Failed Frame Welds

[jerrybeaird]

Just returned from a trip to Galveston.... My 21RBS welds have no cracks.  I guess mine had a good welder on the day it was built.

[redbox15]

Camplite 16TBS 2015 build 10/2014 about 12,000 miles on it. Check frame welds today they all looked good and all tank bolts were tight.

[davesworld]

Same here. Camped and winterized my 2015 13BHB last Saturday and found no cracks... but welds were not perfect. Also,  I was curious to see if my magnet would stick to walls and it didn't.

[happyhiker]

I appreciate this thread and so I got under my 2014 14DB "Offroad" version to take a look.  Although I am no expert, I think the welds are generally ok.  I did however, have some concerns about the welding work at the axle brackets.  I have attached a typical picture of those welds and was wonderning if anyone has any thoughts about whether these appear adequate.   It appears as if the brackets have three areas of weld on each side of the bracket as opposed to a continous bead of welding down the entire length of the bracket.  Since this bracket holds the entire axle in place, needless to say, I am somewhat concerned about the integrity of this weld.
 
I took the trailer on a 12000 mile trip in 2014 through the Rockies from Florida.  I had several "quality control" issues which have been resolved (cabinets not screwed into walls, cable tv coaxial not connected to outside etc), but didn't even think about inspecting the welds.

So the queston is, should I have these inspected by an expert or I am neelessly worrying about nothing?


Thanks.

ps  I used to deal with Don Neuflelder (sp) at Livin Lite but I guess he is no longer around.  I left a voice mail for a Dan with Casey RV as I was informed that they are managing Livin Lite.  Does anyone have any suggestions on the best person to contact regarding this issue?

[djsamuel]

This is a post from Livin Lite's djmiller regarding Dan's replacement:

The NEW number is (260) 768-2099. Don is no longer with Livinlite. Brandon Harker has taken his place.

If there is not a Livinlite dealer close to you, you may contact any RV dealer. If they are willing to work on your camper they will contact us for a warranty authorization which they will complete and return for approval. Once approved, the work is completed. If parts are needed they will be shipped directly to them. This procedure is pretty much standard throughout the industry.



This information is in the owners manual however because of our moves, the numbers and contact information is not correct. The new owners manuals have the corrected addresses and contact information.

[happyhiker]

Thank you for your prompt reply and the information.  Since I note that you are in Central Florida (as am I), do you have any suggestions for inspections?.  The two in Central Florida that used to sell Livin Lite (Como in Inverness and RV World in Lakeland) are no longer listed as dealers and I have a feeling that they would not be interested.


I should also mention that my written warranty at the time of purchase stated that I had a 3 year strucrtural warranty so in response to a previous post about this issue, I think it is clearly a structural issue that goes beyond the typical 1 year warranty.

[djsamuel]

[quote timestamp="1479324391" author="@happyhiker" source="/post/25845/thread"]Thank you for your prompt reply and the information.  Since I note that you are in Central Florida (as am I), do you have any suggestions for inspections?.  The two in Central Florida that used to sell Livin Lite (Como in Inverness and RV World in Lakeland) are no longer listed as dealers and I have a feeling that they would not be interested.


I should also mention that my written warranty at the time of purchase stated that I had a 3 year strucrtural warranty so in response to a previous post about this issue, I think it is clearly a structural issue that goes beyond the typical 1 year warranty.
[/quote]First of all, the welds look fine to me, similar to those in the same area of my 21BHS.  Welds do not need to be continuous, and often are not.  They just need to be able to bear the forces exerted on it, and intermittent welds are common and often required.  

I purchased my 21BHS at RV World at Lakeland, and I've taken it back there for service when my A/C went.  I purchased the extended warranty from them and they had no issue working on the Camplite even though they no longer carry them.  In fact, the techs were telling me that they miss selling them because they like them so much.

