2016 21BHS riding too low, tires rubbing

[tt2retire]

Anyone else having a similar problem? Even unloaded, regular driveway entry or exit I must take it very slowly so as not to rub the fender trim pieces. Dealer is currently trying to work with LL to find a solution.

[daplumbr]

There aren't any other reports on this forum, so far. On yours something must be installed incorrectly or the wrong wheel/tire assembly was used. You should be able to use full travel on the Dexter axles with no rubbing. 

[tt2retire]

The tire/wheel assemblies look as expected. I replaced the tires with new radials (ST205/75R14), but they are the same size as originals (ST205/75D14).

The original tires also had the same rubbing problem. The trailer seems to ride lower than what I've seen on other LL trailers from web pictures. Not many Camplite trailers on the lots around here, so I'm wondering if anyone else shows about the same amount of clearance shown here with the original tires?
[attachment id="1667" thumbnail="1"]

I'm currently checking with Dexter Axles on my Torflex model number (3792525) to see if my 21BHS might have been built with a different starting angle etc.

I estimated over 10K miles on the original tires, and they were showing under inflation wear patterns (I should have been running them at 50PSI rather than 45PSI). I was also noticing more than expected cracking in between the tread patterns, so to be safe than sorry, I opt'd for the new set of radials.


Here's a picture of the original tire wear pattern/cracking issue which I found on all four tires.

[daplumbr]

Since rubbing could lead to damage and tire failure, your problem is a trailer warranty issue and not one LL can wiggle out of claiming it's the tires. Did you keep the original tires? Either way, your dealer should resolve the rubbing problem with LL. Maybe the axles were installed upside down?  Maybe there is a spacer missing? Maybe the wrong axles were used?  

[djsamuel]

Since this is a 2016, it may have the lighter axles. If so, I wonder if Livin Lite failed to change the wheel well design to allow for greater displacement of the axles under load. A greater amount of suspension travel in the same size wheel well could cause rubbing.

[charliem]

[quote timestamp="1471999972" source="/post/24092/thread" author="@djsamuel"]Since this is a 2016, it may have the lighter axles. If so, I wonder if Livin Lite failed to change the wheel well design to allow for greater displacement of the axles under load. A greater amount of suspension travel in the same size wheel well could cause rubbing.[/quote][font size="3"]LL Thor did go from 3500# axles to 2500# axles on the 21s. You might have something, Doug. [/font]

[tt2retire]

I didn't save the original tires, but took enough pictures to help diagnose whatever the issue is.

"Maybe the axles were installed upside down?  Maybe there is a spacer missing? Maybe the wrong axles were used?"

I was wondering the same, and contacted Dexter Axle since I had a model and serial number. They were great in that a few minutes later, I had an invoice (attached) which indicate 3500# capacity, 10 degree down start angle, and 3" High Profile brackets with aluminum side mount hangers. Dexter Axle also told me that with this type of bracket, I have would not be able to use their lift kits, and could only buy new axles with a different start angle to gain height.

[attachment id="1669"]

The installation looks like what I would expect to see in that the brackets are side mounted to the aluminum side mount hangers which are welded to the bottom of the frame.

[attachment id="1670" thumbnail="1"]
Any other 21 owners that may be able to share their Torflex axle model numbers to see if it matches mine? (Torflex model number 3792525).

[djsamuel]

[quote timestamp="1472027139" author="@tt2retire" source="/post/24099/thread"]I didn't save the original tires, but took enough pictures to help diagnose whatever the issue is.

"Maybe the axles were installed upside down?  Maybe there is a spacer missing? Maybe the wrong axles were used?"

I was wondering the same, and contacted Dexter Axle since I had a model and serial number. They were great in that a few minutes later, I had an invoice (attached) which indicate 3500# capacity, 10 degree down start angle, and 3" High Profile brackets with aluminum side mount hangers. Dexter Axle also told me that with this type of bracket, I have would not be able to use their lift kits, and could only buy new axles with a different start angle to gain height.



The installation looks like what I would expect to see in that the brackets are side mounted to the aluminum side mount hangers which are welded to the bottom of the frame.


Any other 21 owners that may be able to share their Torflex axle model numbers to see if it matches mine? (Torflex model number 3792525).

[/quote]The axle model number on my 2013 21BHS is the same as yours (3792525).

[djmiller]

I didn't save the original tires, but took enough pictures to help diagnose whatever the issue is.

"Maybe the axles were installed upside down?  Maybe there is a spacer missing? Maybe the wrong axles were used?"

I was wondering the same, and contacted Dexter Axle since I had a model and serial number. They were great in that a few minutes later, I had an invoice (attached) which indicate 3500# capacity, 10 degree down start angle, and 3" High Profile brackets with aluminum side mount hangers. Dexter Axle also told me that with this type of bracket, I have would not be able to use their lift kits, and could only buy new axles with a different start angle to gain height.



The installation looks like what I would expect to see in that the brackets are side mounted to the aluminum side mount hangers which are welded to the bottom of the frame.


Any other 21 owners that may be able to share their Torflex axle model numbers to see if it matches mine? (Torflex model number 3792525).

Please send me your VIN number.

[popup2012]

I had a 2014 Aliner (popup) and the wheels kept hitting or rubbing against the front on the wheel well.  It was causing a lot of bounce in the TT.  I was out of warranty when I finally figured out what was wrong.   My dealer went to bat for me and we contacted Aliner.  They found the axle was set to far forward.  They had to cut it off and move it back.  About a 2000$ job covered by Aliner with no problems. When I hear of problems others have had with companies making TT,  I must say Aliner was great.  From the time we talked to them to the approval, only one week.

[tt2retire]

VIN # sent.

Good point about the axle being out of alignment with the fender opening, but from my recollection (trailer is at dealer now), the gap from the tires to fender skirts was pretty consistent at about the thickness of my fingers. I'm hoping I'll be getting to a solution as quickly as you did.

[tt2retire]

Update: Dealer is suggesting that it may take welding some sort of spacers between the axle brackets and the frame. Unfortunately the Dexter Axle lift kits won't work with the high profile brackets that are used on this trailer. Still waiting to hear that this will be covered under the warranty, but I expect that it should be.

[charliem]

[quote timestamp="1472322705" author="@tt2retire" source="/post/24218/thread"]Update: Dealer is suggesting that it may take welding some sort of spacers between the axle brackets and the frame. Unfortunately the Dexter Axle lift kits won't work with the high profile brackets that are used on this trailer. Still waiting to hear that this will be covered under the warranty, but I expect that it should be.[/quote][font size="3"]Be careful here. Adding spacers sounds like a fix for some other error or problem. They should not be necessary. On my 2013 21RBS the clearance between the 14" tires and the outside edge of the fender trim varies from 1.5" to 3" around the tire. The tires appear centered in the openings +/- 0.25". I did order the off road option which came with the BFG T/A KO tires and Dexter 3500# axles. I have never had an interference problem. Please keep us informed. [/font]

[mitch]

I'm with Charlie here. Something isn't right and while what they are suggesting may work I'd really want to know the underlying problem prior to agreeing to a solution.

[tt2retire]

This is my first trailer, and I really appreciate this great advice!

I'd really like to know the underlying problem, given this does not appear to be a common problem.