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Old 08-19-2014, 06:21 PM   #1
audio1der
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Bent axle; free warranty or $ to upgrade??

Our '13 Passport 3220BH has a badly bent rear axle causing major tire camber & resultant wear. We bought it new, have never overloaded it, curbed it or taken it "off road". We don't know if it came that way, or just failed. My bad for not paying attention.
I thought our axles were made by Dexter so I spoke with them and they knew of this "Oh- your long trailer exerts too much lateral force for a 2 3/8" axles tube during tight turns. It needs a 3" axle." Turns out it is an AL-KO axle. They only make 2 3/8" axles.

Should we fight AL-KO for (free) warranty 2 3/8" axle and alignment, or pay to upgrade to 3" Dexter axles of the same capacity, at a cost of about $1000-1200? We still need a new set of tires after that, either way.

Opinions, please?
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Old 08-19-2014, 07:15 PM   #2
GaryWT
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You can take the free fix and keep your eyes on things, keep an eye on loading, tire wear etc. it you pay for the upgrade you will be good to go but free is free.
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Old 08-19-2014, 08:25 PM   #3
x96mnn
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Personal opinion only, were I camp as much as I do, and have $1200 to make it right, I am making it right. Although having it fixed free is the right thing for them to do, I would not have the time for the fight and would constantly be worried about it happening again.

Now after I fixed it and made it right, I may see what Keystone is willing to do, they put them on the trailer. I am sure they will have documents to back their decision to use the 2 3/8" axels.
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Old 08-20-2014, 01:43 AM   #4
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If I were you, I would take this as a learning experience and get the axle warrantied if possible, then trade that trailer off for one which is better suited for my lifestyle.

If no warranty is forthcoming, then I'd have to look to other avenues such as insurance then decide if this is really the trailer I want. If this was my dream trailer then I'd stick a set of 6K axles under it and go..
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Old 08-20-2014, 02:12 AM   #5
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Old 08-20-2014, 07:24 AM   #6
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+1 what Javi said. I would try and get the free axle no matter what. Then you have options.
1) Dealers torque these campers around on their lots with fork lifts so it is possible it was bent before you picked it up. If that is the case and you're careful about how you turn the camper then maybe the OEM axle will work for you.

2) If you don't want to risk it then you could trade/sell the smaller axle for a larger one.

Be aware some of us have been down this path. We fix one thing (the current weakest link) only to have another pop up. I replaced my tires then bent the spring hangers. Just be aware that if you replace the axle with a HD one, it may lead to causing other problems next. The #1 thing you can do to avoid problems is try not to turn your camper so tightly that it causes the tires to skid. If you have no choice but to do that try and do it on dirt or sand or something that will help break the grip of your tires.

my 2 cents.
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Old 08-20-2014, 09:31 AM   #7
CWtheMan
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Looks like the Dexter 3500# axles are 2 3/8" also.

http://www.easternmarine.com/3500-lb...Trailer-Axles/

CW

Here is more useful info.

http://dutchmen.com/image/data/docum...kobrochure.pdf
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Old 08-20-2014, 12:25 PM   #8
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Thanks very much, all.
We've never turned the trailer tighly on anythng but gravel or dirt.

Dexter's "go-to" 3500 pounder is 2 3/8" but they can be made in 3" also (confirmed locally yesterday at Standen's)
I've been out of work for 3 mos so we may take the free axles and keep a close eye on things, spending the $$ is necessary after that.

We were supposed to be in Whitefish, MT right now for our big annual camp trip but cancelled because it was so expensive; I guess everything happens for a reason and this service episode is keeping us safe...
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Old 08-20-2014, 12:33 PM   #9
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If it's under warranty I'd get it fixed under warranty and not upgrade until later. That way, if something else breaks that can in any way be related to the axles, they can't say you caused the issue.
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Old 08-20-2014, 02:39 PM   #10
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Answer me this, are you able to get the 3" axel and have the warranty repay you for there part of your expense? You know, make them a deal they shouldn't refuse?
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Old 08-20-2014, 08:15 PM   #11
audio1der
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kellydog98 View Post
Answer me this, are you able to get the 3" axel and have the warranty repay you for there part of your expense? You know, make them a deal they shouldn't refuse?
I'm not quite that far into it with AL-KO, but I VERY much doubt they'd pay for me to change to Dexter axles. I will ask, as that would be my preference.
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2012 Ram 1500 Sport crew cab, Hemi, 4x4, 3.92 LSD, factory brake controller, S&B CAI w/scoop, Moroso air/oil can, 87mm ported/polished/knife-edged throttle body, Magnaflow exhaust, 180* t-stat, Rear lowered 2", Airlift 1000.
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Old 08-22-2014, 06:44 PM   #12
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So to put this to bed, they won't do anything but sell me new beams at a deep discount. BUT they want to ship the beams directly to me, which I have to pay for. And because the shop won't make any $$ on parts, their cost will be the same as if I had them use Dexter 3" axles they would supply, so we'll do this in time for next spring (hopefully I'll be working then).
2014 Season over
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2012 Ram 1500 Sport crew cab, Hemi, 4x4, 3.92 LSD, factory brake controller, S&B CAI w/scoop, Moroso air/oil can, 87mm ported/polished/knife-edged throttle body, Magnaflow exhaust, 180* t-stat, Rear lowered 2", Airlift 1000.
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Old 03-14-2015, 08:42 PM   #13
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Update: dropped the marshmallow off at a well-respected shop for axle replacement with 3" Dexters, reusing the brakes. Still looking for local hookup on Maxxis tires. They're HARD to find up here!
I will not let this set back ruin our camping season
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2013 Passport 3220BHWE, upgrade axles, Kumho Radial 857's, all LED, TST507 TPMS, Reese DCSC, DIY corner stabilizers
2012 Ram 1500 Sport crew cab, Hemi, 4x4, 3.92 LSD, factory brake controller, S&B CAI w/scoop, Moroso air/oil can, 87mm ported/polished/knife-edged throttle body, Magnaflow exhaust, 180* t-stat, Rear lowered 2", Airlift 1000.
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Old 05-30-2015, 05:44 PM   #14
cb1000rider
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So, I'd think they should still be on the hook for the original axles. Have you talked about the situation or tried to come to a settlement... In terms of getting it fixed, you totally did the right thing.
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