Forum Discussion

Gjac's avatar
Gjac
Explorer III
Feb 14, 2021

Frame strength of small TT's

I have read on here about frames welds cracking and axles bending. Are these problems basically with longer heavier TT's driven on bad roads or is this prevalent with short TT's, 18-22ft 3500 lbs or less UW also? I can't find any info on frame thickness or material on MFG web sites. I would think that the frame thickness would be the same on a 22 ft vs a 27 ft TT, making the frames stronger on shorter TT's, but that is just a guess. Also I see where Winnebago uses huck bolts instead of welds to attach frame structures together is this process better than welds?
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Feb 15, 2021
    Maybe some better questions to ask is what frame thickness should a 22ft TT have? I assume the frame is just plain carbon steel is that correct? Do any use a higher strength alloy? Are any made from Aluminum? I realize the shape of the cross section of the frame pieces are also important with a box beam being stronger than an I beam and an I beam being stronger than an C section per a given weight. So are there any short TT's made with box or I beams rather than C sections?
  • tibbitts's avatar
    tibbitts
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2021
    I had a "22" model that was actually 23.5 ft. It was a "lite" trailer. The frame never bent that I know of but towing the trailer bent the frame of my half-ton pickup where the receiver attached. A higher-rated receiver (Reese sent me an upgraded model for free - outstanding customer service) solved the problem. So I wouldn't assume the trailer frame would be a weak link.

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