Frame cracks on freedom express 246 rks

[Nickrenfro]

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..

[SeaDog]

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.

[MR.M]

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

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

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.

[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

[rockfordroo]

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!

[TheGerman]

This might help:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...7V611-1558.PDF

[Bluepill]

Sorry for your troubles. Great reminder for all of us to check our chassis at least once per season.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Originally Posted by TheGerman

This might help:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...7V611-1558.PDF

This looks to be the answer

[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.

[MaineCampingFan]

Pics of mine.

[MaineCampingFan]

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?

[rockfordroo]

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

[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 !

[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!

[MaineCampingFan]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

"Well, do you feel lucky, PUNK?" - Dirty Harry

Yep....roll the dice~

[MaineCampingFan]

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.

[MaineCampingFan]

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.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

So is it as designed, or is it recalled?

[MaineCampingFan]

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.