Towing '08 Cedar Creek Day Dreamer(34RETSD) from Reno to Georgia I experienced a catastrophic frame failure behind the front axle(first indication of something wrong was left rear tire going flat from chaffing on slideout driveshaft). Didn't know, at the time, that frame had rolled over toward right side of trailer. I jammed the driveshaft out of the way of the tire and drove on. Did't find out reason for chaffing until months later when I was getting it ready to sell. Insurance won't cover it and Lippert and Forest River are un-responsive. It's unrepairable, untowable and unsellable. Still owe a ton of money on it. Anyone had similar experience or know of anyone who straightens/strengthens trailer frames? I've had two adjusters tell me that it's a total. Nothing left to do but relinquish it back to lender.

I would find a welding shop willing to take a look at it They might be able to repair the frame.

I am really sorry for your problem. I would have it looked at by a frame alignment specialist. So what can the rest of us learn from this? Note the manufacturer's response or lack thereof. Yet another down side to financing an RV? Best of luck my friend

A compenent fabricator/welder should be able to fix the frame issues easily.Lippert has had its share of frame issues, but on an 8 year old RV how can you blame FR and Lippert? How many curbs did you jump? How many large pot holes have you driven over? See, if I was a warrenty person and you contacted me I could come up with lots of questionsmand reasons to deny any claims, especially age.Not trying to be nasty, but really after 8 years and you expect some warrenty compensation? I understand your frustration, but after this long it really is up to you to get it fixed right, not the factory.

LESHUB1963 wrote:Towing '08 Cedar Creek Day Dreamer(34RETSD) from Reno to Georgia I experienced a catastrophic frame failure behind the front axle(first indication of something wrong was left rear tire going flat from chaffing on slideout driveshaft). Didn't know, at the time, that frame had rolled over toward right side of trailer. I jammed the driveshaft out of the way of the tire and drove on. Did't find out reason for chaffing until months later when I was getting it ready to sell. Insurance won't cover it and Lippert and Forest River are un-responsive. It's unrepairable, untowable and unsellable. Still owe a ton of money on it. Anyone had similar experience or know of anyone who straightens/strengthens trailer frames? I've had two adjusters tell me that it's a total. Nothing left to do but relinquish it back to lender.Well, seems your first issue is that you didn't stop and ask yourself at the time, Why is my tire suddenly rubbing on the slideout drive shaft!!!!I agree with many here that this should not be a costly or complicated repair. I would believe that and good welding and/or trailer frame repair sgop should be able to fix.

Chances are - it is repairable. Your best bet, as much as you may loath the idea, is to contact the manufacturer and find out what they can do to fix it and how much it would cost. It may surprise you, but they may even end up being helpful and willing to work out a mutually acceptable deal; if you go in with the right attitude. As much as it may tick you off, they are not going to give you a free pass on a 8 year old trailer. But, they may be work out a deal if you are calm and non-accusatory.

Forest River bent frame | Good Sam Community

Tyler0215
Explorer
Oct 06, 2016
I would find a welding shop willing to take a look at it They might be able to repair the frame.
Oasisbob
Explorer
Oct 06, 2016
I am really sorry for your problem. I would have it looked at by a frame alignment specialist. So what can the rest of us learn from this? Note the manufacturer's response or lack thereof. Yet another down side to financing an RV? Best of luck my friend
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 06, 2016
A compenent fabricator/welder should be able to fix the frame issues easily.
Lippert has had its share of frame issues, but on an 8 year old RV how can you blame FR and Lippert? How many curbs did you jump? How many large pot holes have you driven over? See, if I was a warrenty person and you contacted me I could come up with lots of questionsmand reasons to deny any claims, especially age.
Not trying to be nasty, but really after 8 years and you expect some warrenty compensation? I understand your frustration, but after this long it really is up to you to get it fixed right, not the factory.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2016
LESHUB1963 wrote:
Towing '08 Cedar Creek Day Dreamer(34RETSD) from Reno to Georgia I experienced a catastrophic frame failure behind the front axle(first indication of something wrong was left rear tire going flat from chaffing on slideout driveshaft). Didn't know, at the time, that frame had rolled over toward right side of trailer. I jammed the driveshaft out of the way of the tire and drove on. Did't find out reason for chaffing until months later when I was getting it ready to sell. Insurance won't cover it and Lippert and Forest River are un-responsive. It's unrepairable, untowable and unsellable. Still owe a ton of money on it. Anyone had similar experience or know of anyone who straightens/strengthens trailer frames? I've had two adjusters tell me that it's a total. Nothing left to do but relinquish it back to lender.

