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Jax · 11-01-2014, 06:30 AM

I have a 2012 Snowbird 34IK built by Excel. This 5th wheel was built for Nuwa. All of the frames that I can tell that Peterson Ind. builds seems to be tube frame. Mine was built with an I beam. With in 2 years from purchase I have had numerous cracks form along the I beam length-wise above the axles on both sides. We have always taken pains to make sure we never have gone off paved roads with it. Mike from Nuwa said that Peterson/Excel designed and built the unit frame up. My question is why would they just build a few Snowbirds with I beam frames and all of there's are built with a stronger type of frame? Also I think because of the frame is putting the equalizers in a bind, I break an equalizer quite frequently. Brought the trailer to factory for repairs and are going to be responsible for 50 percent of repairs, not something I'm very happy about! I hope that it can be repaired as we do love the hickory interior and trailer. Are there any identifying marks on the frame as to manufactured the frame? Any info would be appreciated.

rockintom · 11-01-2014, 06:50 AM

Interesting. When PI built the few early rigs for NuWa in 2012.....it looked like to me the main structure of the rig was a NuWa leftover (outside and main body). And the guts appear to be Excel style stuff.

I was told that on the newer built units, PI builds them and NuWa warranties them in Chanute, KS. Just my speculation. Would be interesting to hear an official word on this subject. Sorry to hear of your woes. rockin'

Jax · 11-01-2014, 07:03 AM

Nuwa said they do not warrant it. Its PI that will do the warranty on it! Even tho my title says Nuwa!

happy tails · 11-01-2014, 08:17 AM

Very unfortunate. Hope that you can get your issues solved to your satisfaction.

chief02 · 11-01-2014, 01:02 PM

PI's new business model (whatever it is) does not seem to be turning out the quality product we all use to champion.

Steve R. · 11-03-2014, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jax

I have a 2012 Snowbird 34IK built by Excel. This 5th wheel was built for Nuwa. All of the frames that I can tell that Peterson Ind. builds seems to be tube frame. Mine was built with an I beam. With in 2 years from purchase I have had numerous cracks form along the I beam length-wise above the axles on both sides. We have always taken pains to make sure we never have gone off paved roads with it. Mike from Nuwa said that Peterson/Excel designed and built the unit frame up. My question is why would they just build a few Snowbirds with I beam frames and all of there's are built with a stronger type of frame? Also I think because of the frame is putting the equalizers in a bind, I break an equalizer quite frequently. Brought the trailer to factory for repairs and are going to be responsible for 50 percent of repairs, not something I'm very happy about! I hope that it can be repaired as we do love the hickory interior and trailer. Are there any identifying marks on the frame as to manufactured the frame? Any info would be appreciated.

The underside of your Nuwa trailer appears to have very little in common with the two PI produced Excel rigs I've owned. Perhaps Mike was saying that everything above the frame was PI? Either way, the defects in your pics are pretty ugly and I wish you the best in getting the issue resolved. If the point of your post was to discourage people from buying Excel trailers, you're in the right place but consumers should understand that your pictures are not of an Excel trailer.

Steve R. · 11-03-2014, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief02

PI's new business model (whatever it is) does not seem to be turning out the quality product we all use to champion.

Wow do I feel lucky

My 2014 Excel has only needed a warranty replacement LED light cover in 7 months of heavy use. I'll admit that it hasn't been free of defects but all have been very minor and easily addressed using only basic mechanical skills. I'm only one consumer but my new Excel seems to be even better than my lovable old 2007 Excel

chief02 · 11-03-2014, 10:03 AM

Yea my 2010 issues have not been like some of the major late model issues out there. Our trip to SC in August was an eye opener meeting all the new owners with very serious issues and with the layoff/firings that had just taken place things were very chaotic. I feel fortunate that I can fix and maintain most of the issues I run into. Only had to take it to Smith Center two time in four years. The rash of issues seem to be hit and miss. But that is industry wide with all other brands also.

rockintom · 11-03-2014, 10:56 AM

Steve, I think it would be better phrased as a NUWA trailer built by PI. Clearly the I beam frame is a left over from NUWA....PI never used I beam frame on any of the Excel 5th wheels I've seen. rockintom

Jax · 11-04-2014, 09:49 AM

I am not trying to discourage anybody from buying Excel. In fact I think Excel builds an excellent unit, just frustrated that mine was built with I beam frame. I knew nothing about 5th wheels before we purchased this one. Education always cost in one form or another. Before we left Smith Center, we look at a new Windsor, yes the wife and I really got spoiled just looking at it. Of course we have the same Hickory cabinets in ours. Can't afford it now but maybe its in our future! I know know what kind of frame I want in a 5th wheel! I am just hoping that PI can repair ours so that we can return back to the road again! Remaining hopeful!

Rob17 · 11-04-2014, 12:18 PM

Jack, from your picture it looks like there is a spacer between your spring hangers and the I-beam frame. I had a 2006 Cardinal (Forest River) trailer that also had a spacer between the hangers and the I-beam. It too developed cracks due to additional stress (leverage) caused by the additional distance from the hangers to the I-beam.

drfife · 11-04-2014, 02:32 PM

Your frame and suspension does not look like any Excel I've seen.

Perhaps Tom is right (don't let it go to his SKIA head) that the frame was actually NuWa built and Peterson/Excel did the finish out.

chief02 · 11-04-2014, 02:48 PM

Hard to imagine a heavy Excel built on a "I" beam. Excel sure wouldn't do that with there own name on it. Unless maybe they are building something way lighter under this agreement.

Jax · 11-05-2014, 02:20 PM

Correction, meant Winslow instead of Windsor! I agree, it does not look like anything Excel has built. Rob17, that makes alot of sense about leverage! Certainly with the repair that Ralph is going to do I hope that there is adequate bracing tied in to the other side. There is a tremendous loading right there at the axles when turning sharply. Thanks for all the encouragement! The data plate by the pin box does not say "Excel" It says Peterson Industries!