The folks at Roadmaster suggested I go with the 7k springs. They said there will be a little extra bounce for a while but level out. Thanks again for your input.
The folks at Roadmaster suggested I go with the 7k springs. They said there will be a little extra bounce for a while but level out. Thanks again for your input.
Thank you for coming back with the results of your conversation with Roadmaster. It's always good to hear the outcome of a issue. Glad it's working out.
OP
OP
Here's the initial read from the LCI shop:
LCI shop had the RV in today and took a number of frame/axle/hanger measurements. They are going to follow up with Lippert because of some of the things they described over the phone to me which would indicate frame and hanger mis-alignment. This now appears to be a problem that stems with the frame and four rear hangers not properly aligned with the front hangers causing wear on the left rear tire and hanger. He will be asking LCI to cover getting the truck shop next door to put it on their alignment rack for positive proof that there is an alignment problem, dropping both axles, installing two new center and two new rear hangers that are aligned with the front hangers, re-setting all springs.
The front frame is actually ¼” longer (front to rear) on one side. The front hangers are set so that the distance from the front frame edge to front hangers evens out and makes up ¼” frame length difference.
Distance between insides of front hangers is longer than middle hangers which is even longer than rear hangers so the rear axle and left rear wheel extends beyond the left front wheel. Left rear tire has premature wear compared to the left front. He’ll be measuring tread depth on all.
Somewhat disappointing in findings. Hope to have additional detail shortly and a response from LCI. Don’t know what LCI may or may not cover but tech isn’t happy with what he sees so far on the frame itself. I suspect the cost of repair will be significantly higher than the initial V-clip weld repair cost.
LCI shop had the RV in today and took a number of frame/axle/hanger measurements. They are going to follow up with Lippert because of some of the things they described over the phone to me which would indicate frame and hanger mis-alignment. This now appears to be a problem that stems with the frame and four rear hangers not properly aligned with the front hangers causing wear on the left rear tire and hanger. He will be asking LCI to cover getting the truck shop next door to put it on their alignment rack for positive proof that there is an alignment problem, dropping both axles, installing two new center and two new rear hangers that are aligned with the front hangers, re-setting all springs.
The front frame is actually ¼” longer (front to rear) on one side. The front hangers are set so that the distance from the front frame edge to front hangers evens out and makes up ¼” frame length difference.
Distance between insides of front hangers is longer than middle hangers which is even longer than rear hangers so the rear axle and left rear wheel extends beyond the left front wheel. Left rear tire has premature wear compared to the left front. He’ll be measuring tread depth on all.
Somewhat disappointing in findings. Hope to have additional detail shortly and a response from LCI. Don’t know what LCI may or may not cover but tech isn’t happy with what he sees so far on the frame itself. I suspect the cost of repair will be significantly higher than the initial V-clip weld repair cost.
Bruce M
Senior Member
Good grief, is there no end to your struggles with this unit. I't would seem to me that this is a clear candidate to be covered completely for the fact that it was incorrectly manufactured from the start, It's also a 3 year warranty on the frame as well soooo, case closed imo.
You seem to have a very understanding/patient attitude towards this whole thing, my pop off valve would probably have malfunctioned long ago.
You seem to have a very understanding/patient attitude towards this whole thing, my pop off valve would probably have malfunctioned long ago.
OP
OP
Well, we'll see about what they will cover. The only plus side is that it's at an LCI authorized repair center but I can't find how long LCI warrants the chassis to GD. So I do have GD involved on all correspondence and estimates and I'm hoping between the two.... I told GD last year that they should just have me take it to Morryde for IS. That probably would have cost them less in the long run. The saving grace this year is we have no plans for any trips with first grandchild due - kind of puts things in perspective.
The darn thing is we really do like it - just need to get over the suspension pains. GD has been more than helpful - new complete Nautilus panel sent to me. WFCO sent me a replacement ATS. So I even have parts - just no rig to put them in yet
May also result in new tires at 21K due to the excess wear on one. If I had to guess, the bushings and wet bolts are probably toast again. Tech plans on dropping both axles so I'll get a good picture of what 6K miles on new springs/bushings/wet bolts are worth. It's not the $450 re-weld I thought for sure.Bruce M
Senior Member
Congrats on the coming grandchild.
I have to say that I have had good results with Grand Designs customer service when it comes to dealing with my out of warranty slide failure, The person I dealt with name was Ron, but I'll be updating that thread pretty soon.
I have to say that I have had good results with Grand Designs customer service when it comes to dealing with my out of warranty slide failure, The person I dealt with name was Ron, but I'll be updating that thread pretty soon.
OP
OP
Well, 310 was supposed to go in the shop today - don't think it did. But of note in talking with the LCI repair facility, seems LCI and GD has some conversations. Shop was told to call LCI if they found anything else wrong when they dropped the suspension. Should have been the answer from day one since the hanger alignment issue was, I believe, a cause of this mess. I told the shop I want to visually see for myself the bushings, wet bolts, springs, and axle perches. If any of those are compromised after 6K miles, I expect that to be repaired as well.
OP
OP
Day 77 at the shop. New hangers are welded on and shop is ordering new wet bolts and bushings from Grand Design. Not sure if this was mentioned elsewhere, but MORryde has a new style wet bolt. The threaded end diameter of the new bolts is 1/2" as opposed to the older 7/16" diameter. Torque values for the new bolts has been increased to 80 ft/lbs. They also put a mark on the bolt end where the grease hole is to aid in correct installation. Springs are OK which is a relief.
I bet you can't wait for this to be put to bed, then you can enjoy the trailer!
OP
OP
Should get it back just in time to winterize it
At least I'll be able to look at it!!
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