Gap in the 2nd deck moulding when hooked

I read a post some time back where a guy was on I-10 in Indio, Ca when it collapsed onto his truck. Had it towed and found a local welding shop to do the work. He was stuck there for I think 3 days. Then had to deal with the damage to the truck bed. They all flex a little but I have a lippert chassis and always check my sidewalls after reading that post. Find the nearest large rv dealer and talk to them. Good luck.

OK, I get it... where should I go to have this fix ? I'm presently in Van Horn TX, heading south to Mercedes TX. Any suggestion ?

Thanks,

Claude

As stated, there are plenty of cases of 5th wheel frame failures. Either broken welds or broken metal, especially the front cross members. Many of these are on older frames with fairly straight front caps and the front crossmember is straight. But units with notched front caps also have a notched front cross member. But more significant is the spacing between front and rear cross members that secure the pin box. On older frames the spacing is about 24 inches. On newer frames, with the notch, the front crossmember attaches to the side frame rails just a few inches ahead of the rear cross member.

While I don't have your brand or model, I measured flex about 3 X more than what is considered acceptable. My 2011 was less than 6 months old when Lippert agreed to fix the problem which involved removal of the front cap and dropping the chin plastic, followed by some additional bracing. Within a month of fixing my unit, Lippert changed the frame design on new units.

Since mine was fixed, I can't say for sure the likely point of failure. But besides the classic failure points around the pin box area, it is also possible that the main side rails below the bedroom walls are failing, anywhere from the pin box back to above the landing legs. This is especially likely given the moulding separation, since failures in the pin box area frequently show damage to the front cap and bedroom closet.

Cost can easily be $5000, it is dangerous and if not fixed now, repair costs will only go higher.

Oh yea, you have a Lippert frame failure. DO NOT TOW ONE MILE FURTHER! Have it taken to a qualified repair facility to be stripped and repaired correctly. This is an extremely dangerous situation and not a DIY project unless your a certified welder.

Frame flex and leads to frame failure. It may be under the chin, but again, it may be a failure in the sidewall frame. The corner where the bedroom slide out is a weak point.

Ken

That looks like the infamous Keystone/ Lippert front frame failure. These pages had a lot of stories about them a couple of years ago. The fix is to strip off the pin box and lower front area panel(s), and have a welder go to work. If you ignore it, it can fail completely.

One of many old threads

I'd suggest dropping the chin of the pin box area and checking for broken welds or frame members. Something is definitely not right - especially if it is worsening over time. Dangerous? For sure if the frame breaks and the rig falls on your bed rails - at best!
There have been a number of post on various forums about fifth wheel pin box frame structure issues. Just my opinion, but I'd get it checked SOON! Phillip

I am certainly no expert but that just isn't right. Since it has progressed over time that should tell you that something is weakening in the frame when the weight is supported by the pin.

I'd have that checked ASAP before it totally collapses.

S