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Old 06-14-2024, 06:02 PM   #1
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Tire Clearance On 5th Wheel

Hi everyone, tire clearance question. Curious if anyone has any feedback. Two months ago I purchased a brand new Crusader 260rdd fifth wheel with 1” of clearance above three tires and 1.5” above the fourth wheel. Does that seem normal or not?

The underbelly of the unit has been worn out completely above all four tires exposing the plywood above. Down the road this will be an obvious issue allowing insects and critters to get entry to the underbelly. And it is DEFINITELY not overloaded with weight. Not to mention a safety issue with a potential tire blow out while trailering.

I have an email out to Forest River at this time. I have not heard back yet.

I have attached photos of the rv, tire clearance, worn underbelly and leaf springs.

Thank you
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Old 06-14-2024, 06:32 PM   #2
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Just my opinion, i t looks to me as if the wrong springs were installed on this trailer.
What does the selling dealer have to say?


Tim
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Old 06-14-2024, 07:45 PM   #3
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Thanks Tim, selling dealer said when I questioned directly and asked how much space should be between top of tire and rv underbelly, “I have no idea, you’ll need to call Forest River, here is their number.” I spoke with a gentlemen who asked me
To email photos. I did two days ago, waiting on their reply at this point.
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Old 06-14-2024, 07:48 PM   #4
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The size weight of the trailer can make some difference, but most times 3"s clearance is safe, and 2"s a bare minimum. One inch clearance, something is wrong, and should have never been delivered to customer.
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Old 06-14-2024, 10:05 PM   #5
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Looks like heavier weight leaf springs are warranted. That's not a difficult or time consuming job to do.

They're also surprisingly inexpensive at around $100 each.
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Old 06-14-2024, 10:41 PM   #6
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Heavier springs won't help, the ones on there are not flattened and appear to have normal curvature. I would say the spring hanger brackets are too short.

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Old 06-15-2024, 06:09 AM   #7
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Heavier springs won't help, the ones on there are not flattened and appear to have normal curvature. I would say the spring hanger brackets are too short.

Charles
I agree with this. It is possible that optional, larger tires/wheels were added, with no provision to change spring position? My FW has extended hangars, with additional hole, if larger tires/wheels are added.
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Old 06-15-2024, 06:18 AM   #8
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Larry,

I'm with CharlesinGA on this.

No doubt you should have more clearance. Ideally, the tire clearance in the fender well should be equal to the distance between the top of the axle ubolt and the frame above.

In my opinion, the dealer should be all over this and helping you as much as possible.


Forest River can be a real PITA with warranty so my advise is to pester them as much as you can tolerate via email backed up with phone calls to confirm they received your emails. Take detailed notes or recordings of conversations with the dealer or FR.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
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Old 06-15-2024, 08:10 AM   #9
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I had the same problem with mine and it was because the chassis came with
3-1/4” shackles instead of 2-1/4”
They offered to send new ones to me but I just ordered a set of Dexter 2-1/4” HD shackles with grease fittings, and EZ flex equalizers.

This gave me 1” more clearance above the tires, still not enough to me so I added Lippert Correct Track which solved the problem.
A year later I installed the MorRyde X Factor and Roadmaster shocks and it rides great now.

If you have Westlake tires get rid of them asap.
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Old 06-15-2024, 08:18 AM   #10
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Have the shackles flipped or installed wrong?
We have the MorRyde IS System, so, not sure if flipped or not.
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Old 06-15-2024, 08:22 AM   #11
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Well, it sounds like you have a fight on your hands. Go back to the dealer, they should be calling Forest River about this warranty issue. It is obviously a manufacturing problem. Make sure the dealer does the repair properly. Keep after them, be a pest till it's done right.
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Old 06-15-2024, 09:20 AM   #12
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Looking closely at your pics, the shackles on one side of the equalizer is at a "normal" angle but the others are near horizontal. You need to closely inspect the spring hangars to insure that you don't have one or more torn loose from the frame and the axle is moved as a result. Cut away all of that spray foam around the hangers, as that causes moisture to collect and rust the welds and frame.

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Old 06-15-2024, 01:49 PM   #13
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All good advice above. I will just add that you can quickly check the actual tire size against the tire loading sticker to verify that the trailer has the correct size / load range installed. Someone could have swapped them out on the lot.
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Old 06-17-2024, 09:39 AM   #14
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All good advice above. I will just add that you can quickly check the actual tire size against the tire loading sticker to verify that the trailer has the correct size / load range installed. Someone could have swapped them out on the lot.
Dealers sometimes swap wheels/tires from one unit to another to make a sell and don't get the OEM wheels/tires back on the unit that was cannibalized.
Trailer wheel well installation at assy isn't a exact operation so expect some differences.
Also one or more side links can sometimes flip out of position when the trailer is jacked where the tires are off the ground and suspension just hangs.That needs to be checked before lowering the trailer to ground surface.
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