Kleis Hensen
Member
Hi folks. We have a 2009 Bighorn 3670RL that continually has rear shock failures. We are on a our 3rd set of rear shocks as well as our second set of suspension springs. All the work had been done at a certified trailer repair facility. The technician suggested that the trailer suspension system is woefully inadequate (his opinion) but must obviously be to "minimal" code requirements.
During the our last trip, we experienced a port side rear tire blow out on our Chinese tires on the February Ohio\Michigan pot holes of I75. (a new "very expensive" set of 4 Goodyears are now on) The axles and suspension system were checked out and found that the centring bolt (starboard rear) for the springs had snapped and both rear shocks were broken. The axle had shift back out of alignment on one side - the starboard side Everything was replaced in Ohio/Michigan along I75 on the one of the coldest days in February!
Had the suspension system checked again today in anticipation of our late December trip south, and found that once again, the rear axle springs (after only 5,000 km trip) are flattened out and both of the rear shocks have bent lower spindles (~+20degrees) The previous 2 sets of shocks that also failed had the lower spindles snapping off. The technician suggested doing without the shocks but that was one of the suspension features of the Heartland Bighorn that encouraged us to invest in the Heartland.
We travel with empty tanks and minimal groceries and clothing. I have had the trailer weighed and the dry weight is ~12,600 lbs. The rear axle has a very slight bend in it but still within acceptable limits.
Appreciate suggestions and recommendations on how to eliminate this continual frustrating maintenance repair.
During the our last trip, we experienced a port side rear tire blow out on our Chinese tires on the February Ohio\Michigan pot holes of I75. (a new "very expensive" set of 4 Goodyears are now on) The axles and suspension system were checked out and found that the centring bolt (starboard rear) for the springs had snapped and both rear shocks were broken. The axle had shift back out of alignment on one side - the starboard side Everything was replaced in Ohio/Michigan along I75 on the one of the coldest days in February!
Had the suspension system checked again today in anticipation of our late December trip south, and found that once again, the rear axle springs (after only 5,000 km trip) are flattened out and both of the rear shocks have bent lower spindles (~+20degrees) The previous 2 sets of shocks that also failed had the lower spindles snapping off. The technician suggested doing without the shocks but that was one of the suspension features of the Heartland Bighorn that encouraged us to invest in the Heartland.
We travel with empty tanks and minimal groceries and clothing. I have had the trailer weighed and the dry weight is ~12,600 lbs. The rear axle has a very slight bend in it but still within acceptable limits.
Appreciate suggestions and recommendations on how to eliminate this continual frustrating maintenance repair.
