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harry_and_thea's avatar
harry_and_thea
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015

Frame flex

I have a 10 year old 30 ft Crossroads Cruiser fifth wheel. I am getting concerned about the flex in the frame Lippert). Did a little experiment today. Blocked the frame up on both sides of trailer mid way between wheels. With a jack and some concrete blocks I started jacking up the pin. I jacked it 1 3\8 inches before the landing gear started coming off the ground. Also, in line with the front cap, the pin box went up 3\4 inch in relation to the front cap. I know I have always had flex. The screws holding the molding around the pin box are always coming loose and I keep on bending that molding back in place. However I worry about the frame collapsing when we are on a trip. The trailer still rides 7 inches above my truck bed. Would really appreciate input from someone who has some knowledge of trailer frames. I would sure like to get a few more years out of this trailer and don't want an expensive remedy.

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  • TXiceman's avatar
    TXiceman
    Explorer II
    Oct 14, 2015
    Old-Biscuit wrote:


    1/4" to 3/8" normal 'flex'

    3/4" movement is a lot....plus broken trim screws etc.
    You really need to have a look


    1/4" is way to much flex.

    You need to determine the source of the flex. Is from the pinbox area or is it from the side wall. Are you getting any movement in the side wall area where the bedroom slide is located...any cracking.

    It would help if you could post a photo of the area where the screws are coming loose.

    Ken
  • justafordguy's avatar
    justafordguy
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2015
    Yes, that is the only way to get to the part of the frame that may be failing. Remove that cover and then you should be able to see what's happening. Be sure to let us know what you find.
  • harry_and_thea's avatar
    harry_and_thea
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2015
    If the fascia were removed, would it be possible to do a fix from underneath ? My thinking is that I can handle removing the fascia and then bring it somewhere to get beefed up and welded.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 14, 2015
    To really see what it going on you need to remove the cover panel on the overhang (panel that goes around pin box)

    Then Hitch up to truck. Visually inspect/closely watch the pin box structure and cross members as you take weight off of landing gear until all weight is on truck. And how much movement is occurring as you put weight back onto landing gear.

    Look for bent cross members, cracked welds, rust, torn metal etc.

    1/4" to 3/8" normal 'flex'

    3/4" movement is alot....plus broken trim screws etc.
    You really need to have a look

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