Community Forums

speed racer · 11-02-2013, 05:53 AM

IMHO any time you modify a chassis you are doing something the chassis was not intended to do. If you need a longer chassis get a longer chassis with a longer wheel base.

ahicks · 11-02-2013, 06:32 AM

My experience is older, but I couldn't agree more regarding the welds/structure/design of frame rail extensions. I'm willing to bet that in many cases the chassis manf. had no clue (or care?) regarding the design/execution of these?

I've been telling people for years, if they want to overload the manf's specs, they really need to get their knees dirty and crawl under the back of their coach. Arguments generally end pretty quickly at about that point. Most don't even know about these band aids. They are of the belief the chassis manf. rails go all the way back to the rear bumper?

Worst offenders back in the day were Midas, and Champion and to a lesser extent, Fleetwood. I think partly due to the fact the extensions were added after the floor had been installed? The majority of the strength came from bolts coming down through the floor!

DP's generally not so bad as the C's and gas class A's.... IMHO, of course! -Al

Crabby Mike · 11-02-2013, 08:36 AM

Another vote here for having a professional welder reinforce an RV where the OEM should have. We had a Georgetown a few years back, that after several days parked with levelers down on an unstable surface, shifted sideways, bending the brackets holding both rear levelers. A local welding shop not only straightened the brackets, but welded in a cross-member between them, leaving the arrangement much more secure than the original, all for a couple hundred dollars.

jerichorick · 11-02-2013, 06:33 PM

I'm not familiar with National. Are they still around?

RoscoeAndTam · 11-02-2013, 07:02 PM

My 1997 34' GeorgieBoy CrusieMaster has a terible frame extension done by the factory. It has not only the rear end of the coach applying weight to it but it also has the weight of the genny and the hitch. The hitch is only rated at 3,500 lbs. I've been underneath fixing the genny exhaust and just shake my head at the extensions. It has pulled a car by the previous owner, but it will be re welded and and cross braced before I pull anything!!