Another Visa owner reporting inside tire wear

[tinapetel]

Another Visa owner reporting inside tire wear on facebook Gulfstream Visa Owner's Community.

Stephen Hiramoto
I have a Visa 19ERD that I bought last June. Anyone else having problems with their trailer burning up the inside shoulder of the tire? The dealer had to reset the axle because it was not put on straight, but that did not fix it. They re-measured and everything is in the right place, but now Gulfstream just wants to give it back to me without solving the problem. This is my fourth trailer and I've never had this kind of issue.

[tinapetel]

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gulfstre ... 9029912166 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gulfstream-Visa-Owners-Community/167729029912166)

[oboereeds]

I finally got my trailer back from the dealer today. Gulfstream has provided two Goodyear Marathon tires (so they are very nice tires) but did not approve the replacement of the axle. The dealer both informed and showed Gulfstream the posts on this website and they claimed to have NO knowledge of the problem. I guess time will tell if my axle is one of the defective ones or not as I have plenty of driving planned before the warranty expires in June....

[leonmacha]

Yes, tire wear is a big problem. Lippert components builds the axle out of camber. Must be replaced. Do not let Gulfstream and Lippert put you off. They will replace tires and axle and pay for labor. File your complaint following notes in owners manual. Then hope that the new axle is built right. That means putting on another 3000-5000 miles before you know. Then you are out of warranty!!!!!!!! If my new axle does not do the trick, I will replace with a conventional axle and springs, and that will give me more ground clearance. Maybe a chance to install an axle that has a higher capacity than the rated GVW!!!!!!! I am convinced that the axles on the VISA are under-engineered.

[TXDego]

Holy Smokes, glad that I decided out of the blue to check the forum. My Visa 19RSD ate both tires after one trip, call it 2000 miles total on my trailer. I replaced the tires thinking it was just cheap tires. I am going to take a picture tonight and post it up, was thinking something had to be wrong to eat a new set of tires so fast.

If anyone has any information on how to go about getting this issue resolved, please share.

[tinapetel]

Notify your dealer. My dealer (M's RV Sales & Services,5010 Vt Route 12, Montpelier, VT) has been VERY helpful in getting the factory involved with the resolution of this problem.

[TXDego]

Here are a couple of photos of my tires, this is after one trip from Texas to New Mexico and back, max mileage 2K total on these tires.
http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/31001/2863825200106507648S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2863825200106507648ELTyzh)http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/46666/2288472090106507648S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2288472090106507648QuKaDS)http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/49497/2006230590106507648S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2006230590106507648SjwRzN)

[toaobigal]

I had one tire showing the same kind of wear, during my big trip vacation (2000 miles)but it was because it had only 15 psi in it instead of recommended 50-60 psi. The other side stayed at the right pressure and it shows no abnormal wear. Your picture looks like the tires were underinflated.

[TXDego]

Both sides look like this, this is just one of the tires. Checked the pressure before leaving house, using a very good tire gauge, inflated both to 65psi. Never bothered to check again. Was only gone 12 days so can't imagine losing that much air in that short a period. Guess anything is possible.

[tinapetel]

Tires and axle on my 2011 Visa, replaced after 5000 miles by Gulf Stream on Warranty

[toaobigal]

These new pictures are different than the other one posted earlier: they show abnormal wear on the inside of the treads. That situation shows either negative camber or toe out on the wheel, either way, you should not see this on an axle like the one on our trailers.

[deltamark]

I experienced a blowout on the highway because of this issue. GS reimbursed me for tire replacement. That doesn't solve the problem.

Here is a repost from the GS Visa service manual. I checked tonight and am surprised that no one else has submitted a report on this issue. Doing this may lead to a recall and be the only way GS will take any further action.

"If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Gulf Stream Coach."

"If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign."

The NHTSA web site is https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm or 1-800-424-9393

[KJR]

I've been looking at these trailers for a possible purchase of the 17rwd but this thread has me concerned.
Is is possible the previous examples of tire failures the trailer is overloaded and exceeding 3500lbs? Maybe the axle can't take the load past 3500lbs. There can't be much payload to these trailers. I notice the tires of these and other small "lightweight" trailers are 14" C load rate to about 1750 lbs each. They work OK in tandem axles but single axles they carry more weight. It would be better to have 15" D load rating set of tires. Are Dexter axles better than the current axles manufacturer? Why doesn't GS use 15" tires on the Visa? I know to save money. These are Chinese tires and who knows the quality.

