Broken RV Suspension In The Remote Yukon [No Cell Service]

[@Kathacamping23]

Way to handle a really stressful situation with logic and calm! 🙌

[@wildrvlife]

@@Kathacamping23 thank you! Could have done some things differently (hindsight’s 20/20 lol), but overall, I guess we got it fixed and back on track so that’s what matters! 😄

[@GrillMarksBud-S-n-P]

Yeah on camera!

[@TheSupernaturalWolf41]

Man, I would not have handled it like they did. I'd have looked like Yosemite Sam. Great job by them. Semper Fi.

[@VernMitchell-s6n]

Agree. Loose U-bolts is the cause of the center pin shearing off. Check the other u-bolts torque asap.

[@Itsa_Mea]

@@VernMitchell-s6n hitting the washout at speed played a huge part. A 3/8" bolt doesn't just sheer from loose u-bolts, the lateral force was the culprit. But I believe he did say he checked the others too.

[@PurpleMrMojo]

It seems like you should take that tire off of that axle and try to ratchet strap it forward after you loosen those U-boats a little bit. And then tighten the heck out of all your U-bolt axle holddowns if you think the alignment is good. Ratchet straps could help you here though

[@wildrvlife]

@@PurpleMrMojo yes, good tip!

[@Sykinetik]

This is exactly what I was going to mention. Glad someone else thought of it as well.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Carry in your truck : 20 ft. 5/16” grade 70 chain 5/16” ratchet chain binder 1” and 2” ratchet straps Complete hub assembly Complete 1/2”drive Imperial and metric socket set .

[@Goatroppin]

I want to see the un-edited version. I can only imagine what it was like off camera!

[@badgerpa9]

First that is not a Brinkley issue or a you guys issue. That has happened to millions of trailers in the last few decades. That is not an uncommon problem the bolt shearing from an axle wrap. Even if you had checked the torque on your axle before you left it could have still sheared the center pin bolt. Just so you know the ubolts on an axle should be replaced if you need to work on them, they are a stretch to torque and you cannot get it back once it is stretched, so you did the right thing to replace them. Carry a grade 8 bolt the size of the center pin bolt and a few ubolts the correct size will fix many of the normal problems. Having a spring pack would be the icing on the cake. I think you did an awesome job on it and now you know you can do that if you run into problems again. Carry a ratchet strap to use to pull the axle into place if you need to, but as Craig did by pulling the tire he was able to just move the axle into place. You could have put a ratchet strap on at the side of the road and pulled the back axle into better position but otherwise you did great as a master tech. You guys are a great team together, most people never meet as good of a companion as you two are for each other. You had a expensive test but excelled on it, great job. Stay safe and healthy. If you need a place in Wisconsin to park you can set up at our farm, we are a ways from the Interstate but it is a beautiful drive.

[@wildrvlife]

This is all such great info, thank you for commenting!! Going to pin this!

[@littlegoobie]

yep. I would have tried cranking it forward into better alignment after seeingit also. The only thing that made me a bit nervous after the repair was not checking the boltson the other side. that kind of movement in anything that's not meant to move often stretches or bends some slack into other fasteners.

[@wildrvlife]

@@littlegoobie we mentioned it briefly, but we did check the torque of everything on both sides before leaving. They were all a little loose, so it was a good thing we did!

[@ceimo856]

@@wildrvlifeWhat is the Torque spec on those U bolts? Our Jayco NP 310 has Dexter Axles.

[@wildrvlife]

@@ceimo856 we should have took a screenshot when we looked it up, but if we’re remembering correctly, it was 90lbs for the u bolts

[@angelduran4329]

If you have a ratchet strap, I would put it around the first axle bracket wrap it around the axle then ratchet it in pull on that axle and put it back into alignment that would help you somewhat

[@Itsa_Mea]

A new 3/8" center pin bolt and you can reassemble the original leaf spring pack for a spare.

