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Old 12-21-2023, 11:44 AM   #1
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CAUTION ! (Frame problems)

Just wanted to share some info, take a look at your frame a little more often for safety reasons.
I thought I had checked mine, Not good enough I guess.
We have a 2017 Cardinal 3250, Stored indoors in Arizona.
I'm always crawling around looking at stuff, Just didn't look behind the tires enough I guess.
The top 2 are the passenger side rear inside and outside, the second 2 are driver side front and slide bracket.
You need to put slides out and remove tires to get a good look.
Oh and it gets worse...
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Old 12-21-2023, 12:05 PM   #2
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Perhaps a more descriptive thread title than “CAUTION!” would help others know whether to read the thread or skip.
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Old 12-21-2023, 12:45 PM   #3
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I’m not really sure what we are looking at. The worst I’m seeing is surface rust on welds. Please correct me if I’m missing something.
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Old 12-21-2023, 12:48 PM   #4
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Hmm i see the frame cracks
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Old 12-21-2023, 12:58 PM   #5
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Perhaps a more descriptive thread title than “CAUTION!” would help others know whether to read the thread or skip.
Thread title edited by site team.
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Old 12-21-2023, 01:01 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by jjscsix View Post
I’m not really sure what we are looking at. The worst I’m seeing is surface rust on welds. Please correct me if I’m missing something.
Frame cracks and some pretty sketchy welding.
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Old 12-21-2023, 01:22 PM   #7
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Thanks for the help on the title, although it got some attention.
what I am trying to show is major frame cracks.
we do use our camper quite often, but I thought that's what they were made for.
I didn't think the frame would crack this bad. Not sure if it's just the rotten roads or what else it could be, the bracing the frame came with is not adequate obviously.
Replaced my leaf springs about 6 months ago didn't notice anything, we have broken many shackles (at least 3 ) upgraded to the moreride 1/2" thick ones maybe thats what did it?
This is on the passenger side, not the side with all the wight the residential fridge, oven, microwave are on the other side.
Here's what happened to the center bracket. not good. broken caliper.
I noticed coming home last trip getting of the 40 freeway I had no trailer brakes, made it home and looked with disbelief at what I saw.
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Old 12-21-2023, 01:34 PM   #8
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Ditto, the cracks and welding are awful.

I would recommend someone professional looking this over.

I would remove those plates and weld in some real metal.

I had reinforcements added to our fifth wheel for the hangers. Those pieces of sheet metal with the boogers on them are a joke.

We had our rv fully inspected. We reinforced a bunch. Not cheap!
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Old 12-21-2023, 01:42 PM   #9
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That new pic is really bad!

If that fails completely something awful will happen! Soon!
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Old 12-21-2023, 01:46 PM   #10
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That new pic is really bad!

If that fails completely something awful will happen! Soon!
That is truly bad, and it will fail sooner than later when you're on the road. That will be a bad day.
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Old 12-21-2023, 03:27 PM   #11
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I would not move that rv more than 100’ as is.

You are one pothole from a roll over!

You need to work hard finding someone to do the work.

The tires are toast likely. This type of issue is common. I had mine reinforced. Those tabs that stick down the suspension is bolted to are a known weak point. Cost about $1200 to do the job right. I bet you will need an axle or two.

This will be a five figure deal likely. Save up.

Research someone to do it close. Not a DIY project. You need a certified welder.

Good repair shops are booking 5-6 months out.
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Old 12-21-2023, 03:33 PM   #12
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First, I feel your pain.
On my rig, the rear-most spring hangers broke clean off. And a main leaf spring on the rear axle curb side broke in half.

But what you have there is a complete, utter disaster.

I believe this can be repaired satisfactorily by a mobile welder.
My Dad was certified to weld on nuclear containment vessels. This job would be easy for him.

What he'd do:
1. Jack the trailer and block it so it's supported by the frame.
2. Remove the suspension to enable him to work unfettered.
3. Disconnect and remove, or otherwise protect wiring and propane lines.
4. And now down to business:
4-A. Grind out the cracks and weld them...preferably from the opposite side of step 4-B to allow flush application of a fishplate.
4-B. "Fishplate" a repair over the cracked portion of the frame. An extra layer of steel, perhaps 1/4" thick to reinforce the repair weld and stiffen that section of the frame.
4-C. Replace the pathetic gussets tack welded to your frame with stronger gussets (again, 1/4" plate) welded the full length of the gusset.
4-D. Remove the spring hangers and reinforce the frame and add gussets to prevent twisting of the frame by the spring hangars.

This is an extremely abridged description of the repair, but a GOOD, reputable welder will know how to do the job and do it well.

The more you can do in advance to prep for the job, the less it will cost you for the welder. Ideally, you'd have the rig up on blocks, the suspension/axles removed, and a good, stout bottle jack on hand for the welder to use to straighten the frame a bit before doing the work...if the frame has sagged at all. Paying welder prices to have the welder do this prep work will be costly.