Well, seems your first issue is that you didn't stop and ask yourself at the time, Why is my tire suddenly rubbing on the slideout drive shaft!!!!

I agree with many here that this should not be a costly or complicated repair. I would believe that and good welding and/or trailer frame repair sgop should be able to fix.
nickthehunter
Nomad II
Oct 06, 2016
Chances are - it is repairable. Your best bet, as much as you may loath the idea, is to contact the manufacturer and find out what they can do to fix it and how much it would cost. It may surprise you, but they may even end up being helpful and willing to work out a mutually acceptable deal; if you go in with the right attitude. As much as it may tick you off, they are not going to give you a free pass on a 8 year old trailer. But, they may be work out a deal if you are calm and non-accusatory.
wantabe351
Explorer
Oct 07, 2016
Post some pictures of the frame at different angles to show the frame where its damaged, there are many welders here on this site that can give you some ideas on what to do...
Tvov
Explorer II
Oct 07, 2016
Well, it's "towable" - you towed it home (yea, I know, but not realistically safe to tow). Anything can be repaired! Depends on how far you want to go with it. Someone will buy it - but probably not for want you want to sell it for.

"Nothing left to do but relinquish it back to lender." - So... are you planning on relinquishing it? or is that just an option? Why were you looking to sell it? If you have to spend the money to repair it, definitely look into keeping it and use it for a few more years.

You have options.
starcraft69
Explorer
Oct 07, 2016
QUOTE
" I jammed the driveshaft out of the way of the tire and drove on. Did't find out reason for chaffing until months later when I was getting it ready to sell. "

This right here would void any help from MFG. This is the point I would think you should stop and repair not drive on.

QUOTE
"Still owe a ton of money on it.""

?????? on a 8 year old trailer

You could have it put on a new frame? Good luck and hopefully next issue you will not just "drive on"
shadows4
Explorer III
Oct 07, 2016
LESHUB1963 wrote:
Towing '08 Cedar Creek Day Dreamer(34RETSD) from Reno to Georgia I experienced a catastrophic frame failure behind the front axle(first indication of something wrong was left rear tire going flat from chaffing on slideout driveshaft). Didn't know, at the time, that frame had rolled over toward right side of trailer. I jammed the driveshaft out of the way of the tire and drove on. Did't find out reason for chaffing until months later when I was getting it ready to sell. Insurance won't cover it and Lip.pert and Forest River are un-responsive. It's unrepairable, untowable and unsellable. Still owe a ton of money on it. Anyone had similar experience or know of anyone who straightens/strengthens trailer frames? I've had two adjusters tell me that it's a total. Nothing left to do but relinquish it back to lender.

New member, first post. Sorry for your troubles, but there are many knowledgeable people on here. Many will offer their help and ideas to fix the problem. But you have to have thick skin as some will not be so helpful. Good luck, John
csamayfield55x
Explorer
Oct 07, 2016
shadows4 wrote:

New member, first post. Sorry for your troubles, but there are many knowledgeable people on here. Many will offer their help and ideas to fix the problem. But you have to have thick skin as some will not be so helpful. Good luck, John

First post here and you win my Post of the Day ward!!!!!

Nicely done

Chris