the e-man

Virginia

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Hi All,
We have a Grand Design Transcend travel trailer. Really like it. At 18 months old, it is essentially new as we have done one longer trip and some local camping. Maybe 2,000 miles of travel.
I decided to have the bearings repacked. It seemed like good preventative maintenance before we do any big trips. I took it to our local Camping World. They sent pictures indicating that there is some damage to the axle. Some heat marks. They recommend replacing the whole axle at a cost of $1,475. I am kind of in shock that the whole axle would need to be replaced - especially since we have hardly used it.
Your insight and advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
2018 Grand Design Transcend 28MKS
2010 Ram 2500
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cnp

St. Louis

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Given how much scamming I have seen by service folks over the years (and I am not saying CW is here in this case), and given the cost, low mileage, I would get a second opinion for sure.
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Huntindog

Phoenix AZ

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Axles are pretty cheap. The last bare axle I bought was about 130.00... Now that is for a bare axle, but it isn't all that hare to do, and since you are already into the bearings, it is not that much more labor. If it is beyond your skillset.... Look for a better price.
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K Charles

Connecticut

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Lets see the pictures
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Lynnmor

Red Lion

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Can you post the photo here? It is normal that dark marks appear on the spindle where the bearings sit. Unless there is an extreme amount there is no concern. The condition is called fretting corrosion and on a trailer is caused by that small amount of clearance between the bearing and the spindle plus no grease on the spindle at assembly. Here is a minor example. If you provide a photo, we may be able to save you all the expense.
The time to service trailer bearings is the minute you bring it home. Inadequate grease and poor adjustment happens all too often.
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the e-man

Virginia

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Not sure how to add images here. I just put up a temporary page with the pictures at: Hub Axle Pictures
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Terryallan

Foothills NC

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the e-man wrote: Hi All,
We have a Grand Design Transcend travel trailer. Really like it. At 18 months old, it is essentially new as we have done one longer trip and some local camping. Maybe 2,000 miles of travel.
I decided to have the bearings repacked. It seemed like good preventative maintenance before we do any big trips. I took it to our local Camping World. They sent pictures indicating that there is some damage to the axle. Some heat marks. They recommend replacing the whole axle at a cost of $1,475. I am kind of in shock that the whole axle would need to be replaced - especially since we have hardly used it.
Your insight and advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
No no no. Go get it away from them. Axles aren't that expensive. I got a new axle, and had the TT raised for $500.00 Find a truck garage, and have them look at it, or find a RV repair center, or mobile guy and have them look at it. CW is trying to do you wrong.
Terry & Shay
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Lynnmor

Red Lion

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the e-man wrote: Not sure how to add images here. I just put up a temporary page with the pictures at: Hub Axle Pictures
Absolutely normal, run from the crooks!
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campigloo

Baton Rouge, La

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Looking on my phone is hard but I don’t see a problem. A blue mark will indicate overheating but doesn’t necessarily indicate a ruined axle. If they had to beat the bearing off maybe; but yours looks just fine to me
Like Lynmoor said, run! Get a second opinion if it makes you uncomfortable but avoid CW like it was corona. (unless it’s served chilled)
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Lwiddis

Bishop area, California

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X2, second opinion.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, 300 watt solar-parallel & MPPT, Trojan T-125s. TALL flag pole. Prefer USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state & county camps. Bicyclist! 14 year Army vet-11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
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