Diagnosing Lippert Frame issue with my Cougar
Read lots of posts about similar issue with the front cross member splitting on my frame. I have the cabinets getting torn apart similar to pics I have seen in these threads, so suspecting the same c...
Forum Discussion
The plywood floor sits on the steel frame and moves as the frame flexes. If the front crossmember is failing, then the floor directly above the pin box will have the most movement. Also, generally the interior skin of the front wall sits on top of the floor (or is attached to it) and so majority of wall damage will also be above the pin box.
However, the sidewalls don't sit on the outside frame rails but usually have horizontal bolts thru the aluminum frame and then thru the box steel frame. So, they are about 4 inches long and they can become loose and elongate the holes in the aluminum framing and allowing the sidewalls to flex too much. If the damage you are seeing is worse at the side walls, then this is the likely problem. Some brands insert wood blocks into the hollow aluminum tubing to minimize this issue. You will need to drop the skin under the bedroom floor and remove the front cap to gain access to the open end of the aluminum frame. Custom steel inserts would be better than soft wood. If new bolts are needed, then the sidewall skin will need to be pulled off as well.
However, the sidewalls don't sit on the outside frame rails but usually have horizontal bolts thru the aluminum frame and then thru the box steel frame. So, they are about 4 inches long and they can become loose and elongate the holes in the aluminum framing and allowing the sidewalls to flex too much. If the damage you are seeing is worse at the side walls, then this is the likely problem. Some brands insert wood blocks into the hollow aluminum tubing to minimize this issue. You will need to drop the skin under the bedroom floor and remove the front cap to gain access to the open end of the aluminum frame. Custom steel inserts would be better than soft wood. If new bolts are needed, then the sidewall skin will need to be pulled off as well.
