Single axle 16 TBS ??

[popup2012]

At AutoDirector Pathway Auto and RV LLC in Lenoir City,TN  they have listed a 2016 16TBS with pictures that show a single axle.  Is this really a 16 TBS??

[charliem]

[font size="3"]Something is amiss. The interior pictures and nameplate show 16TBS and t[/font][font size="3"]he placement of the fridge is consistent with 14s and 16s[/font][font size="3"], but the 11FK is presently the only single axle model. Please don't tell me LL(Thor) is backing down to single axles on 16s and/or 14s.       A question for Christianm to research....................
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[pinstriper]

The photo I saw at their site was NOT an 11. Definitely a 16. And the sticker shows a single 4400# axle, instead of 2x 3500s. Yep, passes smell test.

It would also be easier to manufacture, plus cheaper.

Dual axles on our 14 was a REAL selling point, though.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]OK, Sean. Let's rename this forum "Good Old Original LL" vs New Thor CheapLite campers. The dual axles were a major advantage over other trailers in this size that struggle to function on one axle. Just check other forums for tales of limited carrying capacity, bent axles, tire issues, etc. To quote Credence Clearwater Revival:"There's a bad moon on the rise."
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[ammobob]

Man I am so happy I bought mine before his major buyout/redesign happened but, feel sorry for those still looking.

funny though if you go to their website the picture of the 16 TBS still shows 2 axles.

[gbpack]

The website still shows dual axles on the 16' trailers but only one 4400# axle with 15" wheels on the 14' trailers now.

[david]

Well, although I prefer the double axles of my 2013 Good Ol' Original LL, the gross weight rating of 4,400 lbs for the single axle plus 350 lbs of tongue weight is probably 750 lbs more than the full up loaded weight of the 16TBS. That is a pretty good margin of safety. I always wondered why they put double axles on the 16s.

I agree that Thor is probably pinching pennies, but I don't think that this change really affects utility and value.

David

[gbpack]

As mentioned, they are still showing twin axles of 3,000# each on the 16' foot trailers under the standards and options link for the 16 footers on their website. It looks like just the 14 footers have single axles now, but you could always call Livin Lite to confirm that.
Gregg

[charliem]

[font size="3"]The pictures still show two axles and the specs still say 5000# GVWR. You have to dig way down into the features to find the single axle reference. Well, we were all afraid of this when Thor bought LL. Can wood floors be far away?? The dual axle was one of the four reasons I upgraded from RPOD along with dry bath, bigger fridge and walk around bed. Guess I'll be suggesting Lance again to prospective buyers  
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[whoofit]

Wow. Looks like a "Toll Saver" model designation is in order. Of all the changes they've made this "improvement" will take some splainin'.

[kycamper]

My first trailer was a single axle 16' trailer, and after experiencing a blowout at high speed, I determined that dual axles on my next trailer was a MUST. The first Lance  I looked out was immediately put out of the running because it had one axle. They did have a nice unit with dual axles that we were considering, until I saw the LivinLite. Lance makes a good trailer. Sorry, David, I disagree. My friend just bought the 16TBS last year.....bet 'ya she's REAL happy about that now.

Happy Trails

[daplumbr]

Major bummer. I'll chime in that the dual axle on our 16TBS was a major selling point and tipped the scale in our decision from a Rpod to a Camplite. I consider dual axles a major safety advantage and years of towing experience shows that dual axle trailers track better. With full tanks and a full load, the 600 lb GVWR decrease of the single axle is significant loss in safety margin. Finally, when I absolutely have to stop that much weight, I consider 4 tires much safer than 2. And really finally, trailers 16 feet and longer look fragile to me on 1 tire per side. 

[dan]

I can confirm that the 16TBS is now being made single axle.  I placed an order for a 16TBS in mid October fully expecting a dual axle trailer, and then while trolling the Livin Lite Web site, came across an "updated" spec sheet for the 16TBS that showed a single 4400lb axle with electric brake.  Called the dealer, who had no idea about the change.  He called the factory, and a week later I got a call advising that the switch had been made to single axle and that the trailer could not be built with a dual axle.  After some thinking and figuring I have decided to purchase the trailer anyway, but I was pretty p.o.'d about the way it was handled.  Not sure what I would have done if the first time I found out about the axle switch was when I showed up to pick up the trailer.

[popup2012]

How has the axle change affected trailer height? The change from 13 to 15 in tires must have made it taller.

[dan]

Popup2012 - not sure re the measurements.   I was supposed to take delivery end of December, now looking like end of January, but that is another story.  I can pull the measurements when I take delivery.