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01-11-2025, 03:49 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
2023 25' Flying Cloud
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 11
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Uneven tire wear on rear driver side tire
I could use some assistance dealing with uneven inside tire wear.
I noticed this in October 2024 and contacted Airstream of Colorado. Only one tire on driver rear wheel is affected. All other tires have even wear. I dropped off on October 29th for assessment and recommended repair. My Airstream is a 2023 Flying Cloud 25 RBT purchased from We Are Airstream in Chandler Arizona in April 2024. Follow up in early December indicated warranty had not been transferred so that was corrected. We purchased as second owner.
Airstream Colorado submitted warranty claim for axle to Dexter which was denied due to not being the original owner. Reaching out to Airstream customer support resulted in their directing me to Dexter. I have submitted a request to them now. Over two months and it’s still at Airstream of Colorado with no resolution and no response regarding what to do!
Can anyone recommend how to get this fixed? I live in Denver and would appreciate any feedback regarding this situation.
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01-11-2025, 04:37 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Oregon Buttes
, Wyoming
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,888
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Do some Detective work, yourself.
Find the Month/Year imprint on EACH TIRE. If ALL are the Same Month/Year this tire is most likely the original and the injury would be considered yours. The numbers are in an Oval Imprint into each tire. If the damaged tire is NEWER... hmmmm.
If the Spare and other Three Tires have a Month/Year the same and the Tire in Question is newer... this tire may have been replaced later, by the seller or dealer.
Your discovery may indicate, what the previous owner discovered, and one party... replaced this tire with a new tire.
At least a bit of detective work may determine if the injury to the Wheel/Axle/Tire was before your purchase... and a replacement tire was mounted to replace a damaged tire before your purchase. If the spare is a newer tire... figure that as a clue, as well. Be... curious.
I did State OSHA inspections for two years. I heard it all... and then... checked out the details to discover... stories changed when cornered.
You may then have a better chance of some kind of agreement.
__________________
Human Bean
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01-11-2025, 08:08 PM
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#3
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1 Rivet Member 
2023 25' Flying Cloud
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 11
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Tires are all the same manufacture date.
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01-11-2025, 10:49 PM
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#4
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Site Team

1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 6,355
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Depends on how badly you want to get this trailer back on the road which route to take.
If you have time and patience to fight the warranty coverage issue, carry on. But if you want to get moving with your travel plans you might consider replacing the axle. It's not that difficult for an owner to do this DIY, or have the dealer do it. It's going to cost under $100 to do it yourself, more if you have to pay shop labor in addition. But this will get you back on the road. Only you know which is more important - a quick repair or winning the warranty battle.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 'Gertie' Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8 'Bert'
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser 'The Bus' (Sold)
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01-11-2025, 11:35 PM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member 
destin
, Florida
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 39
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This sounds like an axle alignment issue to me.
A little background....I was at Jackson Center last Feb for warranty work and while I was there inquired about alignment. I was told their service center was one of only 2 or 3 places authorized by Dexter to do axle alignment.
Although JC felt it probably wasn't necessary, I had them perform an alignment on our 2022 GT30 since we had an axle replaced the previous fall roadside after a hub failure. Turns out both axles were out of alignment....the 'new' axle being so far out that the techs were surprised at the magnitude.
As an aside, I was told even JC doesn't perform an alignment check after an axle replacement unless specifically requested (and paid for) by the customer. Axles from Dexter are assumed within alignment spec....my understanding is that this goes for new production as well.
Based upon my experience, even a new axle from Dexter may not be aligned when installed on an Airstream.
Just my opinion, of course, but I'm also skeptical of anyone outside of Jackson Center performing axle alignment.
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01-12-2025, 05:53 AM
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#6
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Keys Dave
2021 25' Flying Cloud
Big Torch Key
, FL
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 193
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Just keep in mind, the axle might have been properly produced and aligned when it leaves Dexter factory. That axle has a long journey and several warehouse transfers before it gets to you. It's too long to fit in the truck across so they put it down the side. A forklift can't pick it up the regular way so they drag it out of the truck then pick it up.
When I got mine all 4 grease caps were damaged or missing and the pallet was broken.
Just saying.
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01-12-2025, 06:10 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master 
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,653
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I have a local truck alignment shop check mine after i installed the lift kit 1 wheel was out a small amount. I rotate at 7500 miles.
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01-12-2025, 06:17 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master 
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,653
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If you rotate at 7500 miles you may not notice the wear you mat take it to a truck alignment shop
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01-12-2025, 07:51 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master 
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Oregon Buttes
, Wyoming
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,888
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Very good advice coming your way.
I awoke this morning and recalled: (# Week / # Year) is on each tire.
Axle Issue. Tire Balance Issue.
A photo would help these Detectives following. Cupping? Wearing along the outside or inside edge? A tire shop would be my next, less expensive, check up.
Measure distance between tires on both sides. Compare the numbers. Then check if the problem wheel and tire are also not vertical as the other three. If an Axle is out of alignment, one side MAY have an obvious more or less distance than the opposite axles. Costs you nothing to check things out and then proceed.
You can remove the wheel and tire, take it to a Tire Shop and have them give it a Spin Balance check. Maybe, this will give you the answer.
