Axle Spacing not equal - Montana Owners Club

Chasnracin · 07-07-2012, 03:25 PM

Now, I have never been accused of being a smart man, but I'm pretty sure the center point (grease zert) on my axles are supposed to be evenly spaced on both sides. Mine are not.

When I was putting my x-chocks on, I noticed that one had to be tightened more than the other to fit in between the tires. With a quick measurement (with the x-chocks removed) there is about 1/2 inch difference between sides. I started looking at the tires and the tires on the drivers side are starting to cup the outside. This can't be good. With a quick look underneath, it does not seem that the axles have shifted on the springs any, so I am assuming it came from the factory like this.

So, with it being out of warranty (and being the second owner), will Keystone do anything about it? Thanks

awaywego · 07-07-2012, 03:37 PM

Did you look at the shackles and spring hangers. I had a hanger break on my 2001 and had the same thing.
As far as Keystone, you can call customer service and ask.

Bill-N-Donna · 07-07-2012, 03:52 PM

I have a different amount of space between the tires on our camper. I'm watching the tires for wear. I haven't noticed any yet but any wear would concern me. Our's pulls ok so I haven't been worrying to much about it.

**DQDick** · 07-07-2012, 04:04 PM

Rigs do get out of alignment just like cars. If that's the case you have to take it to a truck/trailer alignment center and get them put back in line. Uneven tire wear will tip you off.

jimcol · 07-07-2012, 04:09 PM

If you had to do any twisting and turning to get the rig parked this will torque the axles and make the spacing uneven. I always try to pull the unit straight forward for a few feet and then straight back to it's final position to remove such torque. I had the same thing happen as "awaywego" so a close look at your suspension might reveal the issue. Don't just look for broken parts but also twisted or bent components. Jim

moutard2 · 07-07-2012, 05:58 PM

"Cupping" is due to suspension issues which causes the tire to bounce. It's not really an alignment problem.

HamRad · 07-07-2012, 08:52 PM

Chasenracin,
The alignment type stuff is generally not covered warranty. It is considered a user item. But if there are other then normal issues then Keystone may cover some aspects but generally plan on paying it all yourself. They consider these things as normal wear and tear items.

As far as the difference with the placement of the zerks on the axles the difference you mention are not too much different from what many of us would have on our rigs.

There are a couple of things that can cause major problems... The spring hangers have been known to break. So they need to be looked at. And of course the shackles. On older models without the HD shackles with zerks must be looked at very carefully. In fact if they have 15 to 20K miles on them they probably need to be replaced with the HD kit! Good luck. Dennis

snfexpress · 07-08-2012, 12:43 AM

Chasenracin,

As jimcol wrote:

Quote:

quote:If you had to do any twisting and turning to get the rig parked this will torque the axles and make the spacing uneven.

And, as he recommended, pull straight to reduce the stress on the axles.

As for your warranty question, the first thing I would look at is when the unit was purchased. Twelve months from the purchase date equates to your 1 year warranty.

gregh9999 · 07-08-2012, 11:41 AM

It can also be caused by more weight on one side than the other.

maximo · 07-08-2012, 12:37 PM

This summer I had 3 Mor/Ryde X Factor Crossmember's installed on my 3580RL Big Sky. I hope that will prevent a lot of the frame,axel and spring problems.

Frank

jackel1959 · 07-08-2012, 02:45 PM

Ken,
I will venture a guess that the spacing is more on the driver's side of the rig than on the passenger's side. On the 3400 the driver side is heavier than the other with kitchen, entertainment, etc. on that side. We have a 3455 and experienced the same issue. It was so bad on the driver side that one of the tires was actually contacting the fender skirt on occasion. I opted to replace the stock 3500 lb. rated springs with 4000 lb. rated springs (4) from Dexter and that has resolved our issue.

scattershot · 07-08-2012, 04:54 PM

There was discussion on this awhile back, and the concensus was that the factory does not align the axles properly. a good frame shop should be able to do it for you.

Chasnracin · 07-08-2012, 04:56 PM

Thanks everyone for your help. I will just keep an eye on them for now. Next time I pull it out of storage (this weekend) I'll double check for any bent parts I might have missed. It has pulled fine the 800 mi I have towed it so far. Just something else to watch.

Farmhawk · 07-09-2012, 05:48 PM

I had the same issue, I just installed the wet bolt kit and the axles appear to be properly spaced now. The bolts and thin shackles were wearing and the plastic bushings were about used up.

HOOK · 07-10-2012, 01:22 AM

It could be as simple as your brakes being unequally adjusted. Unhook power cable from truck and roll backward and forward , check spacing.

Exnavydiver · 07-10-2012, 03:28 AM

I noticed that nobody mentioned another possibility, take a torque wrench and check your U-bolts. They have come loose on several rigs and caused serious problems. they should be torqued to 70+ ft-lbs. Rich stripped the rubber right off new tires when his slipped. This situation has not been brought up for several months and needs to be. Mine were also very loose the first time I checked them, in fact 3 of the 8 nuts were only finger tight....

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