Forum Discussion

kemer's avatar
kemer
Explorer
Apr 23, 2014

Cracks in body near King Pin

So I go to get my fiver out of the outdoor storage lot a couple weeks ago. The lot owner takes units out and puts them away after use which is nice, just pick up and drop off. When I get there I notice that the "skin" around the hitch area had cracked in a few places. Large enough that I didn't want to tow it and have wind cause further damage. I got a piece of thin plexiglass, some self tapping screws and attached it as a stop gap measure. I'm wondering what would be a good permanent fix. DW wants a friend to cut some sheet metal and fit it in, then paint it. I'm thinking that some bondo or fiberglass repair should work. Not sure if the cracked area is fiberglass or just hard plastic....unit is a 2002 Keystone Montana 29' Suggestions....

9 Replies

  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2014
    Is the panel attached to the kingpin? It may be caused by frame flex or damage if it is but it may be just from temperature extremes or stress fractures. My dads fiver had the same thing occur twice. No problems with the frame. The screws holding the panel on were too tight and allowed for no movement causing a stress crack which spread across the whole front.
  • Grady23's avatar
    Grady23
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2014
    I would completely document the damage via photos before moving it off his lot. Sounds like improper lifting during storage removal or placement. Unless the temps reach somewhere in the -200 degrees, I would find it hard to believe that the "Cold Did It".
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Apr 23, 2014
    kemer wrote:
    Thanks for the info....the only thing I find odd is when we put it into storage last fall, all was fine. We drop it off in a lot and the storage owner uses a tractor to move it to the storage lot. Then when we need it, he pulls it out. We noticed the cracks when we got it out this spring. Now I have no way of knowing if he accidently hit the underside when hooking up. The lube plate was also cracked/broken also(gives me more reason to think of operator accident). Of course, the lot owner won't confess to anything....he maintains that the very cold winter here in MN caused the cracking...sounds like "B" as in "B", "S" as in "S" to me.....


    An issue that my dealer had, was constantly cracking lube plates when using their forklift to move FWs. The cup that they made to go on the fork was simply too deep and it was lifting from the rim of the cup instead of letting the pin bottom out on the fork. This would cause the plate to crack. They cut off about 3/4" from the top of the cup and, problem solved. If there are no marks from bumps on the 'glass, then you really should pull the skin and make sure there's no frame issues.

    Lyle
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2014
    Use the "search" feature top left and type in Lippert frames.
    I'd have it checked out at your dealer or RV repair place.
    Yes my frame is also a Lippert and I watch that pin box area like a hawk.
  • kemer's avatar
    kemer
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2014
    Thanks for the info....the only thing I find odd is when we put it into storage last fall, all was fine. We drop it off in a lot and the storage owner uses a tractor to move it to the storage lot. Then when we need it, he pulls it out. We noticed the cracks when we got it out this spring. Now I have no way of knowing if he accidently hit the underside when hooking up. The lube plate was also cracked/broken also(gives me more reason to think of operator accident). Of course, the lot owner won't confess to anything....he maintains that the very cold winter here in MN caused the cracking...sounds like "B" as in "B", "S" as in "S" to me.....
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Apr 23, 2014
    For cosmetic repairs I have a friend who has done several very nice jobs with some aluminum diamond plate material. He usually buys it in 4' x 8' sheets in the thinner thicknesses so that it's easy to bend and work with. It looks very nice when finished.

    Bill
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 23, 2014
    When you hitch up watch and see how much movement occurs when weight of 5vr is lowered onto hitch

    Check the leading edge on front cap (underside) for broken screws that hold trim on ......sidewalls too

    Then you need to remove the overhang panel (the panel that encloses the pin box structure)

    Inspect pin box structure/frame members for broken welds, ripped metal, torn bracing.

    Your pin box is moving causing the cracking in front cap......this is NOT just a cosmetic issue.

  • Supreme_Oppress's avatar
    Supreme_Oppress
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2014
    I would suggest removing the cracked skin and see if there is a reason it cracked. There may be frame damage from bad welds or inadequate design.

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