Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > TRAVEL TRAILER, 5th WHEEL & TRUCK CAMPER FORUMS > 5th Wheel Discussion
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-09-2024, 01:47 AM   #57
Senior Member
 
CharlesinGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: South of Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 2,424
I'm currently using the Lippert Tire Linc system. I don't care for Lippert, but this system works rather well. It has sensors that install on the valve stems (I installed solid metal ones) and a repeater near the front of the trailer. I bought the optional alert device. It sounds off if it loses signal or if pressure drops. I use the phone app to check the pressures. First couple of times I lost signal I didn't realize what was happening, and pulled over. Finally figured out what was going on, and last two trips, one 1200 mile round trip and the other, 3300 mile Atlanta to Green Bay, Wisconsin and then Duluth MN and up to Canadian border and back, never heard a peep out of it. I can check pressures any time on the phone, but not having a monitor keeps me from being a worry wart watching pressures constantly. I usually watch the pressure rise in the morning and after that I quit looking.

Bearings. I replaced the 5 lug hub/drum assemblies for 6 lug. New drums came from Dexter with china races. Drove them out, threw in the scrap metal bucket (I've done the same thing with new rotor/hubs on my old Ford Ranger) In went new USA Timkens that came from a reputable source so no fakes) I pack with a lislie or Snap On bearing packer, does better than I ever did with grease in the palm of my hand. I use synthetic grease with Moly in it. Ford approved Moly in the '70's and was first to do so for bearings. Never had one fail, except for a China made one from the parts store on Sunday in my Dad's car in the late '80's.

I am using Dexter 12 slot axle nuts to allow for more accurate bearing adjustment. Timken says max end play should be .005" down to zero, no preload. I crank them down tight, spin the hub, back off and tighten just snug, back off again and let the long breaker bars weight tighten the nut. If I need to back off, the 12 slot lets me stay within the .005" max end play. (1"-14 thread = 0.071" per turn, or 0.0059" per slot)

Charles
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	MOMIII 15 Dash mounted Tire Linc warning device.jpg
Views:	7
Size:	349.6 KB
ID:	422628   Click image for larger version

Name:	MOMIII 04 Tire Linc box inside.jpg
Views:	8
Size:	263.9 KB
ID:	422629  

Click image for larger version

Name:	MOMIII 08 Cargo light and Tire Linc repeater base.jpg
Views:	9
Size:	333.9 KB
ID:	422630   Click image for larger version

Name:	MOMIII 10 Wheel pressure transmitter.jpg
Views:	6
Size:	272.9 KB
ID:	422631  

Click image for larger version

Name:	MOMIII 12 Alert indicator and USB cable.jpg
Views:	6
Size:	377.0 KB
ID:	422632  
__________________
'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9HO six speed PacBrake std cab long bed Leer top and 2008 Bigfoot 25B21RB trailer.. Previously, 2008 Thor Freedom Spirit 180, SOLD! 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome, SOLD!
CharlesinGA is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 07-10-2024, 10:30 AM   #58
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 503
Quote:
I'm currently using the Lippert Tire Linc system. I don't care for Lippert, but this system works rather well. It has sensors that install on the valve stems (I installed solid metal ones) and a repeater near the front of the trailer. I bought the optional alert device. It sounds off if it loses signal or if pressure drops. I use the phone app to check the pressures.

So this system WOULD alert if the entire wheel came off? That would be nice.


How does it work with more than one cell phone? Can it signal more than one phone if there's a problem?



Quote:
Bearings. I replaced the 5 lug hub/drum assemblies for 6 lug.
Ours came with the 6 lug hub/drum assemblies, so that's good.


Quote:
New drums came from Dexter with china races. Drove them out, threw in the scrap metal bucket (I've done the same thing with new rotor/hubs on my old Ford Ranger) In went new USA Timkens that came from a reputable source so no fakes) I pack with a lislie or Snap On bearing packer, does better than I ever did with grease in the palm of my hand.

The assemblies I've seen on the old axles have bearings marked "China", and I presume the new ones on the new axles ALSO have bearings marked "China", but I didn't ask the shop if the new bearings were specifically marked that way. HOPEFULLY, they'll work better than the ones that failed.


I ALSO used to use the simple bearing packer where I could see the grease being pushed out between the rollers, but other folks have stated a preference for packing by hand without a bearing packer.



Quote:
I am using Dexter 12 slot axle nuts to allow for more accurate bearing adjustment. Timken says max end play should be .005" down to zero, no preload. I crank them down tight, spin the hub, back off and tighten just snug, back off again and let the long breaker bars weight tighten the nut.