Kelvin

[jetjock]

Check the: "VISA 19ERD Bent Axle" posts for more info on this problem. Note my post on 03 Jan 2012.
Lippert Axles paid me for the torsional axle I had replaced with a standard spring axle in June 11.
Gulf Stream indicated that it was Lippert Axles problem, so my dealer sent all my documentation & pictures directly to Lippert. I don't know if the fact that I included an official government Weight Scale receipt, showing that I was below the 3500 lb. max. axle weight, had anything to do with it.
I was lucky. My dealer was very helpful with this problem.

[tinapetel]

I am on my 3rd set of tires as reported previously on this forum. On the first set of tires, the dealer replaced the axle and tires on my 19' Visa due to premature wear. Then the factory replaced the inner fender wells after a 2nd set of tires wore out prematurely. I now have over 8500 miles on my 3rd set of tires with even wear across the treads. The treads appear to be about 50% worn which I would guess is some where in the normal wear pattern. I believe my problem has been solved with the installation of the newer style fender wells. My dealer, M's RV in Berlin, VT, was very persistent with the factory in getting this problem resolved

[Roy Buzzard]

To me that is too much wear. I have never had a problem with tires wearing out at all. I typically replaced tires every 5-6 years, but that is due to UV damage/dry rot.

[Timothy]

Depends on the brand of tire and the thickness of the tread. ST tires usually don't have a lot of tread depth anyway and the smaller diameter tires on the visa will wear faster. If the tread wear is even I'd say your good.

[elmerfud]

I just encountered the same problem of excessive inside tire wear on my 19RJU built in may of 2011. It occurred after only 900 miles. The right brake doesn't work much either. My dealer immediately volunteered to replace the axle and tires. My guess is there is a problem with the original design and Gulfstream knows about it. I will lit you know how it all turns out.

[bobnpenguin]

Hello everyone! We just had the same problem last month. Took our 2011 Visa RSD on a two week vacation and found the tire wear on both tires. I immediately started doing a search and found this thread. <thank you> Our tires look exactly the same as the ones posted here. We had to buy new tires to get back home. We took our RV back to the dealer and explained that many people are having the same issues. They told us that called Gulfstream and asked if it looked like we hit a pothole, because that is what would cause it. Supposedly, Gulfstream said it was our fault and that they would not change anything. (what the heck??) The dealer checked the axle and found loose spindle nuts. The mechanic said these are the nuts that hold the wheel to the axle. The dealer said they fixed the problem. Don’t know how much to believe from them at this point. We will put more miles on our RV and find out. At this time, we are unhappy with the poor service of the RV dealership and Gulfstream. It’s our first RV, and we have only had it since May 2012. Any suggestions besides putting more miles on the RV?

[jetjock]

Check my post on page 1 of this topic: "jetjock » 10 Mar 2012 17:51"
Also check the posts on topic: "VISA 19ERD Bent Axle"
I think the primary reason Lippert paid for the spring axle I had put on in Whitehorse was that I immediately notified
my dealer who supported me plus I had a Government Weigh Scale report showing that I was not over the axle weight.
It is very obvious that some of the axles are either bent on delivery or go out of line almost immediately.
If your dealer won't help you, contact Lippert directly and complain loudly:

Lippert Components. Inc. - Plant #39
Service and Warranty
2703 College Ave.
Goshen, IN 46528
(866) 524-7821
Find us on the web at: http://www.lci1.com

[bbishop3]

Our Visa 19ERD is at the dealers right now getting tires replaced (2nd set in 15 months, less than 2k miles on this set) Our dealer has been great - Newby's in McMinnville, TN. We are seriously considering trading in for a gulfbreeze sport. Anyone have any comments on that GS model?

[ken white]

Our Visa 19ERD is at the dealers right now getting tires replaced (2nd set in 15 months, less than 2k miles on this set) Our dealer has been great - Newby's in McMinnville, TN. We are seriously considering trading in for a gulfbreeze sport. Anyone have any comments on that GS model?

