frame crack

[jimnsue]

Someone asked for a pic of the frame crack on our '76 overlander. It was just aft of the rear axle. Since had it welded. Might reinforce once new axles and shocks are in place. I think the rear bath, tanks and worn out axles were the cause.

[ZoomZoom]

Airstream has a frame doubler kit available for this situation.

ZoomZoom

[jimnsue]

Would that be available thru Airstream dealers or somewhere like inland RV?

[scottanlily]

Hello jimnsue ,

Absolutely get the frame kit from airstream .A crack like that even when welded will crack right down the weld or most likely next to it .You can't just run a bead of weld on a frame .There are specific procedures to adhere to
when repairing a crack ,especially one that runs verticle as that crack does .
The weight of your coach has caused that crack as well as impact from
worn axles bottoming out ,you can see it is wider at the top as if the frame
is pulling it open ,and it is .The doubler kit will reinforce the frame front to
rear spreading the load .There will not be stress then at that crack point.
the frame is bent at that point ,so raising the rear of the trailer up to unload
that stressed area and having the frame reinforced is critical .When you raise
the rear up it will cause the frame to try to bend back up straight .Any way
long post ,but take this seriousely its a problem .

Scott of scottanlily

[scottanlily]

I want to say that the weight I mentioned is from rear bath and full tanks
excessive weight hanging on the rear of the trailer .

Scott

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by jimnsu

Would that be available thru Airstream dealers or somewhere like inland RV?

I would think that any vintage friendly Airstream Dealer should be able to get it for you. Try Ace Fogdal in Waterloo, IA or Out-of-Doors Mart in Colfax, NC. There are others but these are two that I have experience with.

Aaron

[jimnsue]

Thanks for the doubler information and sites.
Will check on them next.
BTW, here is a pic with the wheel covers we got with our airstream. Have you ever seen any others like them?

[madrone]

yep, previous owner of my '89 Excella said they were custom made for each trailer by someone that attended Airstream rallies and events years ago, may still be available for all I know.

http://tinyurl.com/ztpmy