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NM.West · 07-13-2016, 06:35 PM

Hello, Everyone!

I am a long-time lurker and a brand-new member of iRV2.com. This is my first post. Sorry to make it a bummer of a first post. Read on. . .

My wife and I are relatively new to RVing. Prior to owning our 2013 Infinity, we had never owned an RV. However, after our first trip we were hooked, and have enjoyed every trip and minute since. Well, until now.

After a couple of years, I noticed a small crack developing on the outside upper right corner of the main slide in the 5th wheel. I took it to a repair shop, which simply patched it up and sent us on our way.

Fast forward another year or two, and the crack not only returned, but was worse than before, and was now also on the inside of the coach. To make matters worse, the impact of what I suspect is a frame issue now affects our cabinets on the inside of the coach. Things are clearly getting worse. As a side note, we have not had any accidents, have taken meticulous care of the RV, have not had it off road, etc.

I took the 5r to our (new - different than the one that did the patch) repair shop. High quality outfit, great service. However, they took one look, and said that his repair is beyond their capabilities. They referred me to another shop, which focuses on RV collision repair, frame repairs, etc.

The collision shop took a long, hard look at things, and ultimately indicated they would not take on the work as they cannot guarantee that they can fix it. They also called around, and are aware of a couple of other frame-related issues in the area at this time. They suggested I contact Dutchmen, which I did, and (no surprise here) Dutchmen indicated this was not due to a design flaw. The shop has now suggested I contact Lippert.

Do any of you have current contact information on who I might call and / or write at Lippert to get help with this? We are currently dead in the water, as neither my wife nor I trust taking this obviously wounded rig out for any trips.

Your advice and information will be appreciated.

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-13-2016, 06:37 PM

Welcome to the forum . Here's the contact info I have. Good luck,
Cliff

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glennwest · 07-13-2016, 07:42 PM

Do you have an extension on the pin for a ball in bed? Seen this on many 5thers with one.

MtnTrek · 07-13-2016, 09:39 PM

So sorry to hear you're having that type of a seemingly serious problem.
Just curious if you've ever had that bad-boy across a CAT scale?

NM.West · 07-14-2016, 08:00 AM

Clifftall - The telephone numbers are a little different than what I found on Lippert's website. I'll try one or more today. Thanks!

NM.West · 07-14-2016, 08:06 AM

Glennwest - no extension. Tri-Glide on the trailer, Reese hitch in the truck.

MntTrek - had it on CAT scales at the front end of our last trip (a week or so before the crack widened). We are fine on weight.

TXiceman · 07-14-2016, 09:42 AM

NM.West,

I suggest you contact Kansas RV Center in Chanute, KS and talk to Daryl Denise, the service manager. This is the place that used t build NuWa HitchHiker trailers and they know their business very well. They can take on major structural problems.

We had a Carriage Cameo repaired there and the work was excellent and reasonable.

He will probably need some close up photos of the area.

Ken

dayle1 · 07-15-2016, 03:55 PM

Do a search for this Lippert document "0236-Upper-Deck-Flex-Measurement-Instructions" and follow it as best you can. Unfortunately the measurement points that Lippert defines are not accessible 99% of the time, but select points as close as possible. Also, Lippert doesn't list values for 'pass' vs. 'fail', but if you have numbers it will help with your communications with Lippert.

Finally, you probably don't have warranty coverage at this time, if so, make it clear to Lippert that you are seeking technical direction and not financial aid. Meaning you can't find local help with the knowledge and expertise on how to proceed and you need Lippert's help it defining the fix.

I had too much flex on my unit (but no damage) and brought it to the manufacturer's and Lippert's attention. Lippert corporate defined the changes (what new steel needed to be fabricated and where to weld the extra bracing), my dealer removed the front cap, a Lippert mobile tech did the repairs and the dealer then replaced the front cap and trim. That was over 4 yrs ago. I have pics of my repairs including a copy of the highlighted Lippert frame drawing, but your repairs are certainly different and Lippert is the best place to get the right direction. May not be ez.