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deleted-2's avatar
deleted-2
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013

Fifth wheel frame structure flex question

Noticed on our fiver (pictured in the link in my sig) that when hitched and sitting on the truck with legs up.

The curbside front under the bedroom is bending up slightly.
I had noticed earlier that the screw cover trim needed resealing and did re-caulk.
Did the caulking when the trailer was sitting on the landing gear.

When sitting on the truck however the trim doesn't flex with the trailer. A gap between the screw cover trim piece and the caulking appears when hitched.

I pulled the screw cover down and found several trim cover screws not seated so they were tightened. I was sure that would be the fix, yet it just helped some and didn't alleviate the problem.

I'm hoping there isn't a serious frame issue under the front cover.
I notice also now the bathroom door inside won't stay shut when the weight is on the hitch.
By stay shut I mean the door knob latch is misaligned the door does close it just won't stay shut.

The trailer is under warranty.
I was hoping this may be somewhat easy to take care of myself.

Any help is always appreciated from the board.
  • Take photos and use a yard stick or something with easy to see numbers as a reference to how much movement your getting. Take to dealer right away and provide the photos so they can quickly send on to manufacture. This will provide quick documentation for you and the dealer to move the step by step process along. Try to work with your dealer 1st but don't be afraid to contact manufacture if you don't feel that the dealer takes your problem seriously. Randu
  • It all goes back again to the Lippert frame. You would think that with the bad press they have had, Lippert would have resolved this issue and improved their design structure. Many RVs out there are on a Lipper frame, which is not for me. Yes, it does limit my choices but a frame issue is a big one. When you bring it back to the factory or the dealer, be sure to get a copy of all that was done and keep excellent documentation. Don't do anything to it yourself while it is under warranty and keep on them until Lippert, Heartland and your dealer make you completely 110% happy.
  • Go to the Heartland owners site and check there. Once quick Google search will bring up numerous issues with this. Glad it is under warranty for you.
  • Do a google search for Heartland frame flex issues. I thunk you might be surprised

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