Salem Sport F37 Frame CRACKING

Makulu Lodge · 03-17-2009, 03:11 PM

I am very frustrated, to date been very happy with my 2006 F37 Toy-hauler, but today took it in for wheel alignment when the tech told me my frame has 6 fatigue / stress cracks. (at the cross members)
The dealer said no warranty on a two year old unit (I bought it new in 2007). The unit has only done about 10,000km.
Now I am having a two year old $50k 5th wheel welded together. Absolute BS.
In my opinion the frame was not designed well enough for the rated load, (that I have never exceeded, always under-loaded)
Has any one else seen this kinda problem on a Forest River product?
Willie

NWJeeper · 03-18-2009, 12:21 AM

I would agree that it probably shouldn't be cracking but as it is a toy hauler and because most of the places where we use our toys have access roads that are less than smooth it does put more stress on the frames. Are you doing a lot of traveling into rough dirt roads? I know the places where we usually go Jeepn' are the same places the ATVrs and motorcyclist go and the roads aren't kind.

A new member that just joined the forum from Austrailia said that they have to reinforce all their trailer frames down there due to the rough roads. They just don't last if they don't add in more steel.

I think a lot of the toy haulers are pushing the envelope between staying light enough to be towed by the available tow rigs out there and be sturdy enough to haul the added weight of ATVs, motorcycles, tools, gas, water, propane, gear, etc.

Sorry to hear of your troubles, if you don't yet know how to weld you may save yourself a lot of money by buying a portable 110V wire feed welder and learning.

Good luck

Makulu Lodge · 03-18-2009, 01:40 PM

Hi,
Thanks for the reply,
I already had the fix done yesterday, six spots repaired.
I had the guy doing it go ahead as the dealer directed him as to what he needs to do, turns out he has done a few for the said dealer in the past.
I will now do it my self, further reinforcing that is. I have a little Lincoln Mig welder.
As for roads, no more than what I use to do with my Outback, the typical 2 mile dirt road to the good campsites, NO real offroad stuff, the odd pothole etc. Hence my frustration, I think if I did do a lot of really bad roads I would not be so surprised.
They just needed to put a gusset in behind the I-beam frame where the crossmember joins the frame, that's it, it would have added maybe 4lbs to the trailers weight of 12,000lbs.
My issue is, it is a Toyhauler, it should be stronger by design for what it is....
Any way I now know I am on my own.
Cheers

**KyDan** · 03-19-2009, 06:30 AM

Willie, I'm glad you found the cracks while they were just cracks!
Sorry to hear that Forest River wouldn't help but in today's economy they must
be hurting AND we all have to realize that a 1 year warranty is just that--
after one year you are on your own.
Looks like a nice neat weld job.
Don't let this ruin your enjoyment of your new toy hauler!!
Now go haul your toys and get out there!

(We're heading out in the morning!)

Makulu Lodge · 03-19-2009, 12:14 PM

Make no mistake, I still love my toy hauler. Loading the bikes tonight, tomorrow after work we are out of here....
It is still a bit cool in BC but what the heck I need to get out.
Cheers

Hogrydr · 03-25-2009, 10:57 PM

I'd have been tempted to send FR a letter offering them the opportunity to take care of the situation, reminding them that they'd of course be the first party named in the lawsuit when the rig came apart under tow and killed somebody....

**KyDan** · 03-26-2009, 08:22 AM

We all hope you wouldn't tow your rig if you thought it was in danger
of coming apart and killing folks!

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