drilling into frame

ependydad wrote:
Yes, you can.

X2
I have my 6" PVC sewer hose carrier mounted that way

I used existing holes.

First - RV trailer frames are not "high quality" steel. Mostly just hot rolled, low carbon junk!

Look at most any trailer and you will see where the manufacturer has used sell drilling/self tapping screws to mount all kinds of things like the propane lines, underbelly, etc. I would bet a good dinner that Lippert has not done any type of stress analysis on this fastening method.

You will find the steel drills easily unless you try to drill very near a weld that has locally hardened the steel.

I also wonder about micro-cracks forming due to torsion or repeated flexing, but generally, drilling through hardened/annealed steel doesn't sound like a good thing, unless done before the hardening process. It also gives rust another way in.

There are many ways to mount a sewer hose holder. I just use a clear plastic tub. It isn't the best, but it does the job.

SaltiDawg wrote:

docnascar wrote:
Bolts or lugs are probably ok, but no way would I drill a big hole (not sure if thats what you meant) in my frame to put a pvc pipe for the stinky slinky. I would find another method. Fix PVC to Bumper or hose clamps around he frame like mentioned above.

More ideas.

I see your screen name includes 'nascar' - if I understand the rules, NASCAR does not allow Lightening Holes to be drilled in. Lightening Holes are only allowed as an included design and fabrication feature.

LOL

Properly placed 'Flanged Lightening Holes' actually increase the strength of the the metal.

docnascar wrote:
Bolts or lugs are probably ok, but no way would I drill a big hole (not sure if thats what you meant) in my frame to put a pvc pipe for the stinky slinky. I would find another method. Fix PVC to Bumper or hose clamps around he frame like mentioned above.

More ideas.

I see your screen name includes 'nascar' - if I understand the rules, NASCAR does not allow Lightening Holes to be drilled in. Lightening Holes are only allowed as an included design and fabrication feature.

Bolts or lugs are probably ok, but no way would I drill a big hole (not sure if thats what you meant) in my frame to put a pvc pipe for the stinky slinky. I would find another method. Fix PVC to Bumper or hose clamps around he frame like mentioned above. Lots of ways to do it without touching the frame.

More ideas.

christopherglenn wrote:
drill in the center of the frame. The top is under compression, the bottom tension, the middle just fills space.

It is actually more complicated than that... in Naval Architecture we call these holes Lightening Holes. (Other engineering disciplines also use this terminology, including automotive frame design.)

You can possibly get away with drilling the I beam web, but the web serves a vital role in dealing with torsional loads, such as seen when the frame goes on down the road and you hit a bump causing the beam to twist or rack.

YMMV

Yes, I have done it to our 5er and the TT before it. :)