[@kaeleighwaller7445]

Hi! I just wanted to say I love how real your videos are. You don’t make it look like it is glamorous 24/7. You show the real side of traveling full time with an RV. Found your videos at the start of my Christmas break from work and have been binging the playlist “Watch from the beginning”. Keep up the awesome videos and being yourselves 😊

[@stephanieph97]

That is hard luck, sorry guys. Glad everyone is safe. Just so you know you look just as beautiful without make-up as you do with. Wishing you smooth sailing going forward.☘

[@TheBobgoulet]

So impressed with your patience, positive attitude and certainly your skills. Great job! And we love your videos. (also eTrailer is the best) safe travels.

[@luvRVing]

I REALLY appreciate you guys taking the time and effort to film this for us!!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you for the appreciation! It can definitely add an extra layer to a situation, but we’re always glad to be able share our experience with you guys after the fact 😄

[@juanitasellshouses]

Me too! I learned a lot about leaf springs. Barely knew anything before.

[@HereThereRVWhere]

Great job on the repair, Craig…been there done that and you made it look easy. Ya’ll might consider an episode on tools and spares to keep on hand.

[@KenHuston-fl9xj]

Whitehorse looks awesome, perfect place to relax and change a leaf spring

[@juanitasellshouses]

We loved Whitehorse, when we went to Alaska in 2022. Such a unique town.

[@DavidHeichelbech]

It is so nice to see how well you two work together.

[@SpaceForce2019]

Holy cow. To be 130 miles from anything and have that happen. Gosh that will test your metal, you two came through that test with flying colors. Stay safe, and hope no more surprises on the way home.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you!! There are definitely some longgg stretches there on the Alcan with nothing for many miles. It can be a little nerve wracking

[@davidoverholt251]

Thank the Lord Jesus, that you two younger people are able to do the crawl, under the truck, or the RV! I do love your grit today as I am 72 with back problems, but love to follow you youngsters over the road in your travels!

[@aday1637]

Get a life. I'm way older and still can do under the truck sh!t. Maybe you need to contact a funeral home.

[@glewis217]

Craig is a beast. I wouldn’t even attempt to do some of the repairs and maintenance tasks he performs.

[@tobydog247]

I'm so glad that it all worked out. The reason it did is that you two were prepared for most everything. That's the key. With 3 trucks, a boat, and the trailer all grades of disaster have happened in my 71 years. If we ever meet up ask about the deer carcass and the wrecker dolley from my work.

[@ronaldnielson8591]

A length of chain with a chain binder is a great emergency tool. You could have chained the axle back into position for he drive to Whitehorse. But YOU MADE IT!

[@laurataylor999]

Victoria, you look beautiful without makeup! Really admire your steadfastness in a really stressful situation. Craig is a magician! Great job.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Amen to that, you look 10 years younger without the makeup and you’re real young to begin with.

[@betterwithrum]

100% you are beautiful without makeup

[@Livin_inRVA]

Thanks for sharing the video. I know when unexpected stresses happen, filming is the last thing on your mind. Thanks to both of you for being willing to share. Glad it was fixable. Craig, you are “the man”!!!

[@lgsjourneytotripledigits]

There are 2 types of rv’ers. Those with starlink and calls someone for everything and people like you all that can fix anything. 👍🏽 Craig. Happy dance 💃 I’m getting starlink😂

[@marythibault8146]

Good thing you are mechanically inclined to be able to fix these problems as you go! Good job!

[@mikesnifferpippets3733]

U bolts are usually 1 time use anyway. Glad it was damaged so you didn’t try to reuse it and have trouble later on.

[@41TipoftheSpearRVChannel]

Awesome video and repair. You are the ultimate RV couple. You can make your own repairs.

[@jeffreybittel5554]

I think you did a great job recovering from that! Lucky, but a great job none the less. I don't think I would have driven 200 miles with that axel out of alignment. I think you are smart to have an RV Tech certify and realign the axels when you get to the lower 48. Good video. Really showed the good and the ugly and how to overcome obstacles.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you, we appreciate that!

[@stacyrussell3168]

Love when asked, “how many miles are we going to do today?” 4 1/2 hours 😂😂😂 That’s us too. We travel in hours these days not miles😊

[@annborden8700]

I have an awning if you are interested. I have a 1999 class c, e450. You are going to love your class c. I’m in NC as well. Congrats!!!

[@bthomas815]

Craig did a wonderful job and Victoria is a terrific helper and cheerleader. Way to go, guys!

