cracked tow frame on x-lite

[acris93]

I have a new 2015 Wildwood 26 bhxlr?, the frame has cracked, at the end of the hitch "A" frame, where it connects to the front frame of the trailer itself. If this would have broke off, I would have been towing two propane bottles, and the battery as everything else would have been gone. I have used this trailer once, on mothers day, and pulled it 1200kms, including pickup. Has anyone else had any frame issues?. I have been dealing with my dealer, and Lippert, for three weeks, trying to get this fixed. Not only is the trailer unusable, but it would be an extreme hazard going down the hywway if it did break free.

[larryo]

Aren't you getting any response?

[rana]

You might get a quicker resolve to get a quote from a local welder that will work "on-site" then contact FR directly to get an authorization (written) for the repair work. You would have to wait to get reimbursed, but it would get you up and running the quickest.

Offering a solution beneficial to both parties might help push things along.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by acris93

I have a new 2015 Wildwood 26 bhxlr?, the frame has cracked, at the end of the hitch "A" frame, where it connects to the front frame of the trailer itself. If this would have broke off, I would have been towing two propane bottles, and the battery as everything else would have been gone. I have used this trailer once, on mothers day, and pulled it 1200kms, including pickup. Has anyone else had any frame issues?. I have been dealing with my dealer, and Lippert, for three weeks, trying to get this fixed. Not only is the trailer unusable, but it would be an extreme hazard going down the hywway if it did break free.

That's interesting that a brand new frame cracked. I would like to see a picture of that crack. All these frames are so light weight, It's like an accident waiting to happen. I agree I would find a welder and send the bill in to get your money back, I would call FR first and get autho. First...

[Thekipkers]

Good luck, I was trying to deal with a warranty claim related to the axles being welded out of align, FR said it was Lipperts issue, Lippert said it wasn't an issue although the trailer repair place said it was. I went through a set of tires in less then a year......


SK2 CAMPING CREW
2010 Ford F-350
2015 Wildwood XLite 262BHXL

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by acris93

I have a new 2015 Wildwood 26 bhxlr?, the frame has cracked, at the end of the hitch "A" frame, where it connects to the front frame of the trailer itself. If this would have broke off, I would have been towing two propane bottles, and the battery as everything else would have been gone. I have used this trailer once, on mothers day, and pulled it 1200kms, including pickup. Has anyone else had any frame issues?. I have been dealing with my dealer, and Lippert, for three weeks, trying to get this fixed. Not only is the trailer unusable, but it would be an extreme hazard going down the hywway if it did break free.

Any pics of this?
Pics of the camper as well?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[TURBS]

Appears by this pic the a frame is welded under the main frame not "to it"



TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[acris93]

I hope the pictures uploaded. repairs have been estimated at between $3500- $5000, as the whole "A" frame needs to be replaced, and can not be repaired. Lippert says the work, estimated at about 24 hrs, is two much, even though I got two quotes.

[acris93]

[Gleaner]

Holy Crap My Pants, Batman!
Wow.
1 trip?
Luck to you, Sir.
Hope they step up and take care of you.

[rana]

Maybe I'm missing something.

I would be curious as to "why" they are telling you that it can't be repaired and have to rebuild the entire A-frame.

Even rebuilding the A-frame, I can't imagine taking 24 man hours or near that quote. For $3500 you could buy an entire frame, dual axles + tires, and still have a little change left over. No wonder Lippert is balking. $3500-$5000 is basically asking for $125-$190 an hour (where typical mobile welder rates run more like $75/hour TOPS $100/hour AND that's POST $500 material cost allowance which is outrageous) for 24 man hours to do a 6-8 hour job.

There must be something extenuating going on.....

[TURBS]

Unless I'm missing something, that is not that big of a repair job.

someone is looking to line there pockets.

IMO take it to a true welding shop or have them come to you for an estimate.


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[OntarioFireFighter]

That looks like more damage then just a cracked weld...

The way that strap at the bottom is broken and pushed down - was there any signs of impact damage or anything? Maybe paint overspray or something else to hint at previous damage (during delivery to dealer, maybe)? Did the A-Frame start moving around, separate of the main trailer during towing?

Also, what's the dealership telling you? I would hope and think they'd be bending over backwards to make this sort of major defect right...

Where did you get those $3500-5k estimates from? They seem high, but without knowing the full extent of what needs to be done, and what's being quoted; I'm not going to comment further... there may be more involved then what we see in the pictures here.

Dunno - something here isn't adding up to me...

[acris93]

The first quote I got was from a Welding shop. $3000, keep in mind Im in Canada, and shop rate is Min. $110hr, Materials $600. The entire "A" frame would need to be replaced. Weld the cracks, and fish plate it, is a cheap repair, that I could do my self, but will not as this is a new unit. The second quote I got, was $5000, this was through an R.V. dealership, as Lippert said the first one was to high. this dealer also agreed the "A" frame needed to be replaced right back to where it connects under the trailer, and the front beam which it goes through would need to be replaced with something stronger than what was used as it twisted.

[TURBS]

@ the very minimum I'd report this with pictures to the nhsta!

This is DEFINITELY a safety and manufacturing defect issue that should be addressed!


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[acris93]

Damage did first appear when I picked unit up and got it home. All the screws on the bottom of the rock guard, had fallen out. I did not notice at the time, the beam under the front was bending causing the screws to dislodge. It was only after replacing the screws, and they fell out again that I noticed the damage was more severe. I have been talking to my dealer for over three weeks, not having any luck as they are the middle person, dealing with Lippert....

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by acris93

Damage did first appear when I picked unit up and got it home. All the screws on the bottom of the rock guard, had fallen out. I did not notice at the time, the beam under the front was bending causing the screws to dislodge. It was only after replacing the screws, and they fell out again that I noticed the damage was more severe. I have been talking to my dealer for over three weeks, not having any luck as they are the middle person, dealing with Lippert....

Have you tried contacting lippert directly?


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[SuicideSaints]

WOW! That is a problem! I would try Lippert and FR direct if your dealer cant get it done. I know it is frustrating but be nice but firm, do not start out by just screaming at them (I know that may be hard). I would also do as Turbs said and report it to the NHTSA!

[strat56]

I'm assuming that no one is suggesting that this was caused by the tongue of the trailer being dropped and it's a warranty issue. In that case I'd take it to the dealer and drop it off and say "Fix it. If I haven't heard from you in two weeks my attorney will be in touch."

[acris93]

if i could send it to the dealer i would, and put a big siqn on it saying they sold a unsafe unit, unfortunatly the dealer is 400kms from me