Frame Inspection Prior To Purchase

[Streamer1]

Could someone clue me into what might be considered excessive welding due to apparent or past frame damage (and what red flags-indications) I should look out for? We will soon (as soon as this week) be buying our first travel trailer. I have already inspected the trailer once and just want to make sure there are no "show stoppers" prior to handing over the check. Trailer is a 25' 1996 Excella.

[nickcrowhurst]

You might like to look here:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...-rot-2607.html?
and particularly post 8, on the use of a fiberscope to check the frame for corrosion.
Nick.

[Over59]

Why would that year trailer have any welding repairs unless it was in an accident. Does it have a salvage title? If the work was done correctly and cosmetically then it doesn't matter. The problem is if you don't know how to evaluate the welds then you don't know if it was done right.

[Streamer1]

Thanks for the assist Nick. I would have never thought to search for "fiberscope" from the start!

[Streamer1]

Over59, I was just being over cautious I guess. I agree. A relatively young trailer that has been sitting most of the time should not have accident damage. It does not have a "salvage title."

[nickcrowhurst]

Streamer1, I don't believe you're being over-cautious. The trailer is 10 years old. Have a look at the pictures of the dreadful corrosion on the 5 year old Bambi on the following thread and the link to the pictures:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...ght=bambi+rust
Nick.

[Over59]

Originally Posted by nickcrowhurst

Streamer1, I don't believe you're being over-cautious. The trailer is 10 years old. Have a look at the pictures of the dreadful corrosion on the 5 year old Bambi on the following thread and the link to the pictures:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...ght=bambi+rust
Nick.

It's a sad state of affairs.