[@CFPVideoProductions]

I'm impressed with your attitude on this. You both tackled a rough job that most would not have even tried and succeded with a job well done. I would get a new tire.

[@RVUntethered]

Oh man! I’m so sorry this happened! White Horse looked awesome!

[@traci635]

I love you folks and your positive attitude and "go after it " mentally. You seem to have fun even facing trials. Thank you for sharing the "hard part" of RV life.. prayers for continued safe travels 🙏

[@gabrieluribe1852]

Good thing I got to see your video, I'm in the process of putting my travel trailer axle under the leafsprings to turn it into a Jayco Baja, I think I better replace all the bolts for new ones, better safe than sorry Thanks for sharing.

[@wildrvlife]

Definitely! I feel like the bolts are an easy upgrade but you don’t always think about it (until you’re on the side of the road with a broken leaf spring lol). Glad you watched at the right time!

[@T0DDS]

Brinkley's supposedly put sumo springs on their 5th wheels now. You should look into getting some. Greatest upgrade I've done to my 5th wheel. It will add to your suspension and make pulling it feel so much smoother, plus it helps protect your leaf springs.

[@ceimo856]

We did the same on our Jayco

[@RaaJra1992]

Add to your travel kit…(2) 1/4 ton chain hoists from Harbor Freight. I know two different people that have had axle issues similar to this and was able to re-position the axle with chain hoists…and left them on until they could reach a destination. They come in handy for other things as well! Great video as always!!

[@wildrvlife]

Ooh very good idea! I’m going to have to get this added to the list. Thank you!

[@carlbeaver7112]

@@wildrvlife Don't need a chain hoist. A common ratchet strap would pull it forward. The center bolt in the spring pack sheared and the axle and leaves shifted. One never knows everything that will be needed nor does anyone want to have to carry all the possibilities with them. What was needed here was just the center bolt and the u-bolts. What would have been even better would be a complete Mor-Ryde IS. Not many people appreciate that an expensive RV deserves equally expensive suspension. Most towables come with a suspension that is no better than a 'tow it to a site and set it on concrete blocks', one time only, suspension. Ya live and ya learn...

[@25107mike]

What was the torque specs for all the bolts?

[@RaaJra1992]

@@carlbeaver7112 very true, but a chain hoist won’t tear on a sharp metal corner and they come in handy for other uses served better than a common strap. Both are good to have when full timing.

[@gregwalker731]

Been there and done that! I was at just about the same place and my 5th wheel frame split on both sides. Spent 2 days in Whitehorse welding my frame.

[@drsadventures]

Victoria, you are simply gorgeous without make up! Ditch the face painting :)

[@timothyrector6112]

You two are still cute without make up. Like your videos showing all the good stuff with the not so good stuff. Praying for you.

[@caldvn]

Look into Induction Bolt Heater which helps "loosen" nuts/bolts.

[@ZonaJim]

Awesome field repair!!! This is also a good time to remind everyone to check your U-bolt torque every year or 12,000 miles.

[@andrewuriarte7581]

Craig did an incredible job! Happy Camping, yall 🏕

[@toryloving3492]

I’ve been up and down this highway soo many times… back in the day northern Canada was pretty much all gravel and frost heaves were absolutely terrible. I’ve learned quite a bit over the years traveling that road 😂

[@brianbelliveau5551]

Glad you had a criag and the tools to do the job ❤

[@wildrvlife]

Having a Craig is the bestttt! 😄

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Always carry in your truck : 1 ) 20ft. 5/16” grade 70 chain and ratchet binder . 2 ) Several quality 1” and 2” ratchet binding straps . 3 ) Complete 1/2” drive socket set , imperial and metric . 4 ) Complete hub assembly . Happy Camping !

[@kguerrero00]

Agreed about Startlink! we were just south of Dease Lake on the Cassier when our transmission blew. We had to be towed 250 miles to Terrace BC, had to sit there for 35 days while we waited for a new transmission at the dealership. Who knows maybe you passed us on the way back to the states lol

[@curts9772]

Going to have to retorc the ubolts

[@q95oldies57]

Craig, you have an adorable wife. Really enjoy the videos. Very interesting and humorous.

