Flex on hitch-up

[chemist308]

I keep reading that frame flex is normal, otherwise frames would break. So exactly how much flex is normal when hitching up? Is it normal to discern a small amount of travel along the front end sidewall trim on hitch up when raising the 5th wheel jacks? Basically I know it's typically the larger and newer units that are the brunt of the GD / Lippert frame issues, but I want to watch for this in mine. I posting this here, because I owner a Reflection 337RLS, but should this be in general?

 

[Redapple63]

I am hearing numbers that range from 1/4 -3/4”. I would think 3/4 is too much movement. Of course this is a total swag, but I would say anything more than 3/8 would be a problem. That’s just my world though. I am sure those numbers may vary based on frame design and other factors.

Bill

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I am hearing numbers that range from 1/4 -3/4”. I would think 3/4 is too much movement. Of course this is a total swag, but I would say anything more than 3/8 would be a problem. That’s just my world though. I am sure those numbers may vary based on frame design and other factors.

Bill

Where on the trailer are you referring to when you talk of measuring movement? It certainly would make a difference.

 

[Redapple63]

Hi Hoopy,

All the data I have read puts the main movement at the hitch itself.

I have seen a bunch of videos that show movement much further back at the root of the cantilever of the fivers.If there is movement that far back there is for sure something going on.

Bill

 

[roegs01]

Here is the Grand Design document on measurements and where to check. If you even suspect that you may have issues I'd get it checked at your GD dealer. Last Fall I noticed on our Solitude S Class 2930 that the nightstands (north - south bed in this model) were chafing where they met the wall. Was not a whole lot of chafing, but I called GD just to get a case opened. They were great to talk with and it was actually them that suggested I get a ticket opened. Our trailer is at the dealer as we speak getting inspected.

Don't assume it only happens with larger units or that it doesn't apply to Reflections. When I dropped ours off at the dealer last week, he mentioned that the last 2 they had checked GD brought back to the factory for repairs.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-10253005-0001.pdf

 

[chemist308]

Thank you @roegs01 That is really good info. Didn’t realize they filed a TSB on it. When I get where I’m going I will check that. Honestly your reply should be a post stickied somewhere on this site.

That said, I sorta doubt GD would do anything on a rig I bought 7 years ago. Maybe an aftermarket shop. I wonder who even does that sorta thing…

 

[roegs01]

=47496]@roegs01[/USER] ....... That said, I sorta doubt GD would do anything on a rig I bought 7 years ago. Maybe an aftermarket shop. I wonder who even does that sorta thing…

I'd still check with GD. Our trailer that they're checking now is a 2019 model.

 

[chemist308]

That may make sense. I'll probably actually do the test in that TSB to see if I have the issue. If I do, I'll go forward from there whether it's GD or an independent shop. That said, I'm one of those folks that never really go off-road or BLM areas. So the worst my frame sees is what the highways offer. I wanted to do some of the cool boondocking spots, which is part of why I built my solar system. But that said, I'd be afraid to given the delicate frames we're learning we have.

But I would pose this to both Lippert and GD: What do you think will happen when a king pin detaches from GD / Lippert frame on I-95, which is really almost never not busy? I've seen executives go to prison for less in my industry...

 

[BrokeDown]

I too was concerned about frame flex, so I started doing some checking.

In my unit, I was able to remove a couple of drawers and access the lag bolts shown in the TSB. Of the three bolts I could reach, two would not tighten.

In February 2025, GDRV sent Mobile Techs to my RV. On the scheduled day, there happened to be two Techs in the area, so both showed up. It was pretty impressive to see two dually trucks with giant GDRV-branded trailers pull up to my RV.

I watched as they checked the frame flex on my two-axle Momentum. One of the Techs had created a jig that could attach to the frame, allowing him to take measurements solo. The TSB shows two people doing the measurements, and the other Tech wanted one of the jigs for himself.

My rig flexed 3/8", which is within spec. They explained that if the frame were flexing too much, there would be telltale signs in the front room—steps 2 and 3 of the TSB address this. My RV shows none of those signs.

The Techs exposed the remaining bolts in the rail, removed them all, applied adhesive, and reinstalled them into the frame.

I see a lot of people complaining about how GDRV has NOT taken care of them. That has NOT been my experience. They have been nothing but AMAZING!

Good luck with your RV.

—B