WHY? WHY? WHY ARE SO MANY RV FRAMES CRACKING?

Let's dive in and take a look at a chronic problem across the 5th wheel RV industry. There are multiple reports of I-beams cracking on 5th wheel campers, even on some 2024 models. Why is this, who's responsible and what should you do? Dustin Simpson, owner/operator of California RV Specialists has been dealing with this problem and regularly sees it in his RV repair shop. Check out his channel on YouTube to see the horrifying I-beam cracks on RV's. Be proactive and inspect your I-beam areas we address in the video. #rvmaintenance #rvrepairs #rvinspection #rvrenovation #rvcommunity #rvlife #kzdurango #granddesignrv #keystonerv #jayco #jaycorv #forestriver #forestriverrv #riverstone #alliancerv #newgenerationrv #newrvs #rvamerica #rvliving #rvtravel #rvlifestyle #gorving #rvreview #traveltrailer #5thwheel

Dustin Simpson YouTube Channel: @californiarvspecialists1614

[Gopher]

Just spent 3 days under my 20 year old Montana 3295RK replacing Hydraulic lines and cleaning up brake wiring. I was looking for cracks because of all the hype of late… found everything in tact! That’s why I’m sticking to and upgrading my ‘04. Maybe not stylin like the new ones, but it’s not falling apart!

[Itsa_Mea]

Avoiding jack-knifing helps to not get stress cracks. But I'd recommend having crossmembers added to stiffen and tie in together the left and right side spring mounts. If you can't fabricate or have them fabricated, Morryde offers a bolt in kit that anyone can install with basic hand tools and knowledge.

[mzollnerable]

Man! Tough one. If it was me, I'd stay ahead of it by reinforcing all known high stress areas before you have an issue. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[robh]

What all the Youtube channels don't mention is how all the dealers are using this to low ball trade ins. I have a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 311BHS. It has no frame cracks or any other problems. Every dealer I've spoken with about trading it in for an upgraded RV, has offered me extreme low ball offers because it's a Grand Design.

[Capt-John-T-Moore]

We are researching our next Rv and have decided on an ORV model. Their frame build and their suspension system are just 2 of the many things we love about them. Thanks for all the informative video’s. When you going send me some shirts? Size Large remember? lol

[gregwalker]

I am also personally aware of frame failure. I totaled my 5th wheel on my way back from Alaska. I had the frame repaired and it’s better than new. 1. All rv’s are being made lighter & lighter every year. A lighter rv has a larger sales market. If you don’t believe me, look at a 80’s model 5th wheel compared to today. A 80’s model 5th weighing the same as today’s unit is have the size with no slide outs. 2. The engineers designed the new units with consideration for a vertical load and they handle it however NO consideration with taken for the lateral load. Look how thin they’re making the frames. 5th wheels are tall and put a tremendous amount of leverage on that thin frame. The frames have to be tied together. I’m not a engineer, just a rancher with a bit of common sense.

[markhaney]

I added 3 MorRyde X-factor cross braces - these bolt to your existing wet bolt locations and are meant to what the welded cross beams (add on shown in your video) - they reduce flex on the hangers.

The actual MorRyde IS is what I want to do some day with disk brakes, but since I own a 2021 Solitude S-class 2930RL that has already had a frame repair, I am reluctant to throw that much money at it at this point until I have trust that the upper deck framing will hold - had to have cracks welded due to flex and missing lag screws.

Very nice video…😊

[arc]

Good video. I heard you talk about the suspension and the big 5th wheels that people are full timing in and moving every few days in some cases. I am a retired structural engineer and I've been saying for a few years that these massive 5th wheels' frames and suspensions have not been designed to take the excessive weights and wear and tear. I understand the need to keep weight and costs down, but the designs have not kept up with the increased sizes and considerable stresses from continuous moving. You can design anything to handle the design cases, but I don't think they are using or have developed the right design cases. You may end up needing and HDT to tow when it's done properly. I do not have a 5th wheel, but we do camp in a GD Momentum 25G toy hauler. I installed an independent suspension on my trailer. I used the Roadmaster slipper springs system and shock absorber suspension. Works very well. I thought it was an economical and good upgrade. I also put my Hensley Arrow trailer hitch that I've used on two other trailers on the current trailer. I continue to make upgrades and repairs on the trailer as need. Just my two cents. Enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work. Don from Florida.