Why would you purchase another GS product unless GS is giving you a great deal on the trade...

[bbishop3]

yes they are giving us a great deal, but also our first TT was a little Amerilite, and we had no trouble out of it; I think it is possible the Visa was rushed out to production to fill the market demand for ultra lite weight units (and it is cute) but we (Visa owners) have suffered as a result. Not real happy to read the lack of response by GS to what appears to be a widespread and well documented problem with the axle/tires, but with our dealer we could not ask for better service.

[ken white]

Glad they helped you out. I had major issues with my 5th Wheel, see my service thread, and they deal they proposed to get me out of my camper and into a new camper turned out to be quite different once we signed the papers. I hope things work out for you.

Ken

[elmerfud]

Well, the tire wear did not go away after Gulfstream replaced everything under the trailer on my 19 RGU. Both tires are starting to wear after only 450 miles. You can visibly see that the wheels have negative camber. I sent pictures of the wear and the bending up of the torsion axle as it comes out of the tube. I have decided to replace everything with Dexter components with a 3,600-6,000 lb rating. I took my trailer to a truck stop and weighed it both wet, dry and empty (all my stuff out.). According to the CAT scale value the trailer is about 500 lbs heaver than Gulfstream states and the Lippert 3,500 axle is over rated. This results in a grossly over loaded axle. My plan is to get Gulfstream to buy back the defective and under engineered equipment. Will let you all know.

[CaptRon]

OK so you guys have me concerned about premature tire wear (which is the lesser of premature events) so I started measuring my tires.

On the Passenger Side after an estimated 200 miles the tread depth measured .208 on the inside edge and .208 on the outside edge
On the Driver's Side after an estimated 50 miles the tread depth measured .213 on the inside edge and .214 on the outside edge

The mileage difference is because the Driver's side tire was replaced (by the dealer under warranty) due to sidewall cracking (dry rot?) after about 50 miles. Also the Passenger's Side tire is marked TrailAmerica and does not have a date suffix on the DOT number, The Driver's Side Tire is labeled TrailAmerica II and has a DOT Date suffix of 0911 which I think means that the 9th day of 2011 is when this tire was made. I also measured the spare at .226 Outside Edge and .217 Inside Edge (the spare has never been used and is labeled TrailAmerica and is not dated). I suspect that the tires labeled TrailAmerica are older than the tires labeled TrailAmerica II.

I then took one trip covering about 300 miles round-trip and measured again.

On the Passenger Side the tread depth measured .174 on the inside edge and .196 on the outside edge
On the Driver's Side the tread depth measured .174 on the inside edge and .176 on the outside edge

That seems to me to be excessive wear.

All of these measurements were taken using the same digital caliper at the same time of day. I also measured the spare at .226 Outside Edge and .217 Inside Edge (the spare has never been used and is labeled TrailAmerica and is not dated)

I have three separate certified scale reports showing the trailer axle weight to be well under 3500lbs.

In any case, I estimate that these tires should last for about 1750 miles when the fastest wearing edge will be down to zero tread depth. :(

I have to say that I'm very disappointed. I'm going to email these results to the Gulfstream service folks and see what they say.

The good news is I have no other premature events to report but then I'm over 65 ... :oops:

[jody78]

i had a similar problem with my 2011 trailmaster, but it turns out that all 4 sets of springs had failed an frame was rubbing the tires. gulf stream was unresponsive on mine and the dealers calls. i went thru extended warraty to get it fixed

[KJR]

After reading all these reports and Gulfstream's failures to respond to these issues I'm turned off on anything Gulfstream. I hope everyone with issues gets them solved.

[charby]

I have the same wear after 2000km, and waiting for response under warranty. All tires are bald on inside edge. Trailer is unuseable now as I am not purchasing tires until axle is replaced. This trailer was not overloaded, and has lift kit to pervent tire rubbing which has been reported.