[@johnsandell4501]

Craig, what tools have you NOT used on this trip? You are RV handy👍👍👍

[@jenjacobsmunson]

There are some fantastic campgrounds in the Yukon (actually all of BC) that are only $20CAD per night and are way nicer than a $47CAD per night. We stayed at the one on Watson Lake and it was lovely. Plus they always have free firewood! Just a tip for others planning their trip! Great job to both of you for keeping your cool and to Craig for his amazing work!

[@KirbyLouis]

25:00 shoulda asked the spring shop for a paint marker so you can mark your bolts

[@krazedkamper]

Bummer your troubles, ugh. Grand Design says to check the torque in the U-bolts regularly. I check them every 1,000 miles. OH, and I'm team flip flops! 🤪

[@wildrvlife]

yes!! we definitely should have been checking them. Admittedly, something we had not done, so I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier LOL. they are all getting checked regularly now!

[@ceimo856]

Dexter says to check the U bolts torque regularly. 90-120 lbs. Great job changing that pack out on the road! Safe travels from Chuck & Cheryl Imo

[@EdwardPrestes]

Glad to be watching your crazy adventure. You guys never commented on how you think this happened. I'm thinking the vertical forces exerted on that center bold of the leaf spring pack was enough to snap the top part right out and after that the leaves were free to shift backward. What an ordeal!!!

[@weloveourjernie]

Ha. You guys are great. Makes me worried about buying a Brinkley now.

[@EVoltage00]

I thought Craig would have been all over that roadside fix! Loosen the U-bolts then use a ratchet strap to pull the axle back forward and tighten it back down. Clearly needed a new spring, but getting it close to center would have made for a much easier drive to town.

[@damienbell3155]

Wow I’m glad y’all got that resolved. It looked awful turned out not so bad. I’ve traveled that stretch 7 times with only 1 problem. Rock that was sharp enough to pierce the tire and made it flat.

[@autotomk]

Very good job craig. You guys do work together very well. Impresed by your tools you brought on AK trip. I ALWAYS travel prepared as posible for most problems i can think of. Generator, air compressor, tools, belts, hoses, hose repair kits. ect. But not so much on spair large parts, like leaf springs. Again great job on repairs and filming it. That wasn't nothing right👊😉

[@juanitasellshouses]

Victoria, even without makeup you're beautiful! Plus, we don't care if you go natural! Craig is the jack of all trades. Such a talented guy! God was indeed with you. Had you blown that tire, it could have been much worse. Love the videos!

[@angelaklinger2951]

We both are awesome and handled the situation very well. I have been full timing for 18 years. There will always be bumps in the road and I have learned that everything can be fixed. Yes sometimes it’s easier said than done, but in the end, it will all work out. Craig is one awesome handyman and a cutie patootie and you are beautiful without makeup. I have so enjoyed your videos. Safe travels, ❤️🙏

[@KevinHensley-mo1ju]

Take a tape measure and go from center of front axle to the center of the back axle and it should be the same distance on each side of the tv and that will tell you if your axles are straight

[@BulletproofPastor]

RV's today are assembled with close tolerance between empty weight and maximum load. It is challenging, if not impossible, to keep under what overloads the axels, let alone the frame. It would be a good idea to shore up the frame and add more appropriate axels and suspension before any long trip over rough terrain. As a senior RV tech, I've seen a lot of nightmares.

[@BulletproofPastor]

But the supplier of the Chinese made suspension said they were first quality.

[@JeffG-z1q]

Wow. Lucky you got there before it got worse. Hope you got to NC for your sisters baby. And hope they made it thru the storm ok. We live on east coast of Florida so we were lucky. Sad for all the people that had trouble with the storm.

[@joeL-m7q5m]

I used to see this occasionally on the old 70's Chevy nova's. the pin would shear and the axle would shift. The rear end of the car would be a foot to one side as it traveled down the road. Well Done, fixing it on the road.

[@RalphBleam-g3d]

Victoria,first of all i seen you without make up,so what its called life😊we are who we are,thank God Craig is handy with fixing things,hope an pray the rest of your trip is good🙏💯

[@Runningoncoffee05]

Great job, guys. This is one of the reasons we watch you! We got a call from Brinkley Friday night. They were just checking in on us since we got ours (like, what? Brinkley is really impressive) We told them you 2 were kind of instrumental in our decision to get a Brinkley (they know you!) and that you should be official ambassadors!