I always followed the instruction from Dexter, which are very similar to these, and I never had a problem in 15 years with the PREVIOUS 5th wheel. This one has had two failures on different axles in 13-14 years. Lower quality bearings?


Either way, HOPEFULLY, things will now work successfully.
__________________
2011 Cougar High Country 246RL towed by a 2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab.
dkperez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2024, 10:35 AM   #59
Senior Member
 
CharlesinGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: South of Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 2,424
You need the alerting device. If you lose the signal (from the repeater) it alarms. I actually cannot say for sure what happens when an inflated wheel gets far enough away to not be received by the repeater, but I'm guessing it would sound an alarm as the signal would be lost.

The app is the Lippert One Control (the earlier app that is crappy and gets one star reviews on Google Play, Android version) or the Lippert Connect app which actually works though it has some quirky functioning. Lippert uses the app to connect to not only the TPMS but also the LP tank sensors if you have the Mopeka system and for controlling lights, A/C etc with the Lippert control panel.

Bluetooth typically only connects to one thing at a time, so I'm not sure how it would work with more than one phone.

I worked for 31 years for a major airline and the work I did was hydraulic systems, landing gears and flight controls, and I changed a TON of wheels and I never saw a made in China bearing on anything. Basically, if its MISSION CRITICAL don't trust anything and use only the best. I don't hope those China bearings are better than they used to be, I dispose of them. If you buy Timken, get them from a trusted source, a large chain industrial bearing and drives type of business or I buy from Summit Racing as I expect they get theirs directly from the manufacturer. Lots of clever fakes on Amazon, be it bearings, spark plugs, or filters.

Clearly you had a bearing failure from looking at the pics.

For greasing I use either the Lisle 34550 bearing packer or the Gear Wrench 2775D bearing packer I have the Snap On branded version of this, same tool. I use an arbor press to squeeze them, but you can throw a clean rag over them and step on them too. I have both.





Charles
__________________
'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9HO six speed PacBrake std cab long bed Leer top and 2008 Bigfoot 25B21RB trailer.. Previously, 2008 Thor Freedom Spirit 180, SOLD! 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome, SOLD!
CharlesinGA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2024, 12:00 PM   #60
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 3,094
Quote:
Originally Posted by CharlesinGA View Post
You need the alerting device. If you lose the signal (from the repeater) it alarms. I actually cannot say for sure what happens when an inflated wheel gets far enough away to not be received by the repeater, but I'm guessing it would sound an alarm as the signal would be lost.

The app is the Lippert One Control (the earlier app that is crappy and gets one star reviews on Google Play, Android version) or the Lippert Connect app which actually works though it has some quirky functioning. Lippert uses the app to connect to not only the TPMS but also the LP tank sensors if you have the Mopeka system and for controlling lights, A/C etc with the Lippert control panel.

Bluetooth typically only connects to one thing at a time, so I'm not sure how it would work with more than one phone.

I worked for 31 years for a major airline and the work I did was hydraulic systems, landing gears and flight controls, and I changed a TON of wheels and I never saw a made in China bearing on anything. Basically, if its MISSION CRITICAL don't trust anything and use only the best. I don't hope those China bearings are better than they used to be, I dispose of them. If you buy Timken, get them from a trusted source, a large chain industrial bearing and drives type of business or I buy from Summit Racing as I expect they get theirs directly from the manufacturer. Lots of clever fakes on Amazon, be it bearings, spark plugs, or filters.

Clearly you had a bearing failure from looking at the pics.

For greasing I use either the Lisle 34550 bearing packer or the Gear Wrench 2775D bearing packer I have the Snap On branded version of this, same tool. I use an arbor press to squeeze them, but you can throw a clean rag over them and step on them too. I have both.





Charles
TOTALLY off-subject here Charles, but are you by any chance an iATN member? Your work info sounds familiar to me.

I agree on the bearings. Only NTK, Timken, SKF or similar name-brand bearings for me. I realize there's a LOT of reboxing in the automotive world, probably as much in the RV parts.
__________________
2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD gas 6.0 dually
1994 K1500 Suburban shop mule and plow truck
2006 Lakota 29RKT 5th wheel
kdauto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2024, 08:04 AM   #61
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkperez View Post
2010/2011 Keystone Cougar 246RL. Ford F-350 Lariat tow vehicle.

Recently we took a short trip with the trailer. Prior to going I did a quick check of wheels – raised each side, made sure they rolled easily and quietly, and that there was no abnormal play in the wheels.

