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01-27-2015, 08:10 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: oakdale, ca
Posts: 292
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bent frame?
I have a Columbus F370FL and I just bought it in September. I took it out on its 1st trip and when I got back home I noticed the fiberglass on the side of the unit above the king pin cracked and separated about 1/2 inch. I took it to my dealer and after some time they opened it up and found that several welds holding the frame together had broke and the frame was twisted and bent. They called Forest River and the manufacture has now taken mt 5th wheel to Indiana to be torn down and repaired. My Question has anyone else out there had such a problem and I don't know if even when its returned If I can trust this 5th wheel in the future.
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01-27-2015, 08:15 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 735
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Try the search feature here. I have read many posts discussing 5er cracks, and even recall one model it was attributed to a missed weld of the aluminum wall framing that several forum members have experienced. Moreover, 5er cracks are nothing new (unfortunately). However, I'm sure FR will get your rolling again soon and very likely put a little more effort into, which you are already getting with it going back to the factory versus dealer repair. Best of luck to you and hope you're camping again soon!
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01-27-2015, 08:15 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,845
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almost always, when taken back to the factory, it comes back in better shape and often with new freebies included.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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01-28-2015, 02:03 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: oakdale, ca
Posts: 292
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Thanks I hope to be back on the road soon. I have a three week Nascar trip starting March 1st. Vegas, pir, and SoCal. They have about 5 weeks to get it back to me or I'm in trouble.
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01-28-2015, 06:27 PM
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#5
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Roger and Paula
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Port Charlotte, FL
Posts: 108
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A proper weld is a proper weld. The fact that they are opening it up and putting multiple sets of eyeballs on it is better than 'Joe', on the production line, rushing a weld on a Friday afternoon so he can go hit the bar. You should be just fine.
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01-29-2015, 07:31 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Clayton, NC
Posts: 695
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I wouldn't be surprised if they replaced the frame, not weld it. If it is welded, they'll probably call Lippert and have them send a welder over to the plant, which is located nearby.
Good luck.
__________________
2013 Palomino Columbus 320RS
2007 Dodge RAM 2500 6.7 Cummins
Reese 15K manual slider
Prodigy
M.I.L. in Florida for good!!
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02-02-2015, 08:47 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Palm Coast FL
Posts: 746
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Replaced frame would be a new trailer. If you ever saw how these things are built, trying to replace a frame would be a nightmare. Re-welding id's the most logical. Getting it back in 5 weeks, unrealistic. Figure 2-3 months.
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Brenda and John
'14 Ram 3500 MCSB 6.7L HO PullRite 16K S/G, Grey Columbus 320RS Camped '14 - 146 days/'15 - 196 days
USN-EOD(Ret), Master Chief, 30 yrs,
Master Blaster of the Navy
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02-02-2015, 08:56 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Waynesville
Posts: 14,428
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigTJohn
Replaced frame would be a new trailer. If you ever saw how these things are built, trying to replace a frame would be a nightmare. Re-welding id's the most logical. Getting it back in 5 weeks, unrealistic. Figure 2-3 months.
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I agree with this Opinion! Youroo!!
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02-02-2015, 09:16 AM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 10,525
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigTJohn
Getting it back in 5 weeks, unrealistic. Figure 2-3 months.
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Unfortunately I agree with this.... sorry!
If I were you I'd call the factory and get someone there in your corner and
stay in contact with them. Let them know your plans and ask for a completion date. Good luck!
__________________
Peace!
Dan & Rita D
2017 Nissan Titan 5.6L King cab 4wd
2016 Evergreen Everlite 242RBS
29' empty nest model. Blue Ox WD hitch
(1 queen bed, large main cabin and huge bathroom)
Camping days 2010-53, 2011-47, 2012-41, 2013-41, 2014-31, 2015-40, 2016-44, 2017-63, 2018-75, 2019-32, 2020-41, 2021-49, 2022-43, 2023-66
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02-02-2015, 11:37 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: oakdale, ca
Posts: 292
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I have been in touch with Jerry at forest river and he says 99% he will have the 5th wheel back to be in time to head out on march 1st for 3 weeks of Nascar. That would mean that it would have to leave the plant by Feb 20th to get back to me in time. But I am still keeping in touch weekly to check progress.
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02-02-2015, 11:39 AM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 10,525
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Keep us posted and please post a follow up when you get it back!
We're rooting for you!
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02-02-2015, 12:32 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: MA
Posts: 1,830
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Yes. Keep us posted.
We hope it works out well.
__________________
2015 HW296
2006 HW256 (previous pup)
2013 Chevy Tahoe
Equalizer WDH 10000#
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02-02-2015, 12:44 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 449
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bikendan
almost always, when taken back to the factory, it comes back in better shape and often with new freebies included.
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I can attest to that. My '11 Puma went to the factory for major repairs and came back with all kinds of upgrades and goodies, from fancy wheels to options I didn't have before. You'll be okay!
__________________
2013 GMC Savana 2500 FBI Edition
2015 Rockwood 8327SS stuffed with 5 kids!
SE Michigan
Nights camped 2014: 48
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03-11-2015, 12:25 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 140
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Did you get your RV back in the time they quoted you? Curious minds want to know and update?
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03-11-2015, 01:12 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: MA
Posts: 1,830
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyt11664
Did you get your RV back in the time they quoted you? Curious minds want to know and update?
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Yes. Please tell.
__________________
2015 HW296
2006 HW256 (previous pup)
2013 Chevy Tahoe
Equalizer WDH 10000#
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