Nobo 16.5 axle advice needed

[Mekcanix]

Howdy,
So it looks like I bent the axle on my 2018 Nobo 16.5. The camper dry is 2980lb cargo is 1400lbs. I always travel with water @ 300lbs and with mods repairs and such I am pretty sure I am right around the rated axle weight of 4400lbs.
the axle is 89.5 hub to hub with electric brakes and 6 bolt wheels.
my frame rails are 64 outside to outside. So i have a span of about 13 inches between mounting point and hub face.
First issue it appear the axle is custom built for this trailer
so my first plan was to replace it with the Timbren axle less suspension https://timbren.com/en-ca/products/asr52hds04-axle-less
Then realizing that my frame is too narrow and I would have to build a sub frame


so the other idea I had was the Timbren Silent Ride https://timbren.com/en-ca/products/...ide-trailer-suspension?variant=44607187190042

then add a straight axle that I can pick up almost anywhere.

so am I barking up the wrong tree? am I missing a better idea?
We are planning on keeping this trailer for another 5 years till I am 60.

 

[Treefarmer1]

Another option would be to retrofit your trailer with the Curt independent suspension system that Nobo already offers on their trailers. Then you could be more confident that the design of the trailer frame would work with your new suspension. It would be pretty straightforward to work with Lippert/Nobo on this type of upgrade. It's not the world's most rugged suspension, but it would be an upgrade from what came stock on your trailer and should perform well over your five year timeframe.

 

[Mekcanix]

I was thinking that option as well. But so far I have not been able to find anything for sale. I have emailed both my local trailer outfit where I bought the NoBo, Forest River and Lippert. I did that about 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard a thing yet. Maybe because I am up in Canada, who knows

 

[Mekcanix]

Just heard back from Lippert.

"Unfortunately, no, the Curt Independent Suspension is not yet available as an aftermarket option. When we ask for a date when it will be, all they tell us is, 'hopefully sometime in 2024.' I wish I could be more specific about a go live date but we do not have that information at this time. I do apologize"

Sigh....

Any other ideas?

 

[Treefarmer1]

Just heard back from Lippert.

"Unfortunately, no, the Curt Independent Suspension is not yet available as an aftermarket option. When we ask for a date when it will be, all they tell us is, 'hopefully sometime in 2024.' I wish I could be more specific about a go live date but we do not have that information at this time. I do apologize"

Sigh....

Any other ideas?

Then it's time to step up a level.🙂 Cruisemaster makes a wide variety of independent suspensions. They do have options that would work for you. There is an outfit in CO that imports and installs CM suspensions (can't remember the name offhand). I bet you could also work with CM directly to buy what you need. It would probably be a more expensive option though. There is plenty of information about all of their suspensions on their website.

 

[rehammer81]

Boreas Campers offers Cruisemaster suspension kits. You could get their coil XT kit (5,200lb GAWR).

I think the challenge would be the frame modifications to support the independent suspension. Between buying the suspension itself and then the cost to upgrade the frame to support it, you would have to be the judge of if it is worth it. Just upgrading to a stronger solid axle with better leaf springs might be a better option.

 

[Vogold]

Is it a torsion axle? If so, those are not straight, they have a slight arc or bend to them by design.

 

[Buddha.]

Is it a torsion axle? If so, those are not straight, they have a slight arc or bend to them by design.

Solid axles have a bend in them too.

 

[Mekcanix]

they are torsion and as I have learnt this past weekend, these particular axles still do exist and are covered under warranty in some instances. the issue is that the mounting points are to far inward from the hub. These are the same axles under Rpods. I am investigating further.
The cruisemaster is available, by the time I get shipping and exchange done I am well into the 4500$ range so I will have to pass on that one

 

[NatersXJ6]

It is really hard to see the bend in your pictures. How did you notice it? Tire wear? How severe is it?

I’ve chased down and attempted to replace bent axles on my car hauler before…. It never turned out to be worth the effort. Changing tires a little more often was much more economical for the number of miles the trailer actually saw.

 

[Mekcanix]

so the tires are shot they are cupped bad and more to the inside. The lean is about 1/2 inch in toward center at the top.

The concern I have is that we are looking at 2 long trips in the next couple of years one to Baja and one to Alaska. I want it to be safe and at this point changing the tires isn't the end of the world but if it continues to bend in I dont want to be stranded somewhere in the boonies with a untowable camper

 

[Buddha.]

I don’t notice a bend in your pic. Are your tires wearing unevenly?


EDIT: I should have hit refresh before I replied.


If you’re sure it’s bent you could replace with another torsion axle, preferably more heavy duty and custom made to bolt right in.
Or you could build a subframe and bolt something else in. A solid axle with good, longer leaves for a better ride would problem be the most clost effective.

 

[Mekcanix]

If you’re sure it’s bent you could replace with another torsion axle, preferably more heavy duty and custom made to bolt right in.
Or you could build a subframe and bolt something else in. A solid axle with good, longer leaves for a better ride would problem be the most clost effective.


I have actually been considering that route, changing it out to longer leafs, say from a truck or something. I just dont get a good feeling from these torsion axles

 

[NatersXJ6]

Have you put a square on the hub/axle without the tire and then under load? It is possible that your tube is still straight but the torsion element is damaged or worn?

Do you have a close-up pic of the tire wear?

Does the wear match?

What type of tires?

 

[NatersXJ6]

Triangulating that axle tube up to the side of the frame with an additional weld-saddle and a simple steel channel would be super cheap. I would also be shocked if it solves the problem. Looking zoomed in on your pics I really don’t think your axle being cantilevered too far is the problem.