They were lubed and adjusted last fall, and we only put a couple thousand miles on the trailer since service – even with the trip this spring, less than 2500 miles, so far fewer than a normal year and far fewer than between normal re-greasing the bearings.

On the way home we lost the driver side rear wheel. Tire, wheel, brake assembly – everything GONE. Axle spindle sticking out. There was grease on the spindle, so it doesn’t look like a lubrication failure.

Fortunately, we were only a few blocks from home when we became aware of the problem, so we gently got the trailer home and into the driveway.

The wheel did some damage as it exited, so we’ll be having repairs done.

One concern (other than the fact that this trailer has now done this twice) is that the TPMS NEVER alarmed or indicated that the wheel was gone. After at LEAST 20 minutes (time to notice, check it, and get the trailer home), the TPMS was STILL saying the left rear wheel (and all the others) STILL had 72 PSI in it.

I EXPECTED the tpms would quickly show ZERO for pressure, and hopefully sound an alarm like it does when the tire pressure starts going down. It never did until MUCH later.

The TPMS is an older TST 507 with the monochrome display, but it’s worked fine for over 15 years. I just wasn’t aware that if a sensor disappears, it doesn’t tell you. Is there a different/better TPMS for the truck and trailer that would at least let me know we had a serious problem like a wheel coming off? I saw some from TireMinder, and a few others, but I’d like something reliable and trustworthy that will actually let me know when there’s a major problem like this.

This is the SECOND time this has happened. A number of years ago it happened while out west and I limped into Kingman (Good Sam road service couldn't find anybody, anywhere to get the trailer to a shop) on 3 wheels, got it to a shop and got the axle replaced with the same one as the original (4400 lb Dexter).

The axles are 4400 pound units from Dexter with 15”, 6 lug wheels.
The trailer label says:
GVWR 4082KG (9000 lb)
GAWR (each axle) 1996KG (4400 lb)
Tires ST225/75R/15D tire pressure 65 psi.
Cargo capacity 884KG (1945lb) calculated with the fresh water tanks FULL (Cold 132 KG, hot 23KG) and waste water empty.

At the time of the failure, the fresh water was almost empty, black and gray tanks all empty. Even with 60 pounds of propane, we don’t have anywhere near 1945 pounds of contents.

Based on the tag, everything we have matches what the trailer says – 4400 lb axles, 225/15D tires, empty waste tanks.

Since all the bearings were greased and things adjusted fewer than 3000 miles and 7 months ago, any thoughts on how to avoid this in the future? And no, I'm NOT supposed to buy a new 5th wheel OR get a motorhome and a Jeep to tow behind it. How do I keep THIS thing from having this kind of catastrophic failure?
I've had the same thing happen to me twice in my 2016 Cougar - despite proper grease and maintenance. The first time a fire broke out before the axle nearly came fully off and I limped to the nearest repair shop. I wrote about it in a book I just published - one of my many RV misadventures titled: RVing on the Wrong Side of the Road. I finally gave up on the factory axels and upgraded from a 5000 lbs. to 6000 lbs. axels. I no longer trusted the factory axels. While it was an expensive upgrade, it has solved the problem.
Michael1942 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2024, 08:25 AM   #62
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 503
That is a handy looking bearing packer! I've got one of the older-style ones that attach to the grease gun, and those were what we used all the years I was working as an auto mechanic. This was the first place I ever saw anybody say that packing the bearings by hand was better than using a bearing packer. I may have to get one of those!


As I've become more aware of bearings, and had more contact with other people, I've had more people tell me stories similar to mine. Yesterday a guy that works at the local glass shop told me about his boat trailer doing a similar thing that resulted in one of his hub assemblies coming off.


So it must be more common than I thought.


I never gave much thought to the origin of the bearings on the trailer, but hopefully the new axle that just went on is better than the old one.
__________________
2011 Cougar High Country 246RL towed by a 2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab.
dkperez is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
5th wheel



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Whole ignition assembly turns when turning key shajoe44 Fleetwood Owner's Forum 3 09-24-2018 06:00 PM
Lost Canyon Star taillight assembly StvC Newmar Owner's Forum 14 06-14-2017 10:26 PM
How do you Replace Whole Headlight Assembly? - 2005 Itasca Meridian 36G Gary D Winnebago Industries Owner's Forum 3 08-28-2012 07:58 PM
New 5th Wheel owner asks will 1983 F250 SC LB safely pull a 34ft 5th wheel ? abacusblack 5th Wheel Discussion 28 11-19-2011 12:38 AM
Lost the Whole Season tps0424 Northeast Region 7 10-04-2005 02:59 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:36 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.