Front flexing while hooked up

aknavy · 04-23-2018, 03:39 PM

The front of my Cedar Creek flexes about 1/4 inch when hooked up, and the driver side pass thru door is slightly out of alignment. I've read many places that this is normal, but the issue I have with the flexing is the caulk seam where it flexes is compromised. Any solution to this?

Also, has anyone pursued having additional structural support welded in to stop the flexing?

clr · 04-23-2018, 03:50 PM

I had a similar problem on my Prime Time Sanibel 5th wheel but not as bad as you appear to be having. On my unit the front wall would go up very slightly when the weight of the unit was placed on the truck. I had talked to Prime Time about frame flex and they said that my serial number frame did not have the issue.
I had to have my unit back for factory repairs and they performed a frame flex test on my unit and it failed. So LCI came in and added they say about 150# of steel to the front deck area. The unit does feel much more secure now.
Not sure exactly what the frame flex test is but you may want to look into have this test done on your unit.

aknavy · 04-23-2018, 04:26 PM

I've got an appointment with Amish Family RV to have an "Oops" fixed next month, I'll have him check it out then. Thanks.

dblr · 04-23-2018, 05:59 PM

Have them measure both hooked up, or on a pin stand, and also only on the landing gear, that's how they did mine. It needed repaired so between Lippert and Cedar Creek they both took care of it. PM me if you would like more info.

aknavy · 04-23-2018, 07:29 PM

Cool, thanks! Hope I fare the same on mine.

DrLewie · 04-24-2018, 01:10 PM

My Cardinal had the same problem which was noticed by a repair shop. They pulled off the front for inspection and told me the box steel of the frame wasn't welded on all 4 sides. I asked if that was a manufacturing defect and was told that some manufacturers built them that way...some don't. I had noticed some caulking issues and some loose screws in the nose, so I had them add welds. I tried to get reimbursed by my extended warrantee company, but the claim was rejected because it wasn't considered a fault.

aknavy · 04-24-2018, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrLewie

My Cardinal had the same problem which was noticed by a repair shop. They pulled off the front for inspection and told me the box steel of the frame wasn't welded on all 4 sides. I asked if that was a manufacturing defect and was told that some manufacturers built them that way...some don't. I had noticed some caulking issues and some loose screws in the nose, so I had them add welds. I tried to get reimbursed by my extended warrantee company, but the claim was rejected because it wasn't considered a fault.

What was the cost to repair, if you don't mind me asking?

DrLewie · 04-24-2018, 01:40 PM

I don't recall the repair cost because there was other work done at the same time and it was several years ago. All I remember is that it was more than I wanted to spend, but I did it anyway.

aknavy · 04-24-2018, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrLewie

I don't recall the repair cost because there was other work done at the same time and it was several years ago. All I remember is that it was more than I wanted to spend, but I did it anyway.

That's what I'm afraid of....more money than I want to spend, but has to be fixed...so there it goes.

Which has a bigger hole for the money - boats or RV's?

DrLewie · 04-24-2018, 01:52 PM

Boats or RVs? I think its a toss up.

Lifestylers · 04-24-2018, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aknavy

That's what I'm afraid of....more money than I want to spend, but has to be fixed...so there it goes.

Which has a bigger hole for the money - boats or RV's?

Boat has the bigger $$ drain if same size of RV.
Sold my 38' money pit. Here are fixed costs for example
Monthly Harbor Fees....200
18 month haul out for bottom job to clean and repaint. 3500
Insurance...ouch no comment
Fuel for 1 offshore trip RT 1200.00 This is enough for 10 hours...Can suck down 48 gal per hour.
Now add all the stuff that breaks down in MH, same thing here.
AC, anchor winches, heaters, stove, toilet (electronic) Shower equip. Invertors, Generator.. Remember these things sit in Salt Water.

larrytbm · 04-24-2018, 05:02 PM

How you measure the flex may be as important as the measured value. Dealers usually use a fork-lift fork under the king pin. With no suspension flex they can get pretty accurate and 1/2" is considered acceptable. But that much flex over the distance from the landing legs to the king pin should not compromise the caulk. So your flex may be greater than 1/4".

Lippert has a spec, as I recall it is called "upper deck flex". It gives measurement points but no pass/fail numbers.

On a different brand I had 1-1/2" of flex using a laser beam. Even that much flex did not affect the caulk or interior structure during 6 months of use. Lippert and RV manufacturer agreed this was a problem, caused by switching to a notched front cap and notched frame. We agreed on a fix and it reduced flex to 1/2". They also changed the product line within a few weeks. I had the unit for 6 yrs w/o problems.

DDC · 04-24-2018, 06:01 PM

Remember if there is an issue with cracked or failing welds then it should be reported to 'national highway traffic safety administration' as this is a dangerous situation and may result in a recall and or an order to repair by the manufacturer, sometimes government regulation can be your friend.

pdqparalegal1 · 05-01-2018, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrLewie

Boats or RVs? I think its a toss up.

Largest money pit is a race car as a hobby. Ask me how I know sometime when you want to kill a few hours

arter368rlbhk · 05-01-2018, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

Largest money pit is a race car as a hobby. Ask me how I know sometime when you want to kill a few hours

You know how to make a small fortune in racing?

Start with a big one.....

BandJCarm · 05-01-2018, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aknavy

I've got an appointment with Amish Family RV to have an "Oops" fixed next month, I'll have him check it out then. Thanks.

Orvan will fix it. I don't know the age of your unit, but if it's not ancient, I bet it costs nothing. He'll also do 19 other things you didn't know needed done.

Tell him I said hello.

dalford · 05-01-2018, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

Orvan will fix it. I don't know the age of your unit, but if it's not ancient, I bet it costs nothing. He'll also do 19 other things you didn't know needed done.

Tell him I said hello.

X2, we just left his shop. Went in for 2 things to fix, he identified about a dozen more items. Was able to get FR to repair under warranty. Ours is a 2016 though. Good luck.. Orvan is the best though.

aknavy · 05-01-2018, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

Orvan will fix it. I don't know the age of your unit, but if it's not ancient, I bet it costs nothing. He'll also do 19 other things you didn't know needed done.

Tell him I said hello.

It's a 2013. I'm hoping for the best, but prepared to pay either way.

aknavy · 05-01-2018, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

Largest money pit is a race car as a hobby. Ask me how I know sometime when you want to kill a few hours

My dad races sprints.... Every time he tries to get me into it, the only thing I can think of is the cost of an engine or what it would cost to roll or hit the wall... So I know it's not for me!

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