Major I-beam Repair

[xc-mark]

It looks to me like those are stress cracks from flex in the area of the crossmenber, possible from rough roads or sway . It doesnt look like its a hard fix but its going to take some time jacking it up and getting everything back in place . I would suggest a long plate maybe 1/4" x 6" high and 3' long over the area . then adding a wider crossmember from side to side or gussets to the existing to spread the load out .

if it was rough roads that caused this I would suggest adding dexter equalizers that have the rubber in the middle , it helps stop some of the harsh bumps from getting into the coach frame. I would also suggest 4 wheel shocks on the axels , it does make a differance on the ride.

[Ken Lynch]

Thanks to all for the information. I have located a large vehicle repair shop that can take on this kind of job. From their view of the pictures they feel it should be about 1K to repair. However, that is ballpark and before actual estamate on repair they want to sandblast frame. I have doubled their guestamate and am now in the process of saving up the money to get the repair started. Looks like repair will not get started until next Spring.

[Det-Chief]

I had a 1998 Wanderer that the leaf spring hanger broke off. Wore out tires in a hurry before I discovered the problem. The shop said I was lucky the stress did not break the other side and cause a real problem of the axle coming off. Beams also showed stress cracks. I took it to Lake Charles Truck and Trailer. They cut all the hangers off, welded about a 20 foot plate on both beams and then welded the hanger back on. Cost about $3000 with most being labor. After it ran true with no tire wear for several thousand miles before I finally sold it.

Rich