2008 BH 3670RL Inside Tires Sidewalls Grooved By Shock Mounts

wdk450

Well-known member
Gang:
I am working with Heartland Service on this problem, and wanted to see if anyone else had this problem.
To make things easier, here is a copy of an E-mail I sent to HL Service:

"I am the owner of a 2008 Heartland Bighorn 3670RL, VIN
5SFGF36288E011184. I have noticed grooves cut into all 4 tire
inside sidewalls, evidently by the sharp angle corners of the shock absorber mounting brackets on the frame contacting the tires. Since this cutting is limited and has not caused tire failure (yet), I am assuming this contact is only happening during low speed sharp manuvering, as in the 88 degree turning radius Heartland features in its advertising. I would like Heartland service to answer for me if this is due to improper design, or the wrong width axles being used on my trailer. I would also welcome any suggestions for fixing this dangerous problem, such as trimming the shock support metal.If anyone else did see this problem, what was the fix?I am going to take pictures, and take the rig in to my RV servicer for evaluation.
 

mrcomer

Past Ohio Chapter Leaders (Founding)
Gang:
I am working with Heartland Service on this problem, and wanted to see if anyone else had this problem.
To make things easier, here is a copy of an E-mail I sent to HL Service:

"I am the owner of a 2008 Heartland Bighorn 3670RL, VIN
5SFGF36288E011184. I have noticed grooves cut into all 4 tire
inside sidewalls, evidently by the sharp angle corners of the shock absorber mounting brackets on the frame contacting the tires. Since this cutting is limited and has not caused tire failure (yet), I am assuming this contact is only happening during low speed sharp manuvering, as in the 88 degree turning radius Heartland features in its advertising. I would like Heartland service to answer for me if this is due to improper design, or the wrong width axles being used on my trailer. I would also welcome any suggestions for fixing this dangerous problem, such as trimming the shock support metal.If anyone else did see this problem, what was the fix?I am going to take pictures, and take the rig in to my RV servicer for evaluation.

Bill,
Sent you a PM. Hope you get this worked out.
 

wdk450

Well-known member
I'd like to amend my thread/post somewhat. Closer inspection shows that the tires are rubbing on the side of the shocks and NOT the shock mounts. Here are some photos:
LR Tire (inside sidewall) and shock. Due to a coating of fine brown mud, all tire contact points on the shocks are visible as the black paint on the shock exposed. This tire was installed May 30, 2012.
035.jpg 036.jpg

LF Tire and shock. This tire was installed last summer.
039.jpg 040.jpg

RR Tire and shock. This tire was original (3 years old).

042.jpg 043.jpg
 

GOTTOYS

Well-known member
If it was mine I'd remove the shocks and go without them. The way they are mounted they are of questionable value anyway. I bet you would not notice any difference..Don
 
Top