Alko axle refurbishment
Hello All. Are there any owners out there that have had their Alko axle refurbished by Fraser Browne Engineering (advert in club magazine) they do a Independent Rubber Suspension refurb.
http://www.fraserbrowneng.co.uk/index.php?c=irs-axle-repair
Interested in any reviews regarding service and quality of this service. Looking forward to any responses.
Cheers
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Hi JVB actually still in warranty just. Awaiting Baileys usual rejection via our dealer. Heard about these recalls (it’s a Bailey single axle) haven’t seen anything in print anywhere to support the recall rumours. If you have any details would appreciate...
Shuckford
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Speak to your dealer ours in Hertfordshire is well aware of alco axle problems with some single axle c/vans up to i think 2015/6,that is with Bailey and he states that it is common knowledge of some axle failures normally off side sagging,
i think he said they have had two or three but some dealers have had more,it does not just apply to Bailey some Swift models,
there is a thread on here somewhere with more info if you can find it
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There is a mention of this Bailey letter in the other post about Alko but the origins seem to be in a Facebook group and though I see you've seen it and responsed, I thought it might be useful to link to it in this thread too. The discussion goes on to outline the contents of the letter a synopsis of which is as follows:
Bailey will replace axles that have dropped without prejudice or examination or cost. But only series 3 single axle Unicorns. presented to a dealer.
There is a copy of this on the FB page.
Dealers have a check list specifically for this issue showing how to measure the drop. It should be a gap of 2.5 cm (edited from original as incorrect) from top of tyre to bottom of inside wheel arch. A copy of this simple test is also on the FB page.
As you will see from that thread I'm keeping up to date with this, as we had problems with a dropped Alko Axle in 2000 - on a brand new Swift caravan - some details are on that post.
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Kentman thanks for you input. Our van is a 2015 Unicorn 3 Vigo. This marque seems particularly prone to failures.
Can I ask, Did you receive a letter from Bailey? Did you identify the fault or was it picked up by your dealer? How long did the process take from claiming under warranty to completion?
We have some travels booked for May including a trip to 🇫🇷 France for a couple of months. My mind is in turmoil wondering when the panic will start!!!
looking forward to your reply...
cheers Ron...
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Hi Shuckford
Our caravan was a Bailey Unicorn Vigo series 3. In 2016, we used it for around 11 weeks, including a 6 week trip to Italy then back via the Black Forest. The caravan was handed over in October 2016 to our dealer for service. The dealer subsequently informed me that the axle was damaged and held on to the caravan, contacting Bailey who agreed to collect it. Bailey subsequently agreed to repair the caravan but claimed it had been damaged through overloading. Our friend, with an identical caravan experienced the same problem that year and his caravan was also repaired by Bailey, but he was also told that the problem was caused by overloading.
Our caravan was eventually returned in February 2017 ( admittedly, Christmas and the New Year had intervened), having also had an apparently serious leak repaired. On its return, I immediately traded it in for a Coachman VIP (my dealer also sells this make) which I had replated to give a payload of 240kg against the Bailey's 156kg.
I had correspondence with both Bailey and ALKO, neither of whom admitted any fault. The summary of repairs which I received when the caravan was returned simply records that a new axle was fitted and lists the removal of furniture and vinyl at the rear to dry the affected floor areas, plus the removal, cleaning and replacement of the roof strap.
Basically, I consider that the payloads of current caravans are pathetically inadequate and make the volume of `unusable' storage space a joke. I have written to The Club about the contradiction in their magazine reviews between the way the reviewer praises the storage space and the failure to point out that it cannot be used when towing without overloading the caravan. Unsurprisingly, I have not received a reply (is the club subservient to the caravan manufacturers?).
Best wishes with your 'van.
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Why have they refused a repair?
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ValDa & Andy, thanks for the messages, the Bristol company have cited that the axle has been ‘overloaded’ and therefore not their responsibility to repair under warranty. Val I intend to phone the legal department on Monday when I hope to get some assistance and advice...
Ron
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We saw the latest Unicorn Seville at Ferry Meadows in January being "tested" by the cc "team" and if you read the "review" in the latest Club Mag,there is not a mention the design faults that were mentioned to the "team" that they had mostly not picked up when we spoke to them,that several of us had noted when having a sneak look before they turned up,so make of that what you will
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Basically, I consider that the payloads of current caravans are pathetically inadequate and make the volume of `unusable' storage space a joke. I have written to The Club about the contradiction in their magazine reviews between the way the reviewer praises the storage space and the failure to point out that it cannot be used when towing without overloading the caravan. Unsurprisingly, I have not received a reply (is the club subservient to the caravan manufacturers?)
I think one would be living in la la land if one thought that major sponsors of the club were not influencing the actions of the club. Good manners demands a reply at the very least. Rather than tell a porky, they would rather say nothing- there is some sort of twisted logic there I guess but hey, just keep paying your subscription and shut up! 🤣🤣😂
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Just heard our 2015 Unicorn Madrid axle is to be replaced under warranty!!!!!
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I purchased a 2012 Bailey Cadiz in November. I received a 12 month warranty from the dealer. Have used it 3 or 4 times since then. I tend to put any heavy stuff in the tow car. However having read many instances of (Alko) axle failures, particularly on Baileys I will be keeping a very careful eye on the clearance to the wheel arch. I must say that It appears to be a very major fault,
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Hello TheShipmans interesting that Bailey have agreed to replace your axle! We got the letter of denial of all responsibility last week. We have asked them to reconsider. Keeping everything crossed🤞.
Can I ask the process of how you heard your axle was to be replaced? Was it discovered at its service or did Bailey contact you direct?
Thanking you and all other contributors to this thread.
Shuckford...
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Identified by servicing dealer, returned to supplying dealer (empty), inspected by Alko, who apparently said had only failed one side, so showed no signs of overloading. Awaiting repair at dealers.
BTW Also leaking roof strap.
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It seems to be an unfortunate fact of recent times, that when major organisations, be it the government. police, companies, church, or charities, etc, encounter a problem that would 'damage' their credibility, the first line of defence is deny everything, and build up as many other defences as possible, to rebut future challenges, until eventually with much persistance, it all 'comes home to roost' - Hillsborough, child abuse etc etc.
Keep on pressing till it hurts, but don't give up and let them win!
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