6.7L Cummins Forum

CumminZ · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2010, 11:55 PM

Axles replaced by Forest River.
Old axles were 7k and new axles are 8k.

Squid · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 06:12 AM

My folks went through a rash of blowouts with their last two 5th wheelers. Don't remember the last one but I do know that the one they have now is a Cardinal and tires don't last.

Airedaleman · #3 (**permalink**) 04-02-2010, 01:51 AM

We have some friends with a Holiday Rambler 5th wheeler that's plagued with blowouts as well. What's up with that?

sunnytraveler · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airedaleman

We have some friends with a Holiday Rambler 5th wheeler that's plagued with blowouts as well. What's up with that?

Two things are in play with this.
#1. Most of the tires are now made in China.
#2. Weigh most campers and you will find that the tires are loaded to the max or close.

In addition some people don't maintain the proper air pressure and ST tires (most of them) are rated for 65 mph max. Put all that together with 95-100 degree day on the interstate going 70-75 mph and you have a recipe for a blowout. YMMV

bobsquarepants · #5 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 10:10 PM

unless i missed something, why did forest river upgrade the axles? I just purchased a 2010 Rockwood 8281SS which the sticker says the dry weight is just shy of 8000lbs. Taking a closer look at the axles, they look to be 3500 al-ko torsion bar axles (they use the same bearings, 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern etc), and they use load range C 15" ST radials. To me this is horribly wrong...and now i'm worried!

DWRDodge6.7 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunnytraveler

Two things are in play with this.
#1. Most of the tires are now made in China.
#2. Weigh most campers and you will find that the tires are loaded to the max or close.

In addition some people don't maintain the proper air pressure and ST tires (most of them) are rated for 65 mph max. Put all that together with 95-100 degree day on the interstate going 70-75 mph and you have a recipe for a blowout. YMMV

I agree almost all the travel trailers and 5th wheels sold, are under tired and under GVW rated for the carried loads. All the sales people tell you that you'll never see the GVW max. Yet I have owned several trailers and with a full water tank, provisions, clothes and toys for 4, every one of them has been at or slightly over the GVWR. The only saving factor in this area is that for a good deal of the trailer season the ambient temperature is lower. But when we are south or in B.C. I watch the tires and bearing hubs very closely. My present Jayco 28BHS has 205/15s on it. I would feel much more comfortable with a set or 235/15XLs.

sunnytraveler · #7 (**permalink**) 06-05-2010, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobsquarepants

unless i missed something, why did forest river upgrade the axles? I just purchased a 2010 Rockwood 8281SS which the sticker says the dry weight is just shy of 8000lbs. Taking a closer look at the axles, they look to be 3500 al-ko torsion bar axles (they use the same bearings, 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern etc), and they use load range C 15" ST radials. To me this is horribly wrong...and now i'm worried!

Remember that 10-20% of your trailer weight will be on the hitch. The manufacturers still push the load to the limit. The "dry" weight of my 5'er is over 13K. I try to put as much load forward as I can, because the DRW has broad shoulders and can handle it. This leaves less weight on the axles. In my opinion it would be worth the little extra money to have bigger axles and tires if the manufacturer would do it at the factory. Of course, if you have to do it after the fact, it will be pretty expensive.

CumminZ · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 03:41 PM

After having the 8k axles and EZ-Flex gizmos installed my DayDreamer pulls, rides and handles sooo much better.

soccerloco · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 06:59 PM

Will be changing my Gladiators 225 75 15 Load rated E tires that are made in China. They have been great traveling through the mountains and deserts at the worst times.

Have almost 44,000 miles with no flats or other problems. Made in China which I hate but what are the other choices for E Load Rating.

They are sold through Les Schwabb and they have a good tire store network.

I have noticed that my tires on both sides seem to wear a bit more on the outside any guesses.

Haul a 21' Toy hauler that is weighing in at over 10,000lbs loaded.

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