Safe to tow stripped chassis?

[JJJ76]

I'm doing a shell off on a 76 Sovereign. Frame is out, I have removed all the plywood flooring and tanks, basically have just the rolling chassis. I understand how the shell and frame work together to provide stiffness but wow that the frame really flexes with nothing on it. Is it safe to tow in this condition? Frame needs some repair. My "free" welding services are 200 miles away, or keep it local and pay $$....thanks

[DaveMc]

I think it'd be easiest to pay the welder. Dicey stuff you're wading into, but it's been done with lots of interior bracing with wood and straps. Fuel/time alone outweighs free welding...

[uncle_bob]

Hi

How safe it is depends a *lot* on what shape it's in. Since you are taking it for welding, that suggests it may be compromised.

Bob

[HiJoeSilver]

Bob nailed it. If it's fairly structurally sound then it is ok. If you have severe rust through that portions are significantly weakened and in a condition of possibly falling apart, then no.
What do you have to get welded. A few outriggers or cross members or big sections of frame.

[rugjenkins]

If you towed the whole trailer home then just towing the frame will be fine. I had a 74 argosy 24 footer that I recycled the aluminum and keep the frame for few years as a flat bed trailer. It needed the back half replaced. I attached some plywood and all was good. It will bounce since it has no load but will be ok.

[rugjenkins]

Yep

[DaveMc]

Circling back I see I misread the OP's intent. I thought the shell was still on, my mistake. I'd still really weigh the fuel and time it's going to cost for free welding. 200 miles each way is a haul. Unless you just really don't have any decent welding services close, I'd still think you'd come out far ahead just paying a local welder. "Free" stuff has cost me more money than I'd ever care to admit...

[ijustlee]

As mentioned the time and fuel to drag it to the free welder is worth some $ consideration. However a few 2 X 6's on edge could also be used to tie the frame together for towing if it was really rusty. Then use the 2 X's to make forms for the parking slab for after the trailer is done! There is always a work around for any problem!

[wahya]

Originally Posted by JJJ76

I'm doing a shell off on a 76 Sovereign. Frame is out, I have removed all the plywood flooring and tanks, basically have just the rolling chassis. I understand how the shell and frame work together to provide stiffness but wow that the frame really flexes with nothing on it. Is it safe to tow in this condition? Frame needs some repair. My "free" welding services are 200 miles away, or keep it local and pay $$....thanks

I will let you know in a couple of weeks. I bought a 63 overlander frame in Columbia SC. I am packing the bearings, putting a set of temp lights on it and towing it to E.TN. about 400 miles.

[JJJ76]

thanks everyone for the replies. I was wondering if I would get a bunch of "no that's a terrible idea" responses...at least there are mixed opinions. keeping it local is the preferred route though. fwiw, there's only one section of the main frame rail in the rear that is bad, but a whole bunch of outriggers to do.

[rugjenkins]

You'll not have any issues towing for sure. I replaced 15 outriggers on mine and had to rear end too. Very common.

[HowieE]

Unless you see holes in the main the main frame rail inflate the tires according to the weight they support and tow away. Just don't take the bumpiest roads you can find. The strain on the trailer while towing on smooth surfaces will not be that much different than just sitting.