frame stress cracks

[ARCliz]

have 2016 MS , found stress cracks on front vertical beams ( where leveling legs are attached) both sides , just under the diagonal gusset!!! any insight would be appreciated

 

[GTM41261]

Any chance you have pictures?

 

[Cummins12V98]

To help a friend.

 

[dapperdan-THOR]

I’d be having a conversation with Lippert and sharing those pics! They may OR may not stand behind the cracks, who knows but they certainly can correct that situation!

Not sure how far from Goshen you are but it’s worth a try. Of course any certified welder could hook you up too.

Dan

 

[Cummins12V98]

Sounds like he has found a shop to do the repairs. I will let him elaborate.

 

[Edd505]

I see modified in the signature, what was modified? I would think any good welder could fix this, likely better that a trip to IN.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Spoke to the OP. He has taken the RV to a Trailer Fabrication/repair shop. They unfortunately have to stay in a motel until the work is complete.

He is going to be personally involved in removing the propane tanks and tray support, hydraulic pump along with battery pack on drivers side front. He will also be removing the lower front cap. He will have a shop employee working with him to get the RV opened up to do the actual repairs. I am sure I missed a few things that have to be removed to actually have room to do the repairs.

The Shop was highly recommended by several RV facilities.

This is a big job but the OP knows what he is doing and I am sure it will all turn out well. It's simply going to take time to remove everything to get to the main issue and then re install everything.

 

[Cummins12V98]

OP is getting this thing done!!! Should be some welding pics soon.

Circles in red where the frame has crackled on both sides.

 

[Cummins12V98]

 

[Notanlines]

Excellent pictures! Usually the photos we get are marginal at best.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Looks like they did a GREAT job!

 

[MS60ocb]

Just like painting, it takes a lot of prep time to do a good job. It looks like a job well done.
Clay

 

[Cummins12V98]

Just like painting, it takes a lot of prep time to do a good job. It looks like a job well done.
Clay

I agree 100% really looks GREAT!!!

If the frame had that added triangular gusset from the Factory we would not be discussing this.

 

[labarn]

My biggest fear about having a lippert frame because the welds look like they weren't welded by a welder. Now we have a lippert frame on the Rockwood fifth. labarn or chevman

 

[Cummins12V98]

Fortunately this is a VERY rare thing for a DRV.

I have looked at mine and does not have the cracks. I have not traveled as many miles but I think the one thing that helps is that i have an air bag kingpin that absorbs the up and down forces.

 

[labarn]

I also feel our airhitch on our truck helped on our alpenlite plus the air on the suspension of the fifth to keep a smoother tow . I had the airhitch reinstalled for the Rockwood with torsion bar suspension and easy to feel it is different. labarn

 

[ARCliz]

Back on the Road and BETTER than original . Things are looking GREAT !!!

 

[Cummins12V98]

YEE HAW!!!!!!!!

Happy you got it all done.

 

[mrtazz57@yahoo.com]

I agree 100% really looks GREAT!!!

If the frame had that added triangular gusset from the Factory we would not be discussing this.

I agree. Looks to be an engineering design flaw. It also makes me have reservations about buying a DRV which I happen to be in the market for.
The area of those cracks is the weakest link of any 5th wheel trailer no matter what the purpose of the trailer is.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I agree. Looks to be an engineering design flaw. It also makes me have reservations about buying a DRV which I happen to be in the market for.
The area of those cracks is the weakest link of any 5th wheel trailer no matter what the purpose of the trailer is.

I would not worry about it as his RV is very overloaded as mine is. My frame looks perfect but I have 1/2 or less miles. The reality is this is a VERY unusual failure in the DRV world. His pin box has no up and down cushioning and mine does, could be why I don't have the issue. This is the first failure I have seen like this on a DRV and I have been in the DRV world for 10 years now.