Frame Issue and what to check

[arhayes]

I discovered the issue yesterday while waiting for roadside assistance for a blown tire yesterday. Had not seen the issue previously, but it only appears when pin weight is on the TV. We have been full-timers for over 6 years, though the trailer was stationary and un-hooked during our winter stay in Tucson until last week. Thinking it is a frame issue, but not sure where to go with it or if it is even safe to travel in it. Thoughts????
Sorry pics didn't appear in order.

[arhayes]

2 additional pics it wouldn't allow me to attach to the first post.

[geotex1]

Yes, it's a frame issue. Broken welds, whether from fatigue or corrosion likely. Once a shop removes the front storage door and the panel, the issue should be clear. Shouldn't be too much of a chore for a certified welder to repair and reinforce. Lippert should have some guidance, but if not see a shop that builds trailers as they'll have the necessary knowledge or know a designer/engineer to turn to.

[arhayes]

Yes, it's a frame issue. Broken welds, whether from fatigue or corrosion likely. Once a shop removes the front storage door and the panel, the issue should be clear. Shouldn't be too much of a chore for a certified welder to repair and reinforce. Lippert should have some guidance, but if not see a shop that builds trailers as they'll have the necessary knowledge or know a designer/engineer to turn to.

Thanks! I'd looked in the gen compartment, but am not an expert. See no obvious welds broken or rust. Good idea on Lippert. I'll try to contact them.

[JCR GD]

Thanks! I'd looked in the gen compartment, but am not an expert. See no obvious welds broken or rust. Good idea on Lippert. I'll try to contact them.

Please report back... very interested in outcome. Thanks

[arhayes]

Please report back... very interested in outcome. Thanks

Will do. Sadly I’m thinking I’ll need to haul it to Indiana but we’ll see. Can’t believe travel plans for 2 years in a row are being sidelined....1 by covid and now this. Ce la vie.

[Canyonlight]

Will do. Sadly I’m thinking I’ll need to haul it to Indiana but we’ll see. Can’t believe travel plans for 2 years in a row are being sidelined....1 by covid and now this. Ce la vie.

Alan - I suspect you have already contacted the GDRV Customer Service center and shared the pictures with Jerry McCarthy and/or his team. When we had them replace our walls, I raised possible concerns with frame cracking issues in general. Jerry shared that they very rarely see any frame issues. However, looking at your pictures - it seems frame related as Rob shared. I too will be interested in what is found and if GDRV will take care of you.

Dan

[Second Chance]

Will do. Sadly I’m thinking I’ll need to haul it to Indiana but we’ll see. Can’t believe travel plans for 2 years in a row are being sidelined....1 by covid and now this. Ce la vie.

You're not thinking of hauling to Indiana prior to repair, are you, Alan?

Rob

[Second Chance]

I have a bold in the skin above the middle of the front compartment. Is this the same issue you saw?

@Super Dave -

Who are you asking? Here are a few forum tips:

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Rob

[D2Reid]

I had a similar issue on my 7 year old SOB. I did my best to inspect for broken frame welds but could find nothing. Partly because I had no idea what I was looking for. I did weigh and unweigh the hitch pin a few times to look for excessive movement. Still didn't see anything. I kind of concluded that the bend, like the one you have pictures of, was a result of flex. Not only did the seal tracks bend and wouldn't hold the seal but cracks in the fiberglass developed.

But a lot of other stuff was wearing out as well. So when the refrigerator went we traded it in for a new Momentum so I never did find out if there was a frame issue or not.