Lazy Days RV near Tampa carries the Camplites and have a large service area. [a href="https://www.lazydays.com/"]Here's their web site.[/a]

Hope this helps!

[happyhiker]

DJ,

Thanks for the contact information and the thoughts on dealers/service.  I did speak with Brandon and Dan with LL (who were both prompt in responding to me) and I understand they are looking it over and will get back with me.  I still believe that a continuous bead weld should have been performed at these points, given the ease with which it could have been done and the critical nature of these welds.  I certainly welcome any other thoughts on the issue from the knowledgeable owners on this board. 

[charliem]

[quote timestamp="1479362402" author="@jlcere" source="/post/25854/thread"]Do you know if the Camplite 32rls fifth wheels has the same issues? I'm currently in negotiation to replace my Camplite 28bhs by that model...
Thanks  [/quote][font size="3"]I've not seen anything reported on the 32s or 28s. My guess is it's not a problem because they were built well before the Thor disruption. [/font]

[david]

The CL fifth wheel models have a steel frame, so welding is easier and somewhat less critical.

David

[happyhiker]

Just as a follow up to my prior posts, Dan M. at LL indicated that he spoke with production and production confirmed that the method depicted (three welds across the side and the ends of the bracket welded) is how they are normally done.  As DJ suggested in his post, Dan at LL advised that they do not normally place a continuous weld all the way across the bracket.  

I also spoke with a local welder who indicated that the method is dependent on the mechanical and load requirements and the shop drawings.  The welder stated that a continuous weld could create too much tension which could increase the likelihood of a weld fracture.   The local welder also stated that most welders would not want to touch this without more specific instruction from the factory.  I am therefore led to conclude that the method is appropriate and free from any structural issue.  

[redbox15]

Had Trailer winterized by dealer and told them about welds cracking so they reinspected Camplite 16TBS 10/14 found small cracks on tongue area. Dealer call LL was told to have area re welded and send them the bill. You know I was told that this was a life time trailer but now i see this was not true, We love our trailer and paid more then we would have for anther trailer now i think we all have been lied too. Not cool man.

[daplumbr]

[quote source="/post/26098/thread" author="@redbox15" timestamp="1480227497"]Had Trailer winterized by dealer and told them about welds cracking so they reinspected Camplite 16TBS 10/14 found small cracks on tongue area. Dealer call LL was told to have area re welded and send them the bill. You know I was told that this was a life time trailer but now i see this was not true, We love our trailer and paid more then we would have for anther trailer now i think we all have been lied too. Not cool man.[/quote]I appreciate this follow up. It made me realize I should get ours professionally inspected and not just rely on my semi-educated guess about welds. Especially in the critical tongue area. 

[david]

Had Trailer winterized by dealer and told them about welds cracking so they reinspected Camplite 16TBS 10/14 found small cracks on tongue area. Dealer call LL was told to have area re welded and send them the bill. You know I was told that this was a life time trailer but now i see this was not true, We love our trailer and paid more then we would have for anther trailer now i think we all have been lied too. Not cool man.

I appreciate this follow up. It made me realize I should get ours professionally inspected and not just rely on my semi-educated guess about welds. Especially in the critical tongue area. 

There isn't much a "professional inspector" will do other than look for cracks, which you can do as well as he. And don't for a minute think that the average RV mechanic knows anything about aluminum welds.

David

[happyhiker]

I inspected every one of my welds and took pictures for later reference.  I didn't number the photos and the welds so it may be difficult going back and looking at the comparisons, but at least it is a start. 

At least Redbox had a dealer that would look at it.  Both of the Florida LL dealers in my area dropped the brand and the closest dealer is some distance away, although perhaps other RV dealers would be willing to do so.  

I tend to think that it should also be examined by a professional but I hate to incur the cost and I am concerned that he may look it over and tell me how sub par the welds are.  Ignorance is bliss.  At least I know they aren't fractured.  This is definitely going to have to be included as a check list item before any tow of more than a few miles.