our dealer for its 1-year maintenance, we were told we have a bent axle. The left wheel was leaning out very slightly. Our 1-year annual maintenance checkup has turned into a very expensive trip!! Hopefully this won't happen again. |
Posted By: dacolson
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 4:43pm
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They didn't cover it under warranty? I suppose they called it excessive wear ... ------------- Dave - 2016 Silverado 2500HD LML - 2010 RP172T
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