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  1. #1
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    Trailer rear end "crabbing" to left

    On a recent camping trip, we noticed the rear end of our 2016 Reflection 303 RLS was tracking...crabbing...to the left. The trailer has always towed perfectly in line before. Having trouble finding a shop that will look at it to determine the problem. We had it in just last Oct for the Forever Warranty inspection and no problems were found. Just wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem and how they solved it.

  2. #2
    Site Team Ynot4me2's Avatar
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    How is the tires wear looking? It might be a bent axle or sticky brake for which abnormal tire wear would show.

    Sent from my SM-P610 using Tapatalk
    Steph & Lise
    2019 F150 Lariat 2.7 EB
    2020 Imagine XLS 22MLE

  3. #3
    Long Hauler Canyonlight's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LeeMai View Post
    On a recent camping trip, we noticed the rear end of our 2016 Reflection 303 RLS was tracking...crabbing...to the left. The trailer has always towed perfectly in line before. Having trouble finding a shop that will look at it to determine the problem. We had it in just last Oct for the Forever Warranty inspection and no problems were found. Just wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem and how they solved it.
    Folks (the few) who have reported similar issues shared a bent spindle(s), bent axle(s) as Steph and Lise in post #2 , broken/bent spring hanger(s), broken spring(s).......areas related to the suspension. A visual inspection by you or someone else should be able to quickly see something wrong with the degree is "crabbing" you mentioned.

    I would measure the distance between the axles by measuring from the center of the wheels caps. I would also measure the distance between the front and rear trailer tires as another mark. There are other measurements using the rear of the RV to axles and a common point forward of the axles tires to do the same if one is comfortable and understanding how to do.

    A qualified alignment (heavy duty for trucks/trailers) would be in the cards of you cannot see or find anything.

    Dan
    Dan & Carol
    2014 303RLS Reflection #185 (10/2013 build)
    2012 Silverado LTZ Crew Duramax 2500HD
    2700/16K Pullrite Superglide

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Canyonlight View Post
    Folks (the few) who have reported similar issues shared a bent spindle(s), bent axle(s) as Steph and Lise in post #2 , broken/bent spring hanger(s), broken spring(s).......areas related to the suspension. A visual inspection by you or someone else should be able to quickly see something wrong with the degree is "crabbing" you mentioned.

    I would measure the distance between the axles by measuring from the center of the wheels caps. I would also measure the distance between the front and rear trailer tires as another mark. There are other measurements using the rear of the RV to axles and a common point forward of the axles tires to do the same if one is comfortable and understanding how to do.

    A qualified alignment (heavy duty for trucks/trailers) would be in the cards of you cannot see or find anything.

    Dan
    Thanks to all fellow RVers who responded to my blog. The trailer goes to a frame and wheel shop next Tuesday for a complete check up...then we'll be good to go!

  5. #5
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    I'd crawl under it to visually check the suspension. If everything looks normal I'd get a straight edge and assuming the trailer axles aren't tweaked from turning I'd put the straight edge across the face of the front and rear tires.

  6. #6
    Long Hauler geotex1's Avatar
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    Don't look for RV shops. Go to a shop that specializes in trailer work, and the will know how to measure everything if you cannot see anything amiss visually like: broken or flat spring(s), bent leaf spring hangers, axle without a crown, badly worn tires, cracked frame, or flipped equalizer.
    Rob & Nikki + Cloverfield
    2020 Grand Design Solitude S-Class 3350RL
    2015 RAM 3500 Longhorn Laramie Crew Cab, Long Bed, 4x4 Dually Cummins/AISIN

    Mountains of Pennsylvania

  7. #7
    Site Sponsor Petrovsky's Avatar
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    I concur with Rob & Nikki. You need to do a visual inspection and use a long enough straight edge. Compare curb side with street side. Look for bent suspension parts, missing or loose bolts. If you have an appropriate set up, lift one tire and turn it. Repeat with the other to ensure the brakes are not grabbing.

    The best place to take your trailer is definitely not at your RV dealer. A suspension specialist in light to heavy trucks and trailers is your best bet. They will usually fit you in a lot sooner than an RV dealer would too.

    Also a great place to have suspension upgrades put on your tow vehicle. They will recommend and stand by their work.
    Pierre & Tara

    2021 Imagine 2600RB
    2020 GMC Sierra SLE 1500
    1200/12000 Equalizer Hitch

  8. #8
    Site Sponsor Scocciante's Avatar
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    Look for a possible broken center pin on the leaf springs
    2020 Grand Design Solitude 344GK
    B&W Companion 25,000
    Disc Brake conversion
    3 - X-Factor
    MORryde pinbox
    2007 GMC Topkick C5500 Duramax 6.6
    1 Wife 3 Scotties


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