Should I Fix This - Frame Cross Member
While taking a look at the battery wiring and redoing suspect connections, I noticed the front cross member is bent a bit. I have no idea how this would have happened (second owner) and everything els...
Forum Discussion
Some of the welding done by the frame manufacturer (no names mentioned) is poorly done and even incomplete in some cases.
Having had a serious frame problem on a previous TT that was found the day after we owned it, I would recommend taking it to a reputable frame and axle shop that has experience with TTs. The one we used is a gov't certified inspection facility and they did a very detailed inspection and found a number of things wrong, including bad factory welding. They will be able to recommend any repairs if needed or if it can be leave it alone.
The points where an A-frame connects to the main frame (I-beams) is a high stress area. The frame on our TT which has 2 x 4400 lb axles, doesn't have any tubing between the A-frame members. But your frame must have a bottom mount coupler and I don't know if the A-frame connections are done differently. The cross-piece with the crack at the end looks to be the front of the floor of the TT. It may provide mostly floor support but then it might also be a very important structural connection point too. Considering the potential worst case scenario, I'd get a professional to look at it.
Having had a serious frame problem on a previous TT that was found the day after we owned it, I would recommend taking it to a reputable frame and axle shop that has experience with TTs. The one we used is a gov't certified inspection facility and they did a very detailed inspection and found a number of things wrong, including bad factory welding. They will be able to recommend any repairs if needed or if it can be leave it alone.
The points where an A-frame connects to the main frame (I-beams) is a high stress area. The frame on our TT which has 2 x 4400 lb axles, doesn't have any tubing between the A-frame members. But your frame must have a bottom mount coupler and I don't know if the A-frame connections are done differently. The cross-piece with the crack at the end looks to be the front of the floor of the TT. It may provide mostly floor support but then it might also be a very important structural connection point too. Considering the potential worst case scenario, I'd get a professional to look at it.
