Alko Axle Problems

I have a Bailey Olympus 540-5. I've had it since new, 7 years old now and the latest service shows a failed axle or suspension. Its costing over £1200 to repair. Not happy 😣. I was told could be overloading or potholes.  However,  couldn't prove which, so couldn't claim against insurance. However reading these posts, it does seem that the axle isn't fit for purpose, given so many failures that must be happening. Very frustrating. 

Hi danda32

I started this discussion in September 2016 and am not surprised that it is still rolling on.

I took the case to the VOSA and was told that the conclusion by ALKO and Bailey that the most likely cause was overloading - impossible to disprove.

I still think that this a safety issue and am waiting for a tyre fire or blowout accident due to the wheel rubbing on the wheel arch. I hope it will not happen but only then will the manufacturers pay attention.

I suggest that you report the problem to the VOSA - there is a link to a form to be filled in

I have sold my caravan and will never touch ALKO or Bailey products again due to not fit for purpose and very bad customer service .

Good luck 

georgevan

I cannot understand why an axle that has failed for whatever reason should have the tyre rubbing against the wheelarch. Only a non-robust design can allow that sort of thing to happen. There should always be a bump stop that ensures that the axle can never travel more than the gap between the tyre and the wheelarch, even when it has failed. Not to have provided such a safeguard is a weakness in the design on the part of the caravan manufacturer.

We had our axle replaced by Bailey 'as a measure of goodwill' about 3 weeks ago.  Now I'm frightened to put anything in the caravan in case it happens again!!!!!  We really shouldn't be in this situation.  The user payload just isn't good enough IMHO.  Either Bailey, other manufacturers and caravanners just have to accept that if you want the payload, the vans will be heavier.  The trouble is that manufacturers are trying to produce caravans with 'all the mod-cons' and are still trying to make them light so that customers can tow them with smaller cars.

I know it's not very 'green', but I'd prefer a heavier van and a bigger towcar and be able to accommodate more stuff in the caravan.  I'd be happy with an Australian Bailey, thank you!  

David

Out of interest, has anyone managed to have one of the affected axles replaced by a heavier duty one? As I understand, the issue revolves around 1450 or 1500kg axles only. If such axles are being replaced anyway, the extra work and cost to replace them by 1600kg axles will be relatively small and a worthwhile investment for the customer. Of course, it does depend on the caravan manufacturer's willingness to co-operate and having the affected models type approved with a 1600kg axle, but theoretically it's not impossible.

Good point Lutz, does make sense to replace with a higher payload axle. We have a 5 berth caravan, sold as a 5 berth, but only a 180kg payload. You can virtually take 80kg for battery, mover, pots pans, gas bottles etc. 20kg per person for clothes, bedding and towels etc. That's then my limit. Question is if we're at the limit, can five people then step into the caravan???? Is the caravan actually useable. Is it fit for purpose? 

The limits that the manufacturers specify, although measured statically, are intended to cover dynamic conditions where peak loads can be many times the plated limit. In other words, there is a big inbuilt factor of safety. When the caravan is stationary, it can be loaded considerably beyond the plated limit without causing any damage. A five berth, for example, will easily cope with the weight of five adults and their personal effects.

don't forget that when pitched the corner steadies will be down and taking some of the weight off the axle.

I have a 1994 swift from new done loads of miles ,my little trailer 30 odd years o buy anld i must admit overloaded for years , Alco have a big problem but wont admit it . Even though yhere is evidence around europe .. you can buy rubber inserts yourself and find local mechanic ,who does wheel bearings / Just an idea ,Derek