Several caveats.
This job entails HEAVY welding on the frame...which can translate to LOTS OF HEAT transferring to the flooring in your rig. Planning the job to allow time for cooling between welds on smaller portions of the job will be important. Unlike replacing spring hangars and adding gussets around the spring hangers, welding on such large sections of the frame will transfer enough heat to the floor of the rig to raise concerns. Someone must be on standby with a fire extinguisher. And the welder must perform each section of the job in phases.

You will add considerable weight to the rig. Weigh your materials before installing them (fishplate, gussets, etc.) and REDUCE your cargo carrying capacity accordingly when the job is done. You will likely add between 100 qand 200 pounds of steel to the frame. Whatever the weight, it must come off your CCC or you'll overload the rig.

All of this structural abuse suggests that your tires have endured abuse from misalignment. Inspect your tires carefully and replace as needed.

LAST THOUGHT: This is a long shot, but before you do anything, you might want to look into a factory replacement of the frame. While your rig is "old"...2017 modelj, this kind of catastrophic failure might fall under the purview your state's or federal DOT and/or NHTSA or similar. This kind of disintegration of your frame is a highway safety issue...far beyond the scope of a standard warranty repair. It's the kind of thing that might lead to a recall. I wouldn't know where to begin looking, but there's a slim but real chance that you could get a whole new frame or rig out of this. Again a LONG SHOT. Pursue this angle if you think it might be worthwhile.

PS A friend who is also an NFS camp host had significant structural problems with his fiver. He brought it to Elkhart, IN, and they completely overhauled the rig to repair the structural issues, and they set up his wife and him in a loaner while they performed the work. His rig was newer, but far from brand new. That's part of the motivation for the comment above.
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Old 12-21-2023, 05:47 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by jeepin1 View Post
Thanks for the help on the title, although it got some attention.
what I am trying to show is major frame cracks.
we do use our camper quite often, but I thought that's what they were made for.
I didn't think the frame would crack this bad. Not sure if it's just the rotten roads or what else it could be, the bracing the frame came with is not adequate obviously.
Replaced my leaf springs about 6 months ago didn't notice anything, we have broken many shackles (at least 3 ) upgraded to the moreride 1/2" thick ones maybe thats what did it?
This is on the passenger side, not the side with all the wight the residential fridge, oven, microwave are on the other side.
Here's what happened to the center bracket. not good. broken caliper.
I noticed coming home last trip getting of the 40 freeway I had no trailer brakes, made it home and looked with disbelief at what I saw.

Looking at this picture and your earlier mention of "broken springs might also cause one to ask "how fast do you drive on rough roads?" There's appears to be some impact damage from an axle in this pic and the equalizer bracket's failure is certainly possible related to what caused springs to break.
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Old 12-21-2023, 07:22 PM   #14
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Looking at this picture and your earlier mention of "broken springs might also cause one to ask "how fast do you drive on rough roads?" There's appears to be some impact damage from an axle in this pic and the equalizer bracket's failure is certainly possible related to what caused springs to break.
X2 also have you weighed your rig. What is actual weight compare to gross weight?
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Old 12-22-2023, 12:13 AM   #15
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Looking at this picture and your earlier mention of "broken springs might also cause one to ask "how fast do you drive on rough roads?" There's appears to be some impact damage from an axle in this pic and the equalizer bracket's failure is certainly possible related to what caused springs to break.
I appreciate your response, didn't have any broken springs, lots of miles so I thought it was a good time to replace them. I cruise around 65mph, when roads are fair, bad roads like most of them out there depending I will slow down when I realize its not getting any better.
Good point.
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Old 12-22-2023, 12:14 AM   #16
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X2 also have you weighed your rig. What is actual weight compare to gross weight?
Another good point I haven't weighed the rig in awhile its time.
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Old 12-22-2023, 12:18 AM   #17
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jimmoore13
I like your comments and they make a lot of sense. as far as fish plating I was afraid the more welds I put there the more chance of cracking next to the welds.
Thanks for the comments.
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Old 12-22-2023, 12:32 AM   #18
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Well here is my final note on this, we have had so many problems with this 5th wheel, it's time to just keep repairing and repairing and repairing.
We enjoy it when its working we enjoy it most of the time, fortunately I am able at this time to keep repairing it as needed.
As is noted by many others they are not meant to be driven on the road just look pretty at the Dealers lots.
And ours still looks pretty.

Here is my repair, I put gussets on both sides along with welding both sides, also put gussets on the other side.
Still need to find a new brake caliper, hope it last to Alaska and back this next summer, will be keeping a close eye on this repair and many others I'm sure.
Safe Travels all, just wanted to note to all check your frame it's hard to see without a little work.
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Old 12-22-2023, 12:07 PM   #19
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I would contact the frame manufactor and give them hell for putting people at risk and also file a report with https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#equipment. I know those 2 things likely will not change anything but would make me feel better. Good luck and enjoy the Alaska trip.
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Old 12-22-2023, 12:56 PM   #20
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Ditto, the cracks and welding are awful.
X2! That rig has had some "rough service". Take a look at how the axle has hit the frame!
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