bent frame?

[j free]

I have a Columbus F370FL and I just bought it in September. I took it out on its 1st trip and when I got back home I noticed the fiberglass on the side of the unit above the king pin cracked and separated about 1/2 inch. I took it to my dealer and after some time they opened it up and found that several welds holding the frame together had broke and the frame was twisted and bent. They called Forest River and the manufacture has now taken mt 5th wheel to Indiana to be torn down and repaired. My Question has anyone else out there had such a problem and I don't know if even when its returned If I can trust this 5th wheel in the future.

[geotex1]

Try the search feature here. I have read many posts discussing 5er cracks, and even recall one model it was attributed to a missed weld of the aluminum wall framing that several forum members have experienced. Moreover, 5er cracks are nothing new (unfortunately). However, I'm sure FR will get your rolling again soon and very likely put a little more effort into, which you are already getting with it going back to the factory versus dealer repair. Best of luck to you and hope you're camping again soon!

[bikendan]

almost always, when taken back to the factory, it comes back in better shape and often with new freebies included.

[j free]

Thanks I hope to be back on the road soon. I have a three week Nascar trip starting March 1st. Vegas, pir, and SoCal. They have about 5 weeks to get it back to me or I'm in trouble.

[Rstrahan]

A proper weld is a proper weld. The fact that they are opening it up and putting multiple sets of eyeballs on it is better than 'Joe', on the production line, rushing a weld on a Friday afternoon so he can go hit the bar. You should be just fine.

[amxpress]

I wouldn't be surprised if they replaced the frame, not weld it. If it is welded, they'll probably call Lippert and have them send a welder over to the plant, which is located nearby.
Good luck.

[BigTJohn]

Replaced frame would be a new trailer. If you ever saw how these things are built, trying to replace a frame would be a nightmare. Re-welding id's the most logical. Getting it back in 5 weeks, unrealistic. Figure 2-3 months.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by BigTJohn

Replaced frame would be a new trailer. If you ever saw how these things are built, trying to replace a frame would be a nightmare. Re-welding id's the most logical. Getting it back in 5 weeks, unrealistic. Figure 2-3 months.

I agree with this Opinion! Youroo!!

[KyDan]

Originally Posted by BigTJohn

Getting it back in 5 weeks, unrealistic. Figure 2-3 months.

Unfortunately I agree with this.... sorry!

If I were you I'd call the factory and get someone there in your corner and
stay in contact with them. Let them know your plans and ask for a completion date. Good luck!

[j free]

I have been in touch with Jerry at forest river and he says 99% he will have the 5th wheel back to be in time to head out on march 1st for 3 weeks of Nascar. That would mean that it would have to leave the plant by Feb 20th to get back to me in time. But I am still keeping in touch weekly to check progress.

[KyDan]

Keep us posted and please post a follow up when you get it back!
We're rooting for you!

[vinmaker]

Yes. Keep us posted.

We hope it works out well.

[BiigDaddy]

Originally Posted by bikendan

almost always, when taken back to the factory, it comes back in better shape and often with new freebies included.

I can attest to that. My '11 Puma went to the factory for major repairs and came back with all kinds of upgrades and goodies, from fancy wheels to options I didn't have before. You'll be okay!

[jimmyt11664]

Did you get your RV back in the time they quoted you? Curious minds want to know and update?

[vinmaker]

Originally Posted by jimmyt11664

Did you get your RV back in the time they quoted you? Curious minds want to know and update?

Yes. Please tell.