Wildcat 5th wheel pin box

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by kerrlakelover

Had to chuckle at the "stainless screws" 05CrewDually.

And speaking of pennies add up to dollars, do you think BAL might have the frame pieces fabricated in China and assembled over here? That's why they are bolted....just thinkin out loud.

Hey, if i can make it better while it's apart, I'm doing it!
About the BAL frames: It makes no difference bolted or welded, the wrong gauge metal and high carbon content is a setup for failure. It wasn't the welds that failed. The metal tore like paper; literally.

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by goduc

Speaking of BAL frames. They're bolted together not welded. Hmm.
BAL - Innovative Products for the RV Industry

Your reference is for travel trailer frames. We are discussing 5th wheel trailers, specifically Wildcat.
I doubt, highly hope, they wouldn't use this method for 5'ers. Then again if it saves them money they probably will. It's funny to me they brag of using bent sheet metal for a frame over tubing. Huge turn off for me if I ever considered a travel trailer.

[Slympicins]

Probably Chinese steal with a high carbon percentage. Really make me rethink buying anything rv again.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[mike3510]

Our 2014 Wildcat 344QB has a BAL frame. Have only had a few trips with it but seems fine. Guess time will tell.


2014 Wildcat 344QB
2004 Ram 2500 4X4 Cummins
Ryde-Ryte Air Bags just to level
Bunch of Friends and Grand-Kids.

[jevanb]

Originally Posted by mike3510

Our 2014 Wildcat 344QB has a BAL frame. Have only had a few trips with it but seems fine. Guess time will tell.


2014 Wildcat 344QB
2004 Ram 2500 4X4 Cummins
Ryde-Ryte Air Bags just to level
Bunch of Friends and Grand-Kids.

When did they change the frame because mine is lippert

from my S4 mini

[jonrjen]

2014

[mikkeeh]

I recently purchased a 2008 Wildcat 28FKBS, (before I heard about the pin box issues. I emailed Forest River and asked which units were affected....Like manufacturing dates...or VIN's. I got no reply.
I emailed Lippert and got a prompt response.....basically..."We are totally unaware of any issues." "Have a nice day."

I guess I know where I stand now!

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by mikkeeh

I recently purchased a 2008 Wildcat 28FKBS, (before I heard about the pin box issues. I emailed Forest River and asked which units were affected....Like manufacturing dates...or VIN's. I got no reply.
I emailed Lippert and got a prompt response.....basically..."We are totally unaware of any issues." "Have a nice day."

I guess I know where I stand now!

Not surprised. They're sweeping it under the rug hoping eventually it all goes away. They're real shysters. More so Lippert than Forest River. As you know Lippert engineered, designed, and supplied these insufficient frames. Lippert is the reason I haven't dropped the money on a toy hauler yet. They really caused a delay due to my now required avoidance from Lippert frames.