|
|
08-26-2018, 01:05 PM
|
#1
|
Take it easy,but take it
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 87
|
Frame cracks on freedom express 246 rks
Hi all--Just noticed 2 cracks on the frame of my 2014 freedom express 246 rks-one on the lt. and one on the right---these cracks are not at the spring shackle mounts to the frame,.. but just at the outer floor to frame brackets.. is this a HUGE CONCERN--they do not interfere with the suspension--yet--also have a prob. with my slide (lt. side rear)seems to be sagging on the rear and tearing up the seal on the under side of the slide--could this be caused by the crack at the body mount on the lt. side ? I have 4 photos--hope they come up..
|
|
|
08-26-2018, 02:22 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: x
Posts: 12,423
|
I don't know if these cracks are the reason your slide is but the center web of the frame I beam is flexing and cracking. I believe I wold stop drill the crack and weld doublers to the inside and outside of the frame I beam in that location to stop the movement and stiffen the frame there.
__________________
Retired Navy
Jake my sidekick (yellow Lab) 10/04 - 05/20
2017 RAM 2500 CC 4X4 Cummins Diesel
2016 Flagstaff 26 FKWS
AF&AM & El Korah Shrine of Idaho
|
|
|
08-26-2018, 02:30 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 4,057
|
no excuse for this kind of stuff to happen . to think these units are designed by engineers is a joke, more like backyard mechanics and it shows through out most units . high school tech students could do better
|
|
|
08-26-2018, 06:08 PM
|
#4
|
Carknocker Family
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 690
|
The crack you have labeled LF looks like a price of rectangular tubing is sealed to other side. Is there?
Same with other, just not as semertical.
Is this right above the axels? If so, your frame maybe flexing in turns and causing this failure.
Problem is, the factory is using to light of a gauge of steel in the frames to reduce weight and cost, IMO.
Best advice I can give is what has already been said. Drill at end of crack to stop and with a compitant welder. Sandwich with steel on both sides to stiffen and repair.
Do this with your slide in so maybe, /hopefully it stays square and your problems with it will be fixed afterwards.
|
|
|
08-26-2018, 09:36 PM
|
#5
|
Take it easy,but take it
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 87
|
frame cracks
The half square metal is located above the shakel bracket above spring end. Several inches away is the crack around the bottom of bracket.attatched from floor extension to frame..To light of steel IS the problem..I will have my extended warranty cover this at the end of the camping season---Then un load this unit...To bad,i really like this TT. Yes ,drill at the ends of the cracks to stop the spread of the crack,then fish plate both sides,,But i think this problem will continue to plague this line..will let you all know what goes down...cheers
|
|
|
08-26-2018, 09:52 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickrenfro
The half square metal is located above the shakel bracket above spring end. Several inches away is the crack around the bottom of bracket.attatched from floor extension to frame..To light of steel IS the problem.. I will have my extended warranty cover this at the end of the camping season---Then un load this unit...To bad,i really like this TT. Yes ,drill at the ends of the cracks to stop the spread of the crack,then fish plate both sides,,But i think this problem will continue to plague this line..will let you all know what goes down...cheers
|
I would not wait. This is only going to get worse!
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
|
|
|
08-26-2018, 10:11 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 316
|
|
|
|
08-26-2018, 11:06 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 1,645
|
Sorry for your troubles. Great reminder for all of us to check our chassis at least once per season.
__________________
2019 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2015 T12RBST Flagstaff Hardside
Disclaimer: The actual value of my "Two Cents" of advice varies just like a bitcoin.
|
|
|
08-27-2018, 12:44 PM
|
#9
|
Carknocker Family
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 690
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGerman
|
This looks to be the answer
|
|
|
08-27-2018, 01:36 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Maine
Posts: 222
|
Ironically....
While looking for how mice were entering the TT, came across cracked frame as well. It's a 2015 built in 2014. Pics are clear, however the OP photos look very similar.
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 246 RKS (Sold 2021)
2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 295RL
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 LTZ
Days camping previous years: Not Enough
Days camping in 2021: Still Not Enough
|
|
|
08-27-2018, 01:37 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Maine
Posts: 222
|
Pics of mine.
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 246 RKS (Sold 2021)
2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 295RL
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 LTZ
Days camping previous years: Not Enough
Days camping in 2021: Still Not Enough
|
|
|
08-27-2018, 02:14 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Maine
Posts: 222
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaineCampingFan
While looking for how mice were entering the TT, came across cracked frame as well. It's a 2015 built in 2014. Pics are clear, however the OP photos look very similar.
|
And the question of the day.....do I go on the last trip of the year with it in this condition?
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 246 RKS (Sold 2021)
2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 295RL
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 LTZ
Days camping previous years: Not Enough
Days camping in 2021: Still Not Enough
|
|
|
08-27-2018, 04:16 PM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaineCampingFan
And the question of the day.....do I go on the last trip of the year with it in this condition?
|
"Well, do you feel lucky, PUNK?" - Dirty Harry
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
|
|
|
08-27-2018, 05:18 PM
|
#14
|
Take it easy,but take it
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 87
|
Well I have one maybe two camp trips left--I'm going to use it till the snow falls..Then they can repair it--Looks as tho Forrest river will fix the Lippert frame--Will know soon...I hope !
|
|
|
08-27-2018, 06:30 PM
|
#15
|
Carknocker Family
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 690
|
After rereading the recall, I hope the frame stiffeners are not that piece of angle iron welded between the flanges right above the spring perch!
|
|
|
08-28-2018, 09:34 AM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Maine
Posts: 222
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockfordroo
"Well, do you feel lucky, PUNK?" - Dirty Harry
|
Yep....roll the dice~
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 246 RKS (Sold 2021)
2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 295RL
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 LTZ
Days camping previous years: Not Enough
Days camping in 2021: Still Not Enough
|
|
|
08-28-2018, 09:36 AM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Maine
Posts: 222
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickrenfro
Well I have one maybe two camp trips left--I'm going to use it till the snow falls..Then they can repair it--Looks as tho Forrest river will fix the Lippert frame--Will know soon...I hope !
|
Have contacted FR and received a very quick reply with a request for additional photos, so they could contact LCI. Have to say I was impressed with the quick reply.
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 246 RKS (Sold 2021)
2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 295RL
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 LTZ
Days camping previous years: Not Enough
Days camping in 2021: Still Not Enough
|
|
|
08-28-2018, 09:39 AM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Maine
Posts: 222
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ida Ratherbe Camping
After rereading the recall, I hope the frame stiffeners are not that piece of angle iron welded between the flanges right above the spring perch!
|
That is exactly what it is. In the whole scheme of the design and fabrication, I'm not sure how that thin sheet could stiffen the frame in that area. However, I am not an engineer nor welder.
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 246 RKS (Sold 2021)
2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 295RL
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 LTZ
Days camping previous years: Not Enough
Days camping in 2021: Still Not Enough
|
|
|
08-28-2018, 09:45 AM
|
#19
|
Carknocker Family
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 690
|
So is it as designed, or is it recalled?
|
|
|
08-28-2018, 09:49 AM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Maine
Posts: 222
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ida Ratherbe Camping
This looks to be the answer
|
Perhaps, however I believe the OP's unit as well as mine have the stiffeners in place and are outside the recall. Given that the apparent solution is not working as intended, maybe it is time to expand the recall.
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 246 RKS (Sold 2021)
2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 295RL
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 LTZ
Days camping previous years: Not Enough
Days camping in 2021: Still Not Enough
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|