Frame Issue and what to check

[JCR GD]

Yes, mine is between 3,800 and 3,200 depending on which toy or no toy. Is yours the triple or double axle? I'm guessing double?

Edit: should have looked at your picture closer... double.

[arhayes]

Yes, mine is between 3,800 and 3,200 depending on which toy or no toy. Is yours the triple or double axle? I'm guessing double?

Edit: should have looked at your picture closer... double.

Yep. That is why I was attracted to it, plus the interior layout was perfect fo our hobbies and living. But, that higher pin weight may be part of the difference problem. I also have a built in generator. My pin weight barely changes whether the Goldwing is on board or not. I think it only made a 60lb difference as I recall.

[arhayes]

Another update (or not).....so took it to La Mesa RV in Tucson where I had an appointment to have the body damage repaired. I discussed the frame issue with them and they will not touch it. Their service guy indicated that they have had bad luck repairing frames as there is no really good aluminum welder here in town and his last 2 frame repairs had returned within 6 months with continuing problems. Sounded like a typical Stealer, uh Dealer response to me. I asked what they'd do if a rig they sold came back in under warranty, and he said they'd have to send it to Lippert to fix. He also said that he wonders if the problem is actually with the pin box assembly based on what he is seeing, and not actually the frame.

So anyway, I guess I am back to square one which means contacting GD or Lippert. I had a sense of urgency about this since I do have an extended warranty in effect until early July, but there is no way either GD or Lippert could get me in by then, and I'm sure with the backlog on parts I won't be getting the rig back anytime soon. I'm sure it's fixable, but finding someone to do it is becoming the issue. A good welder can fix it, but not sure they'd understand where to look or how to take it apart to diagnose and repair the problem. Seems like it is going to have to be a good RV shop, but they are all so backed up it'll be months to get this fixed.

Our plan all along had been to use it as a summer house once we found a place up north we were in love with and were ready to stop traveling, so my other option is to focus on finding a place and transporting it there unrepaired. We'd then have to buy a smaller towable since we still planned to RV a few more years. I guess I didn't really see a major issue like this coming up..... but stuff happens. Any other thoughts or suggestions, or does someone know of a great place to try in the Southern US?

[JCR GD]

I thought all the Lippert parts of the frame were steal. No? I know the GD framing is aluminum but??

[geotex1]

Another update (or not).....so took it to La Mesa RV in Tucson where I had an appointment to have the body damage repaired. I discussed the frame issue with them and they will not touch it. Their service guy indicated that they have had bad luck repairing frames as there is no really good aluminum welder here in town and his last 2 frame repairs had returned within 6 months with continuing problems. Sounded like a typical Stealer, uh Dealer response to me. I asked what they'd do if a rig they sold came back in under warranty, and he said they'd have to send it to Lippert to fix. He also said that he wonders if the problem is actually with the pin box assembly based on what he is seeing, and not actually the frame.

So anyway, I guess I am back to square one which means contacting GD or Lippert. I had a sense of urgency about this since I do have an extended warranty in effect until early July, but there is no way either GD or Lippert could get me in by then, and I'm sure with the backlog on parts I won't be getting the rig back anytime soon. I'm sure it's fixable, but finding someone to do it is becoming the issue. A good welder can fix it, but not sure they'd understand where to look or how to take it apart to diagnose and repair the problem. Seems like it is going to have to be a good RV shop, but they are all so backed up it'll be months to get this fixed.

Our plan all along had been to use it as a summer house once we found a place up north we were in love with and were ready to stop traveling, so my other option is to focus on finding a place and transporting it there unrepaired. We'd then have to buy a smaller towable since we still planned to RV a few more years. I guess I didn't really see a major issue like this coming up..... but stuff happens. Any other thoughts or suggestions, or does someone know of a great place to try in the Southern US?

Sounds like they think you have busted wels in the wall framing too (Lippert frame is steel but GD walls are aluminum). I have ZERO personal knowledge or experience, but we met someone camping who had a major frame repair done by them - AZ RV Expert in Yuma. Worth a call.

[Canyonlight]

Alan - I went back through the thread looking for the feedback you received from contacting GDRV and Lippert. You referenced that you were going to contact them but if you shared their feedback I missed seeing that.

As a long time GDRV owner and supporter, I would think that GDRV would want to do all they can to help especially considering the apparent severity of the issue(s.)

Maybe you need to talk directly with Jerry McCarthy or the top folks at the Customer Service Center. Maybe one of the roving GDRV Service Truck teams can stop and evaluate and help with direction.....maybe even towing it back to the factory for repair as a priority case.

Dan

[Kevin2282]

If you run out of options while you are in AZ try Premier Coach Works in El Mirage. They replaced my entire 28BH back wall after I was rear ended. They were repairing every type of RV and custom bus imaginable when I dropped it off. GD had to make a new back wall and ship it out. It looked like new when I picked it up 14 weeks later.

https://www.premiercoachworks.com/se.../rv-body-shop/

[arhayes]

Sounds like they think you have busted wels in the wall framing too (Lippert frame is steel but GD walls are aluminum). I have ZERO personal knowledge or experience, but we met someone camping who had a major frame repair done by them - AZ RV Expert in Yuma. Worth a call.

Thanks, Rob. I will call them Monday. I think that is what they suspect and the reason may be that when notched the bedroom slide is also cocked. When jacks are down, it squares up and operates correctly. But, if that’s the case it seems the sidewall would have to come off to get to it.

[arhayes]

If you run out of options while you are in AZ try Premier Coach Works in El Mirage. They replaced my entire 28BH back wall after I was rear ended. They were repairing every type of RV and custom bus imaginable when I dropped it off. GD had to make a new back wall and ship it out. It looked like new when I picked it up 14 weeks later.

https://www.premiercoachworks.com/se.../rv-body-shop/

Thanks, Kevin!

[arhayes]

Alan - I went back through the thread looking for the feedback you received from contacting GDRV and Lippert. You referenced that you were going to contact them but if you shared their feedback I missed seeing that.

As a long time GDRV owner and supporter, I would think that GDRV would want to do all they can to help especially considering the apparent severity of the issue(s.)

Maybe you need to talk directly with Jerry McCarthy or the top folks at the Customer Service Center. Maybe one of the roving GDRV Service Truck teams can stop and evaluate and help with direction.....maybe even towing it back to the factory for repair as a priority case.

Dan

Dan….GD referred me to Lippert, who referred me to a dealer in Colorado ( which is where we were at the time). I went to them, and they were willing to look at it, but it was going to be 3-4 weeks at the time, then no idea how long to repair which is why w3 opted to try Tucson where we at least have a place. Here Lazy Days sells GD products, but they wouldn’t do anything but schedule me in at their earliest appt - August 1. That’s why I opted for the 2nd choice RV dealer.