[@stratos175escape7]

I'm 62, both of you young people just showed me how to keep a smile and believe you can figure it out. I'm sure some bad words would have been involved though. Plus you both look awesome, no need for make up for either of you. LOL

[@marymurphy5069]

It is always good to have someone that knows how to fix things. My husband has had to do so much with our trailer in the last few years. This year we were in ID and our axle broke for the second time. But this time he had a guy that had a welding machine and listen to my husband on how it needed to be fix this time The last place would not do it the way it needed to be done, so it did not last the bumps in the roads Great job Craig

[@minicoachlifestyle]

I liked it how Criag kept it together with this episode. Great job in troubleshooting and repair.

[@DWS1958]

I recognize that RV Park. I changed a transmission in my truck there in June 2023 with the help of one of the park employees. We did it under the radar like you did. I was there for 14 days acquiring a transmission and parts. Good job on the repair. That center bolt had been broken for a while. You can tell because the broken end is rusted.

[@mikeygee2465]

Well I was super impressed with how you handled that leaf spring. Not sure, nope pretty sure i would not have been able to! Enjoyed the video. Oh love Maverick! We used to have a black/white tri Aussie.

[@johnhardey9594]

Nice you were able to help yourself. That is huge while rving. Having to have help come to you adds a layer of difficulty in an already difficult situation. Mitigated it pretty well. Great job. Score one for self reliance!

[@CharleenRomine]

I'm impressed that you could do that "on the road". Both of you took it in stride & made it work. 👍👍👍🐾🐾🐾

[@lig8817]

Craig ! You are a star! Is there anything you cant do? Dont think so!

[@jasontwing]

Had a leaf spring snap on our G3500 near Beaver Creek last month. We’ve been up and down the AlCan so many times we always carry spare parts now, including the leaf spring I had to change. Great job Craig!

[@Robert-uq5ew]

We had this years ago. We loosened the u-bolts, backed up until the axle was straightish then tightened the ubolts back up. It worked!

[@AnnaleeD]

I’m impressed! This is why I watch your RV channel instead of buying a RV. We definitely are not mechanically inclined enough and possibly too old. I enjoy your adventures!

[@luminousveiws]

We bent our axles in Alaska a few weeks ago. Long story behind that. Having replaced all our springs myself, I feel your pain.

[@pops3882]

I know that feeling of being broke down in the middle of nowhere without cell coverage. Had a similar issue happen to us 3 times in Baja Mexico last spring. Had to cobble "new" leaf springs together from junk yards. Axel was bent, spring hangers torn off, tires worn out. While the supply chain for RV parts in Mexico isn't very good and there is the language barrier as we aren't fluent in Spanish, the local mechanics were super helpful and resouceful. .Limped the RV back750 miles to Phoenix where it's been in the shop since April for a full axel and suspension replacement. Shop says it will ready for me next week. The plan is to take it to Florida this winter then on the Alaska next summer. Will definitely get some of the replacement parts from you list on ETrailer. I've learned that suspecsion parts and tire sizes for these heavy 5th wheels trailers are not easy to come by in remote areas.

[@spikestubbs210]

Best piece of equipment when attacking an issue such as yours is a couple of good ratchet straps, and yes, everything I've read or video listened to recommended carrying a complete spare axle spring assembly including replacement wet bolts and shackles and an extra spare tire.

[@LeAnn610]

Lucky it was raining. It lubed the tires just a little going down the road so it didn’t wear out.

[@brucegustafson6943]

Craig, thank goodness you are so handy! Great job!

[@kdsailorgirl]

Your mechanical skills are so impressive Craig! And, both of you were so calm during this episode which could’ve been such a disaster!

[@danadee4354]

Oh my goodness! We had THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN to us while RVing to Grandby CO. With no cell signal, we had to leave our rig on the side of the road (in the mountains) & drive all the way back to Silverthorne to find a towing company that could accommodate a 30’ TT. Now that I see what you went through, our situation was definitely not as bad. Being stranded for a week in the middle of Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, & Vail…we still enjoyed ourselves! Mountain Recovery Towing let us stay in the tow yard & provided us with electricity while they helped with the repairs. Not the trip we dreamed of, but WE WEREN’T STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YUKON!!!

