new member - endcaps and frame?

[ed moller]

1976 26ft argosy i noticed that most all the argosy trailers have steel end caps, my trailer has aluminum front cap , steel rear cap. also need to know about weak frame repairs. i dont have a frame problem yet but i wanted to be aware of the potential problem. i will probably put a truss under my frame to avoid any problems.

[eljay]

Hi! Welcome! I am probably the least qualified to discuss your trailer but wanted to greet you. You may want to use the search function to see if anyone has had similar questions/concerns to yours.

[sinkorange]

Take it to a qualified shop.

[Ken J]

Hello - welcome to the forums - those domes can be fiberglass too - I think they used whatever they had around. As far as weak frame repairs - what was done?

Ken J.

[overlander64]

Greetings ed moller!

Welcome to the Forums!

Originally Posted by ed moller

1976 26ft argosy i noticed that most all the argosy trailers have steel end caps, my trailer has aluminum front cap , steel rear cap. also need to know about weak frame repairs.

It would help to know what type of problem you are having with your frame. There are basically four types of rather common problems. (1) Frame Separation, probably one of the two most common issues, can be found front or rear but more commonly at the rear; can be identified by placing firm, steady downward presure on the rear bumper if the bumper moves independent of the body the frame has separated and the body/frame structure needs to be reattached. (2) Frame Droop, probably the second most common, found more often with longer coaches of the 1970s, often evidenced by ripples in the skin near the wheel wells/openings or by visble cracks in the frame in the vicinity of where the axles attach to the frame; the common repair is with a plating kit available from Airstream. (3) Rusted or Fractured Outriggers, often evidenced by unusual flexibility along floor edges near heavy object (near battery location, refrigerator location, etc.); repair usually involves opening up bellypan to expose the frame and outriggers - - a new outrigger is then built and wleded-in. (4) Rusted Frame Rails, often an issue with coaches stored/parked for long periods in close proximity to salt water/salt air; the repair depends upon severity - - from fabricating a complete new frame to repairing the affected areas.

Good luck with your coach! The Argosy 26 much like the Overlander makes a wonderful vacationer with its adaptable floorplan.

Kevin

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by ed moller

1976 26ft argosy i noticed that most all the argosy trailers have steel end caps, my trailer has aluminum front cap , steel rear cap. also need to know about weak frame repairs.

I don't see where anyone asked about the end caps. The way to tell if your suspect end cap is aluminum, steel, or fiberglas, is:
I am sure you know is it is steel, a magnet will stick to it.
If the cap is aluminum, there will be a series of segments riveted together. Aluminum is not as forgiving of being bent as steel is.
Fiberglas, of course, should have no rivets, and a magnet will not stick to it.
It is very possible that the front end cap was damaged, or rusted through, and had to be replaced. OEM material for that era was galvanized steel front and back.
Terry