Community Forums

chasndar · 01-20-2023, 12:59 PM

When I took my motorhome into a Dealership to inspect an airbag on the left rear side, they informed me that the frame is broken. The dealership that I took it to advised that, if fixable the entire body of the motorhome would have to be lifted off the frame and the frame would need replaced. The dealer that we purchased it from said it could be welded.

I have attached a couple of photos. I would appreciate anyone's opinion/advise. I am afraid to drive it and have not driven it since October when the issue was identified.

Learjet 1 · 01-20-2023, 01:03 PM

I see no reason it can't be welded.

Dutch Star Don · 01-20-2023, 01:06 PM

First off, the frame is not replaceable. That's a custom Roadmaster chassis that was built by Monaco, who has been out of business for 10 years.

It's hard to tell by photos, but it looks like a cross member has broker lose from the main frame rail. From what I see that rail could be jacked back into place, rewelded and then plated for strength. Again, that really looks like a one or two day job. A couple hours of welding and plating and the rest of the time would be setup and getting access.

Depending on what that crossmember supports, you may need ride height adjustment and or alignment (4 wheel) checked.

mfire1339 · 01-20-2023, 01:31 PM

That's a one day job for a welder.

mike

jacwjames · 01-20-2023, 02:47 PM

Where is that on the frame? More pictures would be helpful.

A good welder should be able to fix that. As someone mentioned get it back in position, gouge out the old weld and reweld it. The had some plating for strength and help distribute the stress.

But my question is what really caused this. I've seen quite a few pictures of broken welds but not there.

Bigceasar · 01-20-2023, 03:59 PM

Realistically that is a repair a dealer would never attempt. Not because it is difficult but because there is limited upside (some labor income) and a whole lot of downside ( liability, do they even have a qualified welder and equipment) . A welding shop on the other hand is skilled at such repairs . Visit a couple of those and if you get a good feel for their skill level turn it over to them.

triplewide · 01-20-2023, 04:23 PM

call a mobile welding service in your area

Dodge Guy · 01-20-2023, 05:08 PM

Why is it at an angle? If it’s just cracked and get be pushed back, weld it back and then put an angle plate on either side and weld that to it.

Argosy · 01-20-2023, 05:25 PM

You need to provide a lot more information. That picture looks like it's taken facing down, what is attached to the steel tube that's torn loose? Can you take a wider picture from the top so we can see more of what's going on? Maybe from underneath looking across at that piece of tube also.

Unplanned Tourist · 01-20-2023, 05:34 PM

A good welder can fix that. Adding gussets for extra strength will be needed also.

96 Wideglide · 01-20-2023, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argosy

You need to provide a lot more information. That picture looks like it's taken facing down, what is attached to the steel tube that's torn loose?

Pictures posted on this forum often turn them sideways, which confuses things!

153stars · 01-20-2023, 05:51 PM

I can think of hundred reasons I would not trust my MH body to be lifted off the frame before having it welded as is.. The pics are a bit close up to determine where it is in overall frame. I think there are some rough diagrams or pictures of Roadmaster chassis online if you point out the frame member in question.

shootist · 01-20-2023, 05:56 PM

A decent mechanical welder can handle that. Just make sure he disconnects the ecm, tranny ecm, and all batteries. His ground needs to be as close to the work as possible and grind it clean. That isn’t a hard job.

US1 · 01-20-2023, 06:11 PM

Frames are nothing but a bunch of pieces welded together. A good welder and some plates/gussets and it will be stronger than new. You'll just have 1 more weld.
Determine what was the reason behind the failure if at all possible, and address that.