|
09-12-2018, 10:53 AM
|
#1
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
Posts: 181
M.O.C. #9174
|
Dexter Axle Suspension FAILURE on my 2019 Montana 3721RL Legacy
Today, 10:56 AM
My brand-new 2019 Montana with 1800 miles of travel experience awakened me at 6 AM with a big jolt and a "bang" type of sound. A thorough inspection of the interior and exterior revealed nothing damaged or out of place. A test of the slides revealed they were working normally. The hydraulic auto level was checked and seems to be working normally. I waited until daylight to inspect Under the trailer and I found one of the four Spring clips had failed. I called Dexter axle, my selling dealer, and Keystone customer service. Responses I got varied from "we are advising against taking the unit on a 1400 mile trip in this condition" to "get it fixed before you move the trailer". NOTE: I learned that Dexter also makes the leaf spring suspension for this trailer. Road Armor makes the block and shackle.
Should this require owners to inspect the suspension? Should Dexter initiate a recall?
Here is what Dexter Axle and Suspension wrote:
We would recommend replacing the clips with preferably hose clips as we had verbally discussed to prevent the spring leaves from spreading. Once the hose clips are installed you should be fine to tow your unit the 1400 miles with no problems. Once you get to a place where new leaf springs can be shipped simply contact us and confirm the shipping address where you would like the new leaf springs shipped. We will then make arrangements to get the old leaf springs back.
I have assigned our warranty claim number for the tracking of this reported problem. If you have any questions or if we can be of any further service please contact us.
Best Regards,
Connie Massie / Warranty Administrator
Dexter Axle Company - Corporate Headquarters
2900 Industrial Pkwy E., Elkhart, Indiana 46516, USA
cmassie@dexteraxle.com . Direct Tel: (574) 296-7301
__________________
Carl & Susan G
2021 Montana 3121RL Legacy
2017 Ford F250 6.7 diesel
|
|
|
09-12-2018, 11:26 AM
|
#2
|
Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 4,081
M.O.C. #20477
|
Carl,
Not clear what "hose clips' are but agree that I would not pull it until you sort it out. Recommend you talk to Keystone about getting a mobile repair tech out to look at it.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
|
|
|
09-12-2018, 12:19 PM
|
#3
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
|
Likely referring to hose clamps. 3 or 4 installed side by side at the broken clip might be enough to move the rig to a repair shop with speed kept down.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
|
|
|
09-12-2018, 01:01 PM
|
#4
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Tacoma
Posts: 1,567
M.O.C. #20475
|
Can you take any pic's so we can see what broke if made a big noise it sounds like there is more to it than a broken clip?
__________________
Bob & Carol Washington St
2017 HC HM352RL 2018 Dodge 3500 laramie CC LB 4x4
Curt Q25 with puck system, Factory air bags
Happy Trails
|
|
|
09-12-2018, 01:32 PM
|
#5
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
|
Yes pix please I cannot figure out what broke.
Thanks
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
|
|
|
09-12-2018, 07:45 PM
|
#6
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SWFL
Posts: 965
M.O.C. #17801
|
I'm understanding one of the clips that surrounds a spring pack, on on end, has failed. I'm not understanding how that would make the big jolt and bang you describe. If that's the problem, a few hose clamps might make it safe enough to drive. I recommend, however, doing a further examination to see if a spring mount or bolt has sheared. Another possibility is that one of your brake drums was bound up and suddenly released. When that happened to me, just one time, I was outside the RV and I nearly jumped out of my shoes.
__________________
2016 Montana 3711FL
2005 Ford F350, 6.0 diesel, short bed
Demco Hitchiker Auto Slide hitch
|
|
|
09-13-2018, 06:08 AM
|
#7
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: westminster md
Posts: 2,328
M.O.C. #17894
|
No way one of those spring bands caused that noise. I installed all new springs/wet bolts/u bolts on my 2011 3455sa. The bands on the new springs were somewhat loose from the get go. They could be slid back and froth on the spring. I am not convinced they do much at all anyways.
__________________
2018 Chevy 3500 LTZ Dually Diesel 4x4 CCLB
2011 Montana 3455 SA. 6 point level up. Disc brakes. Curt Q24 Hitch. 5 step glow steps
Progressive EMS. Valterra tank valves. Sailun G637 tires. ARP fridge control. All led lighting. Mor Ryde IS
|
|
|
09-13-2018, 08:40 AM
|
#8
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SWFL
Posts: 965
M.O.C. #17801
|
cgeis48, I don't think there'd be any evidence after the fact. I concluded, when one of my brakes bound up and subsequently released violently, it was because the self-adjusting feature locked up when I backed the trailer into the site. It occurred within seconds after the LCI levelers showed jack's down and successful level. My first thought was a jack failed, then something in the suspension. A thorough exam showed nothing, so I concluded it was a brake. The more I think about it, the spring retainers only serve to keep the individual leaves aligned, and your spring perch u-bolts would have to be a bit loose for the leaves to start wandering. I've seen that occur, but I think very unlikely.