[charby]

I have the same wear after 2000km, and waiting for response under warranty. All tires are bald on inside edge. Trailer is unuseable now as I am not purchasing tires until axle is replaced. This trailer was not overloaded, and has lift kit to pervent tire rubbing which has been reported.
An update to the tire issue: The trailer was inspected for axle alignment at a Gulfstream dealer, which proved to be out by 1 1/4" between tires. Lippard shipped a new axle, repair kit, and return shipping tags for the original to be inspected at their facility. Gulfstream was excellent in handling the warranty claim, and upgraded the tires to Goodyear Marathons, including the spare, which was also worn after expressing displeasure to Lippards policy of $65 per tire credit. Thus far, I must be in the clear, as no news, is good news. :D The only bad part was no camping for the month of September.

[tinapetel]

I am on my 3rd set of tires as reported previously on this forum. On the first set of tires, the dealer replaced the axle and tires on my 19' Visa due to premature wear. Then the factory replaced the inner fender wells after a 2nd set of tires wore out prematurely. I now have over 8500 miles on my 3rd set of tires with even wear across the treads. The treads appear to be about 50% worn which I would guess is some where in the normal wear pattern. I believe my problem has been solved with the installation of the newer style fender wells. My dealer, M's RV in Berlin, VT, was very persistent with the factory in getting this problem resolved

I now have completed 20,000 miles on my 3rd set of tires. The drivers side tire on the trailer started to show wear on the inside at about 12,000 miles. It looks like some sort of rubbing damage. At 20,000 I installed a pair of C205R-14 Kumho Radial 857 D rated tires. These are rated at 2271 lbs each. The original tires are rated at 1760 lbs.

[Marvin]

We have a 2012 Visa 23RBK and the tires are also wearing due to axel problems. Pulled camper to Texas and and now back home.

[sam75]

I have a 2010 Visa 19ERD, so I'm living with premature tire wear. I've been measuring my tread depths with a caliper for the last year, and it looks like I'll be replacing the tires when they reach 5000 miles. Since we drive about 2000 a year, we can live with it.
My question is: I've read tinapetal's report that their inner fender wells were also part of the problem and had them replaced. I've looked under my wheel wells and can't see any evidence of rubbing - is there any thing else I can do to make sure the fender wells are OK?

[thphelps]

I purchased a used 2011 Visa RGU from an individual. It had new tires and the seller said he had the axle aligned, but he didn't replace the tires because of the axle. I thought great! Well during my first trip to Portland Oregon from the Phoenix Az area I noticed the insides of both tires had the inside rib of tread worn smooth. I thought what the H*%#! I always maintain the req. 50# tire pressure and do a hand check for heat on the tires and hubs at every stop.
A little later into the trip I felt the total tread and noticed the outside of each tire felt worn down more than the center. That is an indication of underinflating, so I up my pressure to 60#. I had never weighed the trailer after loading it, so I did at a Pilot and found I was way over on the gross of the trailer. The axe weight alone while hitched to the truck was 3,900 and gross was around 4850 . Oops! After returning home, I called an axle specialist and he said he was the one to align the axle, but the guy had taken the axle off the trailer and brought it to him to align. What? That isn't the way to do it. Anyway, the axle specialist said I should try a quality radial tire first and watch the wear. I completely emptied the trailer and reweighed it and found it was heavier then the specifications said empty. So we weighed everything we put back in the trailer and kept it under the GVWR. So far after around a 1,000 miles on new radial tires, I see no noticeable wear on the inside rib. I hope my over loading it was the culprit and I think it was. We will see as we get more miles on these tires and watch our weight. :D

[thphelps]

I had the same experience as depicted in the photos. My problem was bias tires and too much weight. Installed good radials and reduced my weight. To date and 2,400 miles later no problem or inside wear.

[joey1127]

I bought a BRAND NEW Ameri-Lite 19KD. It was shipped to me in CA from RV Wholesalers, about 3,200 miles. All 4 tires have the inside and outside tread compleatly gone AND the tires are dry rooted. Check to see if you have craking between your tread. I think Gulf Strem is using some really cheep tires on these coachs.

I addressed this issue with RV Wholesalers and Gulf Stream paid me a whole whooping $400 to get new tires. So, the tires they put on their trailers are only worth $100 each and are crap! Have your trailer checked out to make sure there is not something wrong with the alignment before you have new tires put on.