Re: Wheel Broke Off on Big Horn 3670RL (and we survived)!
Many/most are still missing the point but I'm not sure much can be done. Why is the owner of a new TT expected to spend a bunch of $$$$$$ to upgrade axles, tires, rims, suspension or leaf springs so they can SAFELY carry the weight that the unit was designed for in the first place. Those are some of the concerns we experienced with our three TT's. Actually I was amazed that the first unit we bought had no shocks, no self-adjusting brakes, and very limited suspension with no grease-able wet bolts for the spring shackles. The second TT we got was rated for 7,000 but it had 2- 3,000 lb axles. That's only 1,000 lbs over the max. Yes I know the tongue weight is transferred to the TV so that only leaves it maybe 500 lbs over the max. That on the edge of destruction.
We took that first unit to FL (2,400 total miles) it rode OK. When we got back I installed shocks and wet bolts. Four of the shackle bushings were already worn through. To me that was just an awful approach to building a unit that you will take down our highway's. They expect me to pack the bearings every year, adjust the drum brakes every year, don't ever fill your fresh water tanks more than 1/2 full because it might fall out. Don't ever hit a curb because it will bend the axle and your tires will wear out. I'm also expected to buy a $600 hitch with sway control because they do nothing to control the sway, like shock absorbers, anti-sway bars etc. Three units told me that all and I mean all units are built on the edge of destruction. They place unreasonable maintenance expectation on the owner so they can shift the responsibility to you so they have an out when bad things occur.
On the water tanks, one responder said that all units have loose tanks straps so when they bulge/sag down the straps can then support the sagging tank.
TeJay