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Danj2001 · 12-28-2018, 04:42 AM

Question for the group and opinions. I have a 34 ft Aerolite and it only has about 5000 towing miles on it. I purchased it new and didn't get to go on an extended trip for nearly a year. After the first trip of about 4500 miles, I had a flat on one of the rear tires. After taking it off, I noticed that the inside shoulder of the tire was worn through the tread (the reason for the leak). After close inspection, I noticed that the tire on the other side was equally worn. I took the trailer back to the dealer and they filed a claim because the rear axle was bent...hence the worn tires. The warranty company denied the claim because they stated that a bent axle was not mechanical failure??? Neither the dealer nor I could believe this but that was and is their position. Opinions?? Absolutely nothing was done to the trailer to bend the axle. I suspect it was that way from the beginning. Unfortunately, I didn't find that out until the one-year initial warranty was up. Bummer.

tbos1958 · 12-28-2018, 08:35 AM

You may want to check with the axle manufacturer. Good luck.

Dav L · 12-28-2018, 09:10 AM

depends on how the contact describes the damage to the service contract coverage decision maker. If they say it is "bent", then no coverage. If they say it was "manufactured out of true", then possibly covered.

If it was bent, then possible insurance claim.
Tires being covered are a sore point with most all coverages.

MSHappyCampers · 12-28-2018, 09:23 AM

That's the problem with extended warranties! They leave themselves all kinds of loopholes to get out of paying for a repair!

Dav L · 12-28-2018, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

That's the problem with extended warranties! They leave themselves all kinds of loopholes to get out of paying for a repair!

Yup, part of the cost of purchasing a service contract.

There can be no words that suggest external physical damage was the cause. Immediate reason to reject. Once that happens, then it's an uphill battle better describing what is true.

ThePowells · 12-28-2018, 03:25 PM

What does the contract actually state?

Gary RVRoamer · 12-29-2018, 09:54 AM

Unless there is good evidence otherwise, a "bent" axle is assumed to be accident damage, e.g. you bounced over a deep pothole or hit a curb. It was caused by an external force and is not a mechanical failure of the part itself.

If you have collision and comprehensive insurance on the trailer, you might try filing a claim for that "accident".

Sadly, most trailer axles are loaded to near their max capacity at all times, making them rather vulnerable to overload if a wheel strikes a pothole, curb, RR track, etc. The sudden bump coupled with limited suspension travel and (typically) no shock absorbers means a massive jolt to the axle itself.