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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Floor failure!!!
    Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 12:55pm
Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

 

I'd prefer to see the rail/beam replaced and see that as fairly easy. Just won't have a top weld without at least lifting the box (cabin, floor..). My concern which a patch is the original .1 steel is still there.. and possible compromise of by patching. I think this is why the 2 Big Boys refused.

   

Suppose that all the shop does is straighten the existing frame rail and doesn't even weld it up. Then, the shop welds another 2x4 rectangular tube to the bottom of that rail, but this time its say a 0.1875 thick tube. This new tube extends well in front of and behind the axle attachment point and is continuously welded to the old tube. Then the axle is attached to the new tube. The new assembly will be much stronger than the old tube was even if there is zero capacity left in the old tube. Since the peak loads on the frame are at or near the axle attachment and drop off rapidly in front of and behind that area the 0.1 inch tube is fine to carry the loads as long as you extend the new heavier tube a foot or two from the axle area. So, the 0.1 inch tube can stay there and not cause a problem because you're not counting on it to take any load in the axle area. 

And the floor and body of the trailer doesn't need to be removed to do it. 
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 12:36pm
Originally posted by furpod

 

Switch to discs.. popular mod in a couple other groups I am in..

Yeah, i looked at doing that. Not only would I need to switch to discs but I'd need an electric over hydraulic actuator. Probably around $1500 in parts IIRC. So the operative word here is prefer. But that preference isn't worth $1500.  Let me know if anyone in the other groups has found a cheaper way.

Barring that, I'd probably be more inclined to switch to a 5200 lb axle with drum brakes, that would both be cheaper and would provide more headroom on axle capacity as well as more powerful braking. 
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furpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 12:20pm
Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

[
What I find is most are blind to having an issue. Last one was they're changing their tires to GYE's because the stock 'China Bombs' are wearing on the inside edge.
I was blasted for mentioning that there may be another issue here worth looking into.

The reading I'm doing seems to be related to FR's line of trailers. Leads me to think FR gave Lippert the spec's for building. 


I am sure FR sent specs to Lippert.

Where were you blasted? I will admit I try to check in every day if possible, and I have not seen it. Feel free to PM me if needed about any issue with the site or our members.
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Posts: 2732 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 11:02am
There is no doubt that FR gave Lippert dimensional and load information for the frame. It's not necessarily true that FR specified how Lippert should build it.
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Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
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Posts: 1014 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 10:52am
Originally posted by furpod

Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

Oh, and a quick search on Lippert frame issues has turned up a lot of reading.. I'm no where near the first... 



No you are not.. car, truck, trailer, motorcycle.. frames get bent. They get repaired. Life moves forward.

Remember in your reading, no one wants to admit it may be their fault.. and.. not a single one of the million owners who have not had a frame issue has started a post or complaint about NOT having an issue..

What I find is most are blind to having an issue. Last one was they're changing their tires to GYE's because the stock 'China Bombs' are wearing on the inside edge.
I was blasted for mentioning that there may be another issue here worth looking into.

The reading I'm doing seems to be related to FR's line of trailers. Leads me to think FR gave Lippert the spec's for building. 
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 9:32am
Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

Oh, and a quick search on Lippert frame issues has turned up a lot of reading.. I'm no where near the first... 



No you are not.. car, truck, trailer, motorcycle.. frames get bent. They get repaired. Life moves forward.

Remember in your reading, no one wants to admit it may be their fault.. and.. not a single one of the million owners who have not had a frame issue has started a post or complaint about NOT having an issue..
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Posts: 1014 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 9:17am
Oh, and a quick search on Lippert frame issues has turned up a lot of reading.. I'm no where near the first... 
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Posts: 1014 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 9:15am
Originally posted by furpod

Lippert makes the frame. They arrive at the plant pre-assembled. Historically, they will not deal with you directly.

again... the answer most undoubtedly is NOT a new frame. It will be to repair and reinforce that frame.. again.. happens a lot. There are lots of shops around the country that specialize in it.

Two of the 'Big Boys' for RV repair/re-building won't touch it. I have a third to go to and request if and when I reach that point. I do know a couple shops that will do most anything and have used them in the pass for projects. Yet another possible fall back.

It's not me pushing for a new frame, understand this. That was the first statement of the Dealership.

I'd prefer to see the rail/beam replaced and see that as fairly easy. Just won't have a top weld without at least lifting the box (cabin, floor..). My concern which a patch is the original .1 steel is still there.. and possible compromise of by patching. I think this is why the 2 Big Boys refused.

At this point, whatever they do, if covered, would be great!
   
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 8:43am
Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

You folks know if FR makes this frame? If not who the supplier is?

Haven't heard back from the Dealership yet.. No news is not good news in this case..


It may take days for them to access the damage, talk to FR, hear back.. heck maybe weeks. Unfortunate, but true.

RV dealerships and repair shops, do not, in any way shape or form, work like Honda or Ford, etc. Mostly because of how owners deal with problems and issues on their RVs.
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 8:40am
Lippert makes the frame. They arrive at the plant pre-assembled. Historically, they will not deal with you directly.

again... the answer most undoubtedly is NOT a new frame. It will be to repair and reinforce that frame.. again.. happens a lot. There are lots of shops around the country that specialize in it.
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