Can this frame be repaired? HOW?

[SilverLatte]

So we removed the sofa and plywood to uncover this. The main A frame seems solid just the pieces left and right are compromised. One of the stabilizer bars underneath has been removed (drivers side) and now remomoving the plywood I can see that the belly pan has nothing to attach since the frame is rusted.
What is the best way to fix this soundly? Should I contact a local welding shop? I need detailed help. Thanks!

[Isuzusweet]

Replaced? Yes, repaired? I highly doubt it.

However, be prepared to bring your cheque book. I have heard of an aluminum frame replacement and floor being around $20,000 for a 31'.

Cheers
Tony

[HiHoAgRV]

At a minimum you will have some big sections replaced. How much? Depends on how far back the rust continues.

[gregoryb]

My wife just bought a 74 Airstream yesterday, and rolled it home. Surprise. She wants to strip it down, on the interior, and that means we will be getting into the frame. Have been watching a number of vids, and it seems like cutting the bad parts out, welding in new, and sandblasting it, is a pretty standard fix. I see a lot of people taking the body off the frame to fix the frame. Take a look at this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGkhawRhkhE

[ITSNO60]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Replaced? Yes, repaired? I highly doubt it.

However, be prepared to bring your cheque book. I have heard of an aluminum frame replacement and floor being around $20,000 for a 31'.

Cheers
Tony

I am confused, why would he want to go aluminum instead of steel?

[ITSNO60]

To the OP,

Since you need detailed help I would I would register here http://weldingweb.com/ and post your pictures and explain everything. Make it clear that you are not going to attempt this yourself but are looking for advice on getting it professionally done. There are members in your area that can probably direct you to the right place or they may even be able to help you. The site is the best welding site on the web, full of pros. Steelworkers are a tough bunch to say the least so please take the free advice some may offer to you with a thick skin, some will be very civilized and others maybe not. You won't find a more knowledgeable bunch anywhere when it comes to trailer frame restoration but some of the old timers get annoyed when a newbie stops by and wants to know how to fix his trailer with his new Harbor Freight 120 volt mig welder so just don't go there and you'll be fine.

Before anyone can help they are going to want to see the rest of the frame.

[Monza]

For sure it can be fixed, cut out and new welded in, contact local welders.
You should get the frame completely out and access exactly what needs to be done. If it is really bad you'll have to have a new frame welded in steel not aluminum unless you have deep pockets.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Did this trailer spend part of it's life in the snow belt? If somebody took it out on salted roads, you can have all sorts of frame rot. I spent a lot of time chasing that sort of thing back before modern zinc plating became the norm. Being parked at the sea shore for a long period can have a similar impact ....

You very much want to know how far the rust goes. "Saving" 1' here and 2' probably does not reduce the bill very much (if at all).

If it turns out that there is more involved than what you can see, digging up drawings for the original frame would help a lot in the rebuild process ....

Bob

[SilverLatte]

Thank you so much! No way would I attempt to make this a DIY project. I'm a firm believer in do what you're good at & educate yourself in what you're not so you can hire the right one for the job.

[SilverLatte]

That's better news. The post above is seems to be a great resource. Thanks for your reply.

[cwf]

That frame is gone.

I would remove belly pan.. inspect from beneath... is that the only bad frame area? If only a small area, may be doable.

[crestonrv]

pull floor , do from under = a lot of work
this area is also critical as is flex point for pin load .
pulling body off 31' is huge job and unsupported body has to be handled with extreme care !

[Silverflames]

We replaced most of the front frame, starting at the front door forward. You will need to drop the belly pan to get a better look at it.

We live in FL where everything stays wet for 6 months. Due to this fact, we used .25" galvanized 5" c channel to rebuild the frame. I did most of the grunt work, but hired a pro to build and install the frame.

[fwjumper]

What year and length is it?

[Silverflames]

1969 ambassador 29".

[vanster]

I wonder if you could find another similar trailer that was in bad shape but the frame is good and you could swap? Still major PIA. I think regardless you are pulling the shell off. Find a shop with people you like because you will get to know them really well.

[wvollans]

That is not aluminum. The frame in that area will have to replaced in that area regardless. Get a recommended shop with journeyman welder/ fabricators to do the job. It will be done right but not cheap.

[perryg114]

If the whole frame is like that, then you are wasting your time. I bet the rear section is is worse shape than that. I would do a shell off the frame and have a new frame built. I think that one is toast. Either that or look for a trailer in better shape to start with. You got a BIG job ahead of you.

Perry

[jaa0311]

Originally Posted by perryg114

If the whole frame is like that, then you are wasting your time. I bet the rear section is is worse shape than that. I would do a shell off the frame and have a new frame built. I think that one is toast. Either that or look for a trailer in better shape to start with. You got a BIG job ahead of you.

Perry

Kind of have to agree here.

Those sections that the OP photographed are totally rotted through and would need to be cut out and replaced.

Uncover the rest of the frame and then have a local professional welder have a look at it. You may end up having to fabricate an entirely new frame if the rest of your frame looks like the section you photographed.

Good luck.