Greg_C
Member
2018 2400BH with bent axles & flat springs being replaced by GD / Dexter / RV Dealer
We purchased our 2018 Imagine 2400BH new off the lot from the good folks at Bluenose RV in Bridgewater Nova Scotia in June 2019. Between then and the end of 2021 we camped mainly in the Maritime provinces, however during that time period we only put a total of around 5000kms of actual mileage on the trailer. We love everything about our trailer. Unfortunately extensive travel to the USA related to my job prevented us from enjoying our trailer during the 2022 season.
This spring, in preparation for the camping season, we needed to have our trailer safety inspected. (Here in Nova Scotia, after the initial 3years, if purchased new, a new safety inspection tag is needed, and then again every two years thereafter for all vehicles and trailers here in Nova Scotia) )
In the process of removing all tires to check the brake shoe wear, and also to inspect, clean and repack bearings, I noticed there was abnormal tire wear on the inner side of both rear axle tires, the drivers side wear much more so such that the tire needed to be replaced. Both axles showed a normal crown at the centre.
The trailer subsequently passed it’s safety inspection at a local garage however concerned about the abnormal tire wear, I contacted and subsequently booked the trailer for an inspection at a reputable springs and suspension shop here in Halifax (Provincial Springs, Halifax) where they did an inspection of our RV in their yard. At the time the trailer carried no fresh or grey/black water or any gear.
The shop confirmed normal axel crown at the midpoints of both axels; however on closer inspection they visually verified that the rear axle was bent at the spring shackles contact points and further that all leaf springs on both axles were flattening. They also believed that there was some evidence of bending on the front axle at the same points but much less than on the rear axle. The shop shop identified the trouble spots, to point out to Grand Design if I was going to make a warranty claim. They also provided a quote to replace both axles with beefier dexter double wrapped 3” axles, (same 3500lb weight rating as original axles) and slightly higher weight rated springs. This approach would allow us to transfer all brakes and tires over to the new axles. All in around $2000.
My wife and I were disappointed to discover this serious suspension issue with our relatively new RV, especially given the limited total distance travelled with it to date. We don’t recall any incidents while travelling to cause this damage. The trailer tows perfectly level, we don’t travel with very much gear, and just enough water to get us to the campground we would be staying at. The spring/suspension shop did point out that the total unloaded weight of our 2400BH is very close to the combined axle weight rating.
The good news part of this thread is that after pulling together pictures of axle tags, worn tires, flattened leaf springs, and bent axles at the shackle points and sending then along to the warranty claims person at Bluenose RV, who forwarded all to Grand Design right away, today we were informed that Dexter is shipping two new axles with springs to Bluenose RV who will remove the old and install them onto our RV, all at no charge even though it’s past the warranty period. We are very pleased with this response. Hopefully the swap goes well and we don’t loose too much of our RV camping season.
Will post follow up once the replacement axles are installed.
We purchased our 2018 Imagine 2400BH new off the lot from the good folks at Bluenose RV in Bridgewater Nova Scotia in June 2019. Between then and the end of 2021 we camped mainly in the Maritime provinces, however during that time period we only put a total of around 5000kms of actual mileage on the trailer. We love everything about our trailer. Unfortunately extensive travel to the USA related to my job prevented us from enjoying our trailer during the 2022 season.
This spring, in preparation for the camping season, we needed to have our trailer safety inspected. (Here in Nova Scotia, after the initial 3years, if purchased new, a new safety inspection tag is needed, and then again every two years thereafter for all vehicles and trailers here in Nova Scotia) )
In the process of removing all tires to check the brake shoe wear, and also to inspect, clean and repack bearings, I noticed there was abnormal tire wear on the inner side of both rear axle tires, the drivers side wear much more so such that the tire needed to be replaced. Both axles showed a normal crown at the centre.
The trailer subsequently passed it’s safety inspection at a local garage however concerned about the abnormal tire wear, I contacted and subsequently booked the trailer for an inspection at a reputable springs and suspension shop here in Halifax (Provincial Springs, Halifax) where they did an inspection of our RV in their yard. At the time the trailer carried no fresh or grey/black water or any gear.
The shop confirmed normal axel crown at the midpoints of both axels; however on closer inspection they visually verified that the rear axle was bent at the spring shackles contact points and further that all leaf springs on both axles were flattening. They also believed that there was some evidence of bending on the front axle at the same points but much less than on the rear axle. The shop shop identified the trouble spots, to point out to Grand Design if I was going to make a warranty claim. They also provided a quote to replace both axles with beefier dexter double wrapped 3” axles, (same 3500lb weight rating as original axles) and slightly higher weight rated springs. This approach would allow us to transfer all brakes and tires over to the new axles. All in around $2000.
My wife and I were disappointed to discover this serious suspension issue with our relatively new RV, especially given the limited total distance travelled with it to date. We don’t recall any incidents while travelling to cause this damage. The trailer tows perfectly level, we don’t travel with very much gear, and just enough water to get us to the campground we would be staying at. The spring/suspension shop did point out that the total unloaded weight of our 2400BH is very close to the combined axle weight rating.
The good news part of this thread is that after pulling together pictures of axle tags, worn tires, flattened leaf springs, and bent axles at the shackle points and sending then along to the warranty claims person at Bluenose RV, who forwarded all to Grand Design right away, today we were informed that Dexter is shipping two new axles with springs to Bluenose RV who will remove the old and install them onto our RV, all at no charge even though it’s past the warranty period. We are very pleased with this response. Hopefully the swap goes well and we don’t loose too much of our RV camping season.
Will post follow up once the replacement axles are installed.