Got to ask.. Have I got Frame seperation?

[JohnG]

Maybe I spoke too soon on how good my trailer's condition was when I brought it home yesterday. Although this seems small I think I have the beginnings of a problem.

Today was the first real time that I had to get down and inspect the trailer really good.


Given that so many models in this era (mine is a 75) had frame separation this is something I was most concerned with.


This sound to me like I do have the very beginnings of Frame separation. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.


Here is what was found today...........

1st after cleaning all the dirt from the rear platform and tool box area by the back bumper I noticed a small separation, 1/8" on the Right side (door Side of the trailer, assume that is r-side) at the very last 4 inches on the platform. (Should have taken a pic.)


I had my Father stand on the rear bumper (He weighs in at 275) when he stood on the rear bumper and without his having to jump up and down both the right and left side pushed down about an 1/8" but not on the platform. The motion was only detectable by looking at the height where the frame goes back into the trailer and this on both sides is where the movement takes place.

I know that the issue of frame seperation has been exhausted on the forum, but I would really appreciate any thoughts, comments, ideas, solutions, or anything else youmight want to tell me.

I think I can still camp in it for a few times this summer as the movement is so small if this is the beginnings of frame separation, or should I just start in on fixing it immediately?

[uwe]

I think 1/8in is normal slop for an old Sovereign. Take your time and investigate in the next few weeks or month. 275lbs on the bumper would have made at least one inch of space if the separation was bad. Have him gently rock the bumper up and down next time, and watch the space between the bottom rubrail and the frame.
You will see if there is excessive movement.
Check the floor real good, best from the bottom. It's not that difficult to remove the rear belly pan section. You can take a peek even without removing the whole pan.
Good Luck.

[Inland RV Center, In]

JohnG.

"ANY" slop at the chassis/shell junction at the rear end, "IS" rear end separation.

By design, there must be "zero" movement.

If there is any movement, then some stage of separation has taken place.

Repairing it at an early stage is desired.

Should you let it go, you will find in time that the last section of plywood must be replaced. Scabbing a section, won't cut it.

The small movement that you now have, will allow water to saturate the floor.

Andy

[JohnG]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Repairing it at an early stage is desired.

Thanks Andy,

In repairing it at this early stage do I need to replace the entire floor? What or how much do I need to get into?

[Inland RV Center, In]

JohnG.

Stick a screwdriver into the floor where they separation has occured.

If you can dig out any rotted wood, then to some degree or other, the floor has a problem. How much? You will have to look carefully.

You can also remove the one-stop center door and check the floor in that area. Use a drop light when you do it.

If the wood is water stained, then look "very" carefully as well as test the wood with a screwdriver. If you can penetrate the wood without any problem, then the entire rear 4 feet of plywood might be history.

Checking it out, very thoroughly, is the key.

Andy

[JohnG]

Andy,

Thanks again.
If I have to end up replacing the floor what type of wood is used? Marine plywood? and what is the thickness?

Also if I find very little rot in the wood there (by very little I mean like on an 1/8" of rot and then the wood is hard again) do I just use a type of fill of wood or something other like alumunum pieces to patch it in.

[Inland RV Center, In]

JohnG

Marine plywood was used.

The thickness from year to year was different, therefore measure yours solves that question.

Rot that has not become a structural problem, is best fixed with fiberglass resin. It will make the floor stronger than original, as well as create a water barrier.

Andy

[JohnG]

Thanks Andy,

As usual you have a great answer to help us out. I can get to it to find out how serious the problem really is this weekend

I have a ton of stuff to order from you so I will probably be on the phone with you next week.

Again, Thanks