Casita Travel Trailer With Repeated Issues On Left Side Of Axle Only

Question:

Hello, while adjusting the manual brakes on my Casita travel trailer on May 7, I observed the welded D ring on the torsion bar, on the LEFT side is severely damaged. This axle, Dexter 10,3500 is three years old. It is the 3rd axle on this trailer since I bought it used in 2019 its a 2011 model. I replaced the first original? axle in 2020 after the bearings on the LEFT side overheated and destroyed the spindle. Then sometime in 2020, while adjusting the brakes, I observed the welded D ring, also on the LEFT side of this, the 2nd axle, was delaminating. This, the 2nd axle, was replaced with the 3rd and current axle in 2021. I Have a Tekonsha Primus IQ brake controller. I would like your professional opinion on what is causing these issues to occur only on the left side. Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you... Paul

asked by: Paul K

welded D-ring
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hello Paul. It sounds like you have an axle, or axle mounts that are out of alignment. That is really the only explanation since the issue has been reoccurring even after several replacements. I wonder if the 1st axle sustained damage of some sort which bent the mounts. This would explain the bearings overheating also. At this point I suggest you take your camper to a shop and have them check the alignment of the axles and the mounts.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

5/13/2024

Hi Jesse, thanks for looking at my photos. I ordered a new axle from Dexter (under warranty). I will have the RV shop that will be replacing it , check the alignment. If it were an alignment issue, wouldn't there be abnormal wear on the tire? Which it does not have. the tread appears to have normal wear. Thanks again for your thoughts and recommendation. Regards, Paul

Jesse M.

5/13/2024

@JesseM There are other potential signs of an axle being out of alignment, but you may not necessarily see all of them. Uneven tire wear is a common one but there can be other more subtle signs which I think is what you are experiencing. An alignment issue it the only explanation of why this would keep happening on one side only. Unless you have been repeatedly hitting a curb or something on the left side, but that seems like too much of a coincidence to me.

Jessem

5/13/2024

@JesseM Thanks Jesse. I very much appreciate your advice and time. I will follow up after I get the axle installed and what the RV shop finds when they do check the alignment. Oh yeah, I haven't hit any curbs and I do not take the trailer on any rough/rocky roads... Regards, Paul