Visit our Popular Forums

gypsycoder · 02-19-2023, 08:14 PM

We have a 2023 GB 30RBT with a Ram 2500, the following has happened to us twice now as we are backing into our RV drive.

We have driven about an hour at highway speed, then about 3 miles at 40mph, we stop at point A in the diagram and are parked there about an hour. We then go to park in the driveway, I first so a bit of an S turn to get me to point B in the diagram. The trailer is turned a bit so I cannot see down the driver’s side in the mirror.

My wife is behind near the driveway, looking for traffic and guiding me using the cellphone to talk with me. I start backing up, I have gone maybe 5 feet and my wife screams that the back driver’s side wheel is 6-8 inches off the ground and is making some terrible creaking sounds. I stop, pull forward a little bit, the trailer comes back to the ground with a jarring sound, I get out and we look, scratch our heads, etc and cannot figure anything out. We then back in without any issues.

This being our first big trailer, the first time I thought it might have something to do with the weight distribution bars of the Blue Ox hitch, the second time, we had removed the tension bars so we were just on the ball. We have backed into camp sites without this happening.

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_1389.jpg
Views: 28
Size: 176.8 KB
ID: 428302

Fungus · 02-19-2023, 08:30 PM

Is the ground flat?
Any elevation changes or gutters?
What is your brake gain set to?

gypsycoder · 02-19-2023, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fungus

Is the ground flat?

Any elevation changes or gutters?

What is your brake gain set to?

Ground is flat, no gutters, we are in the middle of the street. Brake gain was the same as the rest of the trip at 5 of 10.

DaHealey · 02-19-2023, 09:43 PM

If I had to guess, your electric brakes locked up, the front wheel ‘digs’ into the ground, lifting the torsion axle, leaving the rear wheel to raise up. Something gets unstuck.

This is a huge guess with very little information, but it’s the first thing I would look at. Maybe the gain is set too high on the brake controller, or something else.

**richard5933** · 02-20-2023, 12:30 AM

Just a wild guess here as well, but check the mounting bolts for your axles - there should be two on each end of each axle. Perhaps one or two bolts left the factory without proper torque allowing the axle to rotate when backing? You should be able to reach these bolts easily from under the trailer.

Boxite · 02-20-2023, 03:10 AM

I think Richard is on the right track. Dual axles place considerable strain onto the tires, especially when backing/turning. I believe you are experiencing an axle which is not properly mounted / bolted… or a structural / mechanical failure at that point.

GOUSC · 02-20-2023, 04:44 AM

Following

**azflycaster** · 02-20-2023, 06:19 AM

6 to 8 inches is more travel than I would ever expect to see on an Airstream axle. Something is wrong...

bel73 · 02-20-2023, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaHealey

If I had to guess, your electric brakes locked up, the front wheel ‘digs’ into the ground, lifting the torsion axle, leaving the rear wheel to raise up. Something gets unstuck.

This is a huge guess with very little information, but it’s the first thing I would look at. Maybe the gain is set too high on the brake controller, or something else.

My first thought also. Time to jack up the trailer and pull some wheels.

thewarden · 02-20-2023, 07:25 AM

It is a brand-new unit. The first thing I would do is take it back to the dealer rather than trying to sort this out yourself.

gypsycoder · 02-20-2023, 08:06 AM

We will be taking the unit in to the dealer to look at, and will report back what is found. I just wanted to make sure this is not some relatively common thing, or something I was doing and the dealer would try to explain it off in that manner. It sure seems odd to us, and am glad it is odd.

Kemmy · 02-20-2023, 09:01 AM

You say you do an “S” and come to the position in the diagram but the trailer must be more turned to the passenger side because you can’t see it. If you have turned the steering wheel hard to right to bring the left side around are you jack-knifing and lifting the tire? Once you pull ahead you have straightened out enough to move into
the drive. A 30 footer is pretty big. I have trouble with my 25 sometimes and campers will bring out lawn chairs to watch. I am not trying to offend in any way.

**richard5933** · 02-20-2023, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kemmy

You say you do an “S” and come to the position in the diagram but the trailer must be more turned to the passenger side because you can’t see it. If you have turned the steering wheel hard to right to bring the left side around are you jack-knifing and lifting the tire? Once you pull ahead you have straightened out enough to move into
the drive. A 30 footer is pretty big. I have trouble with my 25 sometimes and campers will bring out lawn chairs to watch. I am not trying to offend in any way.

This is a good thought...

Perhaps before going to the dealer you can check for any witness marks indicating that your trailer and truck made contact around the tongue areas, or if the hitch you're using got to the extreme of its possible travel on a too-tight trurn and that caused things to go wonky.

PatLee · 02-20-2023, 09:22 AM

Is there any list to your Airstream when it's parked on level ground?

delrossa · 02-20-2023, 09:27 AM

I recommend calling the mother ship and asking a service rep about it. You could also reach out to Dexter.
What you’re describing is not normal.

Trowbridge · 02-20-2023, 09:34 AM

If loose, axle mount on that wheel location may be sliding forward when backing (thus creating a 'wrap' on the torsion axle). Is not a problem when going forward if axle doesn't slide back. Locked brake would just cause tire to skid. Have axle mount, axle itself, brakes, and wheel bearings checked. Make sure they do it on all four axle sides.

2dabeach · 02-20-2023, 09:43 AM

I suggest that you try backing it up again and have someone video what is happening to the wheel as you back up. It should be helpful when you bring it to the dealer or contact Airstream service. Good luck.

Glen Carter · 02-20-2023, 10:14 AM

I would suggest going to an empty parking lot and repeat the event, stopping in place when it happens. Put parking brakes on turn off TV and go inspect trailer to see what is happening and take pictures of the problem. Especially underside of axles and mounting points.

Saluda372 · 02-20-2023, 11:52 AM

Based off what he's saying I don't think I would want to repeat this action too many times.

Wazbro · 02-20-2023, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saluda372

Based off what he's saying I don't think I would want to repeat this action too many times.

While that is true, it is probably better to get video evidence. Hate to take it in and get the dreaded "could not replicate problem" or "found nothing wrong".