__________________
2016 Montana 3711FL
2005 Ford F350, 6.0 diesel, short bed
Demco Hitchiker Auto Slide hitch
|
|
|
09-13-2018, 09:58 AM
|
#9
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Vacaville
Posts: 81
M.O.C. #22227
|
I'm also wondering what broke: Dexter is going to replace all of the leaf springs because one spring clip failed? Sounds like Dexter feels this issue is serious... I'd really like to see a picture of 'what broke', the failure area/component/etc. Thanks!
__________________
Steve & Terri
2017 305RL Montana High Country
2017 F-250 CCSB Diesel Lariat FX4
|
|
|
09-13-2018, 10:39 AM
|
#10
|
Established Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Magnolia
Posts: 41
M.O.C. #22618
|
I also have a curious mind about this. I would like to see the parts that broke since I have the same Year and Model Montana. And in two weeks my Wife and I are going out on the road for two weeks 2800 miles round trip......
|
|
|
09-16-2018, 06:37 PM
|
#11
|
New Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Madisonville
Posts: 9
M.O.C. #18710
|
I drove on broken springs for 700 miles without knowing it. I remember looking in the review mirror and seeing the front of the 3720 seem to lean to one side. I chocked it up to pavement and drove on. After getting home I had an appointment for some service. Dropping it off at the dealer, I took note of the lean again and noticed I was on level ground. I said something to service, they said they would call me. They did about a week later and said I had two broken springs on driver side. Extended warranty fix.
|
|
|
09-18-2018, 07:41 AM
|
#12
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
Posts: 181
M.O.C. #9174
|
Photos
Spring clip that failed.
__________________
Carl & Susan G
2021 Montana 3121RL Legacy
2017 Ford F250 6.7 diesel
|
|
|
09-18-2018, 09:06 AM
|
#13
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,663
M.O.C. #2283
|
I looked on my camper. I don’t think that bracket is all that important. I wouldn’t be a bit afraid to pull a camper with it broke. Put a few hose clamps on it and it should be as good as new.
Lynwood
|
|
|
09-18-2018, 09:52 AM
|
#14
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Vacaville
Posts: 81
M.O.C. #22227
|
Broken Clip Pictures - Thank You
Thank you for posting the pictures. I'm surprised Dexter is going to replace the leaf springs rather than just install new clips...
__________________
Steve & Terri
2017 305RL Montana High Country
2017 F-250 CCSB Diesel Lariat FX4
|
|
|
09-18-2018, 12:54 PM
|
#15
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Estherville
Posts: 53
M.O.C. #21904
|
John and Peggy, Huskers
The reason the clip snapped is because the weight of the trailer was off of the springs. The clips are designed to keep the spring aligned when loaded to keep them from twisting. Many springs do not even have clips.
|
|
|
09-18-2018, 05:14 PM
|
#16
|
Established Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: southern tier
Posts: 39
M.O.C. #10728
|
May be popping noise from hydraulic landing gear. Do a search on lippert popping noise. We had it and added recommended oil.
|
|
|
09-18-2018, 05:28 PM
|
#17
|
Established Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Magnolia
Posts: 41
M.O.C. #22618
|
Thank You for posting the pictures.......Dexter is right......In a pinch a Hose Clamp will do for the short term to get it to the shop........Be Safe and enjoy your RV.......
__________________
Scott And Kathleen
2019 3721RL 20th Anniversary Edition
2018 Dodge Lone Star 3500HD DRW 4x4
6.7L Cummins-Aisin Transmission 3:73 Rear Gears
|
|
|
09-18-2018, 08:29 PM
|
#18
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,774
M.O.C. #12947
|
Another thing to be aware of and check is the torque on the u-bolt nuts. With the 1/2" u-bolts, they should be pretty close to 70 ft lbs. Our neighbor in the park we are in right now is servicing his bearings and I just mentioned to him that while he is down there he might check the nut torque on his u-bolts, even loaned him a torque wrench. He just came over less than an hour ago and told me he got at least a full turn on his nuts before he was able to get 70 ft lbs. He was happy I told him about checking them and a bit disappointed that his were loose too, but again happy to have them tightened properly. With them tight, it is highly unlikely that the spring leaves will move, with or without those clips. I'm fully in agreement with wal_mart that the sound that was heard was the hydraulics popping from a stiction issue, and the Lippert fix is adding stiction fluid to the hydraulic fluid. https://www.lci1.com/images/support/lipsheet/0295.pdf
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|