Should I Fix This - Frame Cross Member

westend wrote:
You can probably correct it, somewhat, without welding but not successfully for a long term solution. If it was mine, I'd clamp a piece of substantial angle iron on it and see if it can be drawn straighter. After capturing the most deflection possible, I'd tack the angle iron onto the frame piece.

BTW, after your're done with the frame, I'd suggest to clamp those battery wires up to the frame.

Copy that about the securing the cables...that's why I originally got under there and started to have a look-see. Twenty years ago I would have already had the whole under side washed and waxed, but now days I have to pick my battles.

2DHoop - I have an AF and my frame looks exactly like yours at the front where you have the red arrow. Further, I have the same zip ties holding the wires and propane hose to solid pipe connection. Word of caution, Northwood wound the flexible propane connection to fixed connection to tight with an "open C clamp" which ended up breaking that connection. I backed off the tension on the C clamp (2 bolts) and put a small section of rubber between it and the fixed pipe to stop any rubbing. This allows a bit of movement as the trailer flexes while going down the road.
Hope you are enjoying the trailer!!

You can probably correct it, somewhat, without welding but not successfully for a long term solution. If it was mine, I'd clamp a piece of substantial angle iron on it and see if it can be drawn straighter. After capturing the most deflection possible, I'd tack the angle iron onto the frame piece.

BTW, after your're done with the frame, I'd suggest to clamp those battery wires up to the frame.

Hard to tell from the picture, but it almost looks like it was made that way. The bend looks too uniform to have happened from catching on something.

I second the above statement. If you are not having any ill; effects "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

If it is not broken, don't fix it, was what I was told many many years ago. If it is bent but not broken, it may have come from the factory or happens sometime back.

If the paint is not scrapped or there are no gouge mark to indicate a blow from some sort of road hazards and it has had no apparent ill effect on the trailer you can decide accordingly.