Do the simple tests that cost only your time. Check this wheel for any large scuff on the tire... and if the rim of the wheel has any sign of abrasion.
I would get a level and ruler... and check each wheel out. Rule out the 'easy stuff' first. Top to Bottom. Then decide what to do next.
__________________
Human Bean
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01-12-2025, 09:21 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master 
2010 30' Classic
Warren
, Manitoba
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,395
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Since you are the second owner of the trailer, it is very possible that the previous owner hit a bad pothole or curb BEFORE you bought the trailer. As mentioned by Ray E, take your trailer to a tire shop first. Find out the real problem before finding a solution. I had all 3 axles replaced on my '94, at a trailer shop in South Dakota, with factory Dexter axles, and have had zero problems after ten's of thousands of miles. Good shops can do the alignment!! JMHO
__________________
ACI #7394
2012 GMC 2500 HD Duramax Denali
2010 Classic Limited 30' ,1994 Excella 34'
1987 Limited 34', 1976 31' Sovereign, 1976 Argosy 22' Gone to new homes
Hensley Hitch
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01-12-2025, 09:28 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
NCR
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,522
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best to rotate tires on a regular basis
as well, it a good idea to visit a reputable trailer shop that has the proper tools and skilled staff to do the investigate/repair work
__________________
2023 25' FB FC, hatch, Queen,30A,1AC,Awning pkg, Convection uwave.Multiplus 12/3000-50,700A Lion,MPPT 100/30,Orion-TR 30,Cerbo GX,GX touch 50,Lynx distributor,dual BMV-712, smart shunt 500A&1000A, RUUVI temp/humidity sensors,2 Mopeka LP sensors
NCR,Ontario,VE3HIU since 1978
WBCCI# 21212
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01-12-2025, 10:04 AM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member 
2018 30' Classic
bayfield
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2024
Posts: 7
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Airstream trailers need the axels aligned , and tires balanced ....
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01-12-2025, 10:40 AM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member 
1999 28' Excella
Lake Mary
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 282
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Take it to a heavy truck alignment shop. They will be able to determine if axle, wheel, or uneven left/right weight is the issue.
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01-12-2025, 10:42 AM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member 
2023 27' Flying Cloud
Byron Center
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 29
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Same issue
Have a 2023 27' FC. Same tire, drivers side rear, had inside tread wearing faster than others. Dealer checked axel and said good. JC replaced the tire for no charge. Watching tread depth on all tires on a regular basis.
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01-12-2025, 10:52 AM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member 
2023 27' Globetrotter
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 465
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Another data point...my left front tire had huge inside wear with less than 25k. Was at Jackson Center in December, and had them look at it...the axle was out of alignment, so they trued it, and replaced that tire. Was not warranty work, as they surmised it was due to hitting a pothole or bad roads (thanks, I70 Indiana) in our first two seasons of use. Not extremely expensive to fix. '23 Globetrotter 27 FBQ.
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01-12-2025, 12:08 PM
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#16
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New Member
2019 16' Sport
McKinney
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 2
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I just went through this exact situation. As a second owner my only option was to suck it up. The shop that did the repairs said it was likely an axle failure. Total oop cost not including new tires was just under 2K.
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01-12-2025, 12:11 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master 

2021 30' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
Lady Lake
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,336
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Axle Alignment ?
Our 2021 was chewing up the same time and it was not bering tires etc. I had Jackson Center put it on their Alignment Ramps and I had a bent axle. They also dialed in the other 3 rims for Camber and Toe. I believe the Axles are underrated for our 30 ft trailers weight.
Quote and agree below
(This sounds like an axle alignment issue to me.
A little background....I was at Jackson Center last Feb for warranty work and while I was there inquired about alignment. I was told their service center was one of only 2 or 3 places authorized by Dexter to do axle alignment.
Although JC felt it probably wasn't necessary, I had them perform an alignment on our 2022 GT30 since we had an axle replaced the previous fall roadside after a hub failure. Turns out both axles were out of alignment....the 'new' axle being so far out that the techs were surprised at the magnitude.)
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01-12-2025, 12:13 PM
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#18
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3 Rivet Member 
2021 27' Globetrotter
Tallahassee
, FL
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 135
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As the second owner, my guess is that the previous owner, hit a pothole or curb putting that tire put of alignment with the rest. I can't imagine Dexter or Airstream taking it as warrenty. I think you're on your own and an axel replacement would be the choice.
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01-13-2025, 09:35 AM
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#19
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1 Rivet Member 
2023 25' Flying Cloud
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 11
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This looks just like my issue. I asked Airstream of Colorado for assessment and recommendation and did not get anything formally. I have asked a number of times but seems they just assumed axle replacement. I am looking at the other alternatives noted in this thread. Thanks so much for the photos and comments.
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01-13-2025, 09:46 AM
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#20
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1 Rivet Member 
2023 25' Flying Cloud
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 11
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Many thanks!! All of the comments are much appreciated. I now have a better idea of how to approach this.
It is noteworthy however that Dexter does not warranty after the original owner irregardless of age and the fact that it was purchased from an Airstream dealer. Airstream just points you to Dexter taking no responsibility or consideration of age/usage. I estimate that I drove around 8k. The dealer I purchased it at says they did inspection and did not note this problem, which I can't say would be unusual.
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