[RussellSimpson-wo]

This problem has mostly to do with tandem axle tire scrub. The I-beams use were designed originally for use in mobile homes that were transported once and then placed in a permanent location. These beams can handle the straight line downward force (weight) of properly sized beams. The problem is they cannot handle the side loads on the bottom of the beam where the leaf springs attach to the frame. The more the trailer is turned in tight radius turns, the heavier the side load. This is causing the I-beam to try to twist at bottom of beam. As some early in the comments mentioned, providing cross braces between the leaf spring hangers is a must in my opinion. MorRyde makes a simple bolt on version that almost any DYI'er can do. While your at it add in an upgraded equalizer and heavy duty wet bolt shackle kit and you'll have a significantly better suspension. Independent suspension is great but weighs and cost alot, so it's not for everbody.

[InLineDiesel]

From what I've learned about this issue is from many YT videos, Lippert builds frames to the specification of the RV builder. The frame stressing issue seems to be isolated to the larger toy hauler fifth wheel RV and more specifically, Grand Design. There are others brands with the same issue but again, larger fifth wheel toy haulers. I have a 40 foot Montana fiver (3790RD) built in 2015 with the Lippert frame, it weights in at 16, 000 with a pin weight of 3, 000. I have zero issues.

[JohnnyRacerX]

My next RV is NO RV due to the sorry state of the large part of the RV industry. (I currently have a 2021 Lance travel trailer with no known issues). Such a shame...😠

[thecasualrver]

I have the LiquidSpring 4 corner 5 link suspension system on my 2020 Holiday Rambler Vacationer gas class A coach. By far the very best suspension system that money can buy for the Ford F53 gas chassis. I have done a few videos on the suspension. LiquidSpring suspension system is for motorhomes, mainly gas Ford F53 2010 to current chassis, Ford class C E-series, and some select supper C chassis. Very expensive, yes, and not everyone is willing to spend that kind of money on a suspension system. For us it was worth every dollar.

[bobbrinkerhoff]

What seems to be the one thing that the older units that are not failing have in common ? They don't have the massive slide outs on both sides of the trailer . I've got a hunch that they increased the size of the slide outs without increasing the amount of structure in the frame proportionally .

[RV-ER-zegk]

The truth you can’t handle the truth! Well in the last two years I became a certified RV tech and also got my Master Certificate for propane systems in Florida. Have owned over 16 different RV’s over the last 45 years and really enjoy helping people out when their in trouble. But the last year has been a struggle as the units are poorly made, not that they ever where that good, but for two or four weeks a year of use we all got by. I spent the majority of my career as an electronic technician and then a consulting engineer in product safety working with codes and standards. No. 1 culprit the RV industry does not have oversight by an independent third party OSHA approved testing company as they are all self certified. They do not have inspectors from an accredited laboratory check that they are in compliance with published standards. no. 2 culprit they commingle electric with water with line voltage with low voltage and propane big no no and finally the steel used in the frames is substandard and I’ll bet my bottom dollar the steel is too soft, is contaminated with alloys, and suspect carbon levels to name a few. Please someone blow the whistle on this crap what is the grade of steel used?

[Mark-ryye]

I have pretty much decided to add extra metal through the shackles where the springs mount to reinforce the frame. And then cross brace to tie frames together from side to side to prevent flexing. Time to sharpen up my welding skills?😊

[geraldkoth]

Crappy Steel, Crappy Designs, Crappy Welds, Crappy assembly, Crappy Lippert. Way back in 2011 my frame on a travel trailer failed due to crappy welds, crappy assembly (braces left out), welding into the web of the I beams, and surely crappy design. It was Lippert of course. Led to a NHTSA recall. When I did the recall, Advanced Northwest Welding added about 2000 pounds of subframe, proper A frame attachment, and a lot of plating and braces for the spring perches.

[steverobinson]

Yo brother, you need a Cruzin Carsons Cape. You are a stand up dude, as myself . I really appreciate you doing what you do for others. It will be a great day when your video has you guys out in the desert crawling away and laughing out loud. Hek, catch a guila monster, put it on a leash, and walk it into a bar. I was going to do it but never found one. I pray your new RV has zero problems for as long as you own it. Always brother, Steve Robinson

[thatdave]

That 2020 model had SCI USA on the I beam steel, is that Steel construction institute ?
If so do they examine and verify the steel being used ?

[fredmauck]

Just like an accident is an accumulation of errors, this problem is an accumulation. First and foremost, the design lacks enough safety factor in the strength calculations. The design also fails to take into account for the side stesses on the spring hangers during sharp turns. Then you have the RV industry asking for weight savings, so they can add content while the consumer can use less tow vehicle.

[rickyanderson]

Does Sundowner and Logan coach have these issues? I have had older 5th wheels 2006 and 2010 and the frames were much better than new ones.