[@TimothyBroome-ej1wp]

I'm glad the leaf springs wasn't real serious and Craig got it taken care of he has a good supervisor watching over him y'all hang there 🙂

[@Brian-nb6fb]

OMG I was stressed out with you being 200 miles from White Horse and that axle situation. Great job in keeping your cool and figuring out how to fix it and doing it covertly in the RV park. Don't think very many people could've pulled that off!

[@maryphillips1162]

Hope all is well with your families who live in North Carolina. Be safe and careful. God bless you all. Mary

[@brucefranklin6765]

On our Alaska trip this summer, we carried an extra set of leaf springs, bushings and bearings. Also a come along, ratchet straps and a heavy duty jack. Plus of course all the tools needed to change everything. Luckily the only repair we had on our 5th wheel was a sewer hose bracket that we fixed using zip ties!

[@wallaceniebel3369]

Nice Save!

[@paull.8460]

May want to add some red lock tight/ thread locker to the list of must haves. Comes in handy .

[@antzw]

GOOD WORK ...Your man kept calm all the way

[@airstreamer]

This was quite a frustrating situation. You guys handled it very well! Glad you were able to get to a location you could fix it.- Jim & Michelle

[@tedleonard7857]

Well done to you both for not appearing to panic. Thank you for your Alaska prep trip. As full time RV er what about making an RV essential tool list that someone could pack full-time. I know that every trailer is different so maybe just the basics of what you take.

[@Powerstroke98]

Yes, many of 'us guys' are good to have around when needed! I just did a full oil change, filter, two fuel filters, albeit I did take it in to Freightliner ('08 Phaeton) to have the huge air cleaner changed out, as well as a weld needed on our tailpipe! Recently did a full coolant flush/replacement, and she's near ready for its next adventure! Often wonder, after going to Alaska twice already, if a Class A pusher, or 5th wheel would be a better option?? Our previous trips where with an F250 first time, then F450 King Ranch & slide in camper the second time, and neither time did we have a single issue, even with some 'narly' roadwork going on! Great job on changing out the axle, as like you I carry far too many tools along, but when you need them, it's truly a great relief!

[@leestanphill1]

Great work Craig. Being able to handle that on your own is such a lifesaver and $$$ saver. I had a ford truck that did the exact same thing when that center pin failed. Great job!

[@davidoverholt251]

Well on the road to distruction in Alaska! Well, what were you two thinking! You know you have to have a large emergecy fund to travel in Alaska/Canada! At least you two are alive and safe! That is what is important you two! We will check in on your two traveling buddies down the road!

[@raoulroberts2024]

After your initial panic, you buckled down and did what had to be done. Kudos Craig and Victoria. 👍🏾💙🤍❤️🙏🏾

[@RoadieWingZZ]

Absolutely awesome job in dealing with this problem! Seeing Craig’s calm approach to systematically diagnosing then making the repairs with his mechanical knowledge and aptitude was truly inspiring for us newbies to the RV world. 👍

[@johnogan2386]

If you've got tools with you just loosen those u-bolts and then slide it back forward again that's what it sounds like it's wrong or check if the pin is came out of the leaf spring and then you can just put it back in

[@OpenRoading]

Wowza!! Those stinking frost heaves. That road has some stretches that just lull you into thinking that everything is all good and whammo! Appreciate ya'll being bob for us a day ahead but wish we could have been there to help you out. -J

[@wildrvlife]

haha there was one that reallllyyy snuck up on us. If there's one thing those roads will do, it's keep you on your toes

[@mountainsintomemories]

I think y’all did an excellent job handling this situation. Good job on the repairs!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you!!

[@rvfuntimes6144]

We had that happen too coming into Glenwood springs, Co. Ours done exactly the same thing almost. Ours didn't brake the springs. We found a tech who came and pulled it back to the slot and all was OK luckily. Good job. Yea its normal when u look back and see the RV tracking side ways.