2 Bent axles??? help!

[moonbeamjr]

So, we had a great first trip to Big Trees SP in Arnold CA. Recommend!! Then we get home and I notice it looks like the tires aren't tracking the same as DH backs up into home parking spot. Just looking at the tires they do not look "symmetrical" to each other (back one seems kinda angled out on the driver's side) so we look under the trailer and see two axles looking BOWED. Both bowed same direction, up at this moment. I/we know nothing about what they are supposed to look like but we would assume STRAIGHT is the correct visual.
Do we have 2 BENT AXLES??!! No, we did not overload unless you call clothes and food for 2 adults & 2 kids for 3 days, plus misc items in storage area that in no way would overload us. We did haul full water (400lbs) 45 minutes down the hill to dump since the campground dump station was closed. But still no where near the 1200+lbs capacity we should have!!
Should I cry now and plan trip to dealer? Or are they supposed to look this way??

[Rustic Eagle]

From what you described the axles seem to be functioning fine. The minor bend is designed into them to allow for them to settle as weight is added to the TT. Yes, in a TV turn the TT rims/tires do camber in/out a little but will straighten once traveling straight down the road.

A little more info on the subject:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...t+axles&page=2

Bob

[exjay1]

Common for trailers in general to have a "hump" or bend in the axel to flatten out as weight is added. I say sounds normal but monitor for abby-normal tire wear on the next few trips out.

[moonbeamjr]

Ah man, we so much appreciate your quick reply and expertise!! Jim says thank you for giving us the good news so we can both sleep tonight!! And plan our next adventure!! I love this forum

[wwsmith111]

The axles do NOT flatten out with weight on them! They stay bowed and this is normal. Like an arch, axles are designed with a slight "bow" in them to handle more weight than say a "flat" axle.

[Rustic Eagle]

Reference from manufacture Dexter Axle FAQ:

"AXLES - Why are some axles bent in the middle?
The upward bend in the axle is called "camber". Camber is the angular relationship of the wheel to the road surface in the vertical plane. Axles are typically built with a pre-determined bend in the tube that compensates for the expected deflection under load."

Source:

http://www.dexteraxle.com/faq_s

http://l.b5z.net/i/u/6149609/f/Appli...te_Catalog.pdf (page 3)

Bob

[wwsmith111]

Exactly, they don't "flatten out" under load.

[Rustic Eagle]

Dexter Axle's statement; "Ideally, the tire footprint will contact the road evenly across the width of the tread", and looking at Dexter Axle's associated axle assembly diagram implies that the axle under load will straighten out. I don't know if it's perfectly straight, or if this only happens at it's specified GAWR.

Source: Prior posted Dexter Axle links.

Interesting subject matter to say the least

Bob

[canuckowner]

thanks for the research guys... very good to know.

[clutch]

As long as they are not wearing abnormally they are alright. You should see the "angle" of the tires in a tight turn.

[wwsmith111]

No, the axles DO NOT straighten out under load - Have you guys even been under a travel trailer or 5th wheel and looked at the axles or do you just look at drawings and pictures...

[moonbeamjr]

You guys rock! After having our single axle little used trailer for 6 years, having made mistakes like never resealing the roof (eeks), and never really noticing the axle at all we feel like complete newbies! Well, we kinda are with a nice bigger trailer now! The research and links are much appreciated!!