Dexter Axle fire in the hub

[fmartinmn]

While returning from a camping trip in Door County, WI, we had a brake hub catch fire. The mobile tech that helped us suspects that the brake actuator broke loose in the hub and jammed itself under the rear shoe. The first indicator I had was a dash warning message that the trailer brake was "disconnected". Of course I was on a two lane highway with no shoulder. While I was looking for a spot wide enough to pull over and check it out, I got a call from my in-laws who were following us that we had smoke coming out from under the left side of the trailer. I pulled over as far as I could and saw flames coming out of the brake adjustment hole in the hub. Used the Mini extinguisher supplied with the trailer plus two bottles of water to get it out. I am not sure what a fire extinguisher that small is good for but in our case it was barely adequate. Maybe 10-20 seconds. Lesson learned, we now carry two larger ones. One in the trailer and one in the truck. Many thanks to the Lord for watching over us and to the mobile tech who got us back on the road. Also many thanks to the Door County deputy that got us safely off the highway to wait for the mobile tech and to Grand Design Customer Service for an immediate warranty authorization to get us help.

[jkwilson]

Glad it all turned out well (other than a little stress). This may be the first case I've ever seen where the trailer wiring warning was anything but a nuisance.

Do you have a TPMS for the trailer? Just curious if one can detect brake heat like that.

[fmartinmn]

Glad it all turned out well (other than a little stress). This may be the first case I've ever seen where the trailer wiring warning was anything but a nuisance.

Do you have a TPMS for the trailer? Just curious if one can detect brake heat like that.

Good thought, Not sure myself. Between the warning message and the smoke appearing, maybe 2 minutes tops. I am curious, anyone know if TPMS would have given me more time to react?

[FT4NOW]

Glad it worked out well. You might want to consider replacing the brake assembly on the opposite side of the same axle so the brakes wear evenly. I dont think its necessary to do the other axle though. You wouldn't replace a single wheel's brakes on your tow vehicle, you would do both sides, same concept.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[fmartinmn]

Glad it worked out well. You might want to consider replacing the brake assembly on the opposite side of the same axle so the brakes wear evenly. I dont think its necessary to do the other axle though. You wouldn't replace a single wheel's brakes on your tow vehicle, you would do both sides, same concept.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Yes, you are correct. the trailer has about 1000 miles on it, so it is not so much uneven wear I am concerned about. I am concerned about how that particular axle was put together.

[FT4NOW]

Yes, you are correct. the trailer has about 1000 miles on it, so it is not so much uneven wear I am concerned about. I am concerned about how that particular axle was put together.

Great point. Might be worthwhile just to check all the other assemblies to be on the safe side. If you are not the DIY type, I'd be willing to bet GD would cover the cost based on what happened.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[steve gravelle]

Strongly recommend the check of the other side, even other axle. we have a 2020 Solitude S 2930, about 5000 miles. Work camping in Pagosa Springs through September, so I decided to inspect brakes. First one apart had grease on brake shoes, so I called my contact at Grand Design, he sent four brake assemblies and seals. Went through same ordeal with 2014 Reflection twice. Grease is much better on Dexter axles. Strongly recommend inspect brakes, Dexter axles supposed to be much better but it relates to safety. Thanks all. Postscript- brake magnet should be at bottom of shoes, doesn't look right!

[fmartinmn]

Strongly recommend the check of the other side, even other axle. we have a 2020 Solitude S 2930, about 5000 miles. Work camping in Pagosa Springs through September, so I decided to inspect brakes. First one apart had grease on brake shoes, so I called my contact at Grand Design, he sent four brake assemblies and seals. Went through same ordeal with 2014 Reflection twice. Grease is much better on Dexter axles. Strongly recommend inspect brakes, Dexter axles supposed to be much better but it relates to safety. Thanks all. Postscript- brake magnet should be at bottom of shoes, doesn't look right!

Yep, brake magnet was slightly out of place. I will follow up with Grand Design on Monday to see if they will authorize an inspection of at least the other side of the same axle. I don't have my rig so I can't check the serial numbers of the axles. If they are even close to sequential, I want they both checked.

[Second Chance]

Do you have a TPMS for the trailer? Just curious if one can detect brake heat like that.

A TPMS sensor monitors temperature, but only at the valve stem - a proxy for tire and internal air temp. A hub fire would have to heat up the rim enough to raise the interior temp of the tire or the temp of the valve stem enough to set of the alarm. I don't know how long this would take or how extensive the fire would have to be.

Rob

[jkwilson]

A TPMS sensor monitors temperature, but only at the valve stem - a proxy for tire and internal air temp. A hub fire would have to heat up the rim enough to raise the interior temp of the tire or the temp of the valve stem enough to set of the alarm. I don't know how long this would take or how extensive the fire would have to be.

Rob

I figure it will conduct through the hub and rim eventually. Was just hoping the OP had seen if there was an indication of temperature rise that might serve as a warning. Not thinking enough to trigger an alert, but maybe something to think about if there’s a “new” temperature difference between sensors on the same side.