2021B models with 4K torsion axles? Check them.

[backtrack15]

I went to inspect my new 2306BHS today as it finally arrived after a six week shipping delay. Unfortunately I found a problem and cannot accept the trailer. The factory installed 2500 lb axles instead of 4000 lb axles. The sticker on the side of the trailer said GAWR 4000 lbs each (as expected), but the actual axles were stamped as 2500 lbs max capacity. I immediately contacted Winnebago Towables directly, so they are fully aware of this issue.

I'd recommend anyone who has purchased a 2021B model (built 8/20 or later) with 4K axles simply do a double-check to ensure that both your axles are the correct weight rating. Hopefully I am just remarkably unlucky.

Each axle is stamped on the back side (toward the center) with its max capacity. Each axle also has a sticker (front side, normally the curb side) that lists the capacity.

[SonofBert]

Originally Posted by backtrack15

I went to inspect my new 2306BHS today as it finally arrived after a six week shipping delay. Unfortunately I found a problem and cannot accept the trailer. The factory installed 2500 lb axles instead of 4000 lb axles. The sticker on the side of the trailer said GAWR 4000 lbs each (as expected), but the actual axles were stamped as 2500 lbs max capacity. I immediately contacted Winnebago Towables directly, so they are fully aware of this issue.

I'd recommend anyone who has purchased a 2021B model (built 8/20 or later) with 4K axles simply do a double-check to ensure that both your axles are the correct weight rating. Hopefully I am just remarkably unlucky.

Each axle is stamped on the back side (toward the center) with its max capacity. Each axle also has a sticker (front side, normally the curb side) that lists the capacity.

Good info, thanks.

[wikidpete]

It looks like they have updated the brochure on the Winnebago site. I wonder why there is such a discrepancy. Shortage? I am trying to look into it as well as I have one on order.

The new brochure shows all the 18xx and the 21xx having 2@3000lbs instead of 2@3700, but I too am seeing the tags on micro minnie showing up at dealers with 2@2500lbs. It also appears that the GWVR ratings have been reduced on all Micro Minnie models as well.

The 22xx and 23xx got an upgrade 2@4000 but looks like GVWR dropped to 6k

Support is also saying that the new axles are not adjustable either..

[backtrack15]

Starting roughly 8/1/2020 they swapped to Dexter axles. In order to increase market share, they decided to stop “scaring” potential customers with the high GVWR and reduced the GVWR to 5000/6000 from 7000. Because the Hike trailers needed more axle capacity, they decided to adopt 4K axles for the Hike trailers. They then used those 4K axles for the 2306BHS and the 1700BH (and the new RL floor plan). They adopted 2500# axles for the 1708, 210X and 1800BH trailers to match the 5K GVWR. After about 8-12 weeks, they realized people were canceling orders because the 5K GVWR was insufficient for the heavier 210X trailers. They then decided to jump up to 3K axles and raise the GVWR to 5500.

As part of all this, they managed to stupidly install 2500# axles on several trailers meant to have 4K axles. So... if your trailer is supposed to have 4K axles, please confirm you got them.

The new axles are not adjustable. They are set at what was previously the “high clearance” setting for the previous Lippert torsion axles.

[wikidpete]

@backtrack15, thanks for the great info! I am going to follow up on my 1800bh.

Originally Posted by backtrack15

Starting roughly 8/1/2020 they swapped to Dexter axles. In order to increase market share, they decided to stop “scaring” potential customers with the high GVWR and reduced the GVWR to 5000/6000 from 7000. Because the Hike trailers needed more axle capacity, they decided to adopt 4K axles for the Hike trailers. They then used those 4K axles for the 2306BHS and the 1700BH (and the new RL floor plan). They adopted 2500# axles for the 1708, 210X and 1800BH trailers to match the 5K GVWR. After about 8-12 weeks, they realized people were canceling orders because the 5K GVWR was insufficient for the heavier 210X trailers. They then decided to jump up to 3K axles and raise the GVWR to 5500.

As part of all this, they managed to stupidly install 2500# axles on several trailers meant to have 4K axles. So... if your trailer is supposed to have 4K axles, please confirm you got them.

The new axles are not adjustable. They are set at what was previously the “high clearance” setting for the previous Lippert torsion axles.

[Dnalyr91]

My 1700BH came with 2500 axle. Winnebago sent a new one and the dealer just did the swap. Definitely check your axles! The good news is, the trailer handles fine even overloaded by 1000 lbs! Not safe I realize but good to know.

[backtrack15]

Originally Posted by Dnalyr91

My 1700BH came with 2500 axle. Winnebago sent a new one and the dealer just did the swap. Definitely check your axles! The good news is, the trailer handles fine even overloaded by 1000 lbs! Not safe I realize but good to know.

I’m happy to hear they corrected the axle issue for you.

The 2500 lbs axles are rated for use in a tandem system, which means that they are capable of supporting 5000 lbs for brief periods (as when going over a speed bump or driveway transition). I believe the spindle, bearings, torsion arms, brake assemblies, and axle “tube” on the 2500 lb axles are the same as those used for axles up to 3500 lbs. The length of the rubber chords inside the axle tube are shorter. I’m guessing the torsion arms were angled upward a bit when loaded to 3500 lbs.

Anyway, definitely not designed to run over 2500 lbs constantly. Glad you didn’t have any issues prior to the swap.

[Cturner0918]

Backtrack I see they issued a recall for certain MM’s was there an axle issue on the 2100bh? I believe mine was built in August I have 2500lb axles on mine.

[backtrack15]

Originally Posted by Cturner0918

Backtrack I see they issued a recall for certain MM’s was there an axle issue on the 2100bh? I believe mine was built in August I have 2500lb axles on mine.

The 2100BH was meant to have 2500 lb axles, so they installed the correct axles on yours.