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Old 10-04-2015, 08:54 AM   #1
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Crusader frame flex?

Wondering if any crusader owners have had broken welds at the hitch/frame like on some sanibels. Mine is pushing a small amount of caulking so I am watching it but don't think there is an issue yet.


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Old 10-04-2015, 10:17 AM   #2
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I am watching mine also. I have about a 1/4 to 3/8 inch caulking showing on the side of the trim on the overhang. i also don't think I have an issue as of yet but I am keeping an eye on the issue. Keep us updated.
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Old 10-05-2015, 07:41 AM   #3
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Yes, keeping an eye on mine. I also noticed the caulk issue on the side of the overhang.

Knowing that these RV's are "lightweight" models tells me that the manufacturer has to use lightweight structure aluminum. All the more reason to keep in mind when adding items in the RV. It doesn't take much to max out the weight limits of these RV's with our kitchen items, clothes, grills, etc. More weight = more stress on the structure = possible structure damage.
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Old 10-05-2015, 08:32 AM   #4
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Crusader frame flex?

The other "possible" cause of caulking pushing I'm wondering about : the plastic under the overhang flaps and oscillates quite a bit from wind when going down the road.


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Old 10-06-2015, 05:50 PM   #5
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I'm watching mine like a hawk but no issues in three years.
I've hit some pretty big bumps and bridge joints at speed, enough to have the pin box lift off of the hitch, but all seems very solid still.


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Old 10-06-2015, 07:15 PM   #6
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I hitched up the 5th wheel today and put all the weight on the truck. I had made several reference marks on the sides of the 5ver with a marker so i could visually check for any movement / flex. There was absolutely no movement at all and I feel confident I do not have any significant frame flex issues at this time. I am coming to the conclusion the caulk issue is due to normal movement / flex during towing. I am going to remove the excess caulk from the sides and make sure there is no issues for water intrusion. I also am going to contact dealer and put the issue on record just in case. Will continue to monitor the issue and will communicate any other observations. Thanks to all for their input.
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Old 10-06-2015, 07:27 PM   #7
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Anybody have pics of the caulk creeping out?
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Old 10-08-2015, 09:32 AM   #8
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Quote:
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Anybody have pics of the caulk creeping out?
Sorry no - it's in storage now.

I too have dicor creeping out of several joints on the exterior, several which there should not be any flexing. I believe this is normal and happens over time with heating and cooling cycles.
One of these areas is the front storage (under the front overhang) door frame. The dicor was 'squeezing' out about a 1/4", so I scraped it off and cleaned it up.
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Old 10-11-2015, 03:17 PM   #9
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I watch mine VERY closely. No issues that I can see thus far. I will be very keen to hear if anyone with a Crusader has this problem.
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Old 10-15-2015, 03:07 PM   #10
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I am thinking that is not Dicor you are seeing and removing. Dicor is difficult to remove and they use putty tape at the joints. I believe that is what you are seeing and is normal.
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Old 10-15-2015, 03:31 PM   #11
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I am thinking that is not Dicor you are seeing and removing. Dicor is difficult to remove and they use putty tape at the joints. I believe that is what you are seeing and is normal.
Correct, my bad. The sealer is Butyl putty which cleans up nicely with mineral spirits. I use gasoline on a rag . Same results.
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Old 11-08-2015, 07:31 PM   #12
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This is with the weight on the landing gear, not ruling out fame flex, could be a wall issue also, only see this on the curb side. I've contacted them multiple times but no one at FR thinks it's a problem. It's too bad because we really love this fifth wheel.
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Old 11-08-2015, 07:35 PM   #13
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With the weight in the truck.
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