Hole in ceiling

[Brianv512]

Does anyone have any ideas what may have caused this? My trailer is a 66 sovereign and I have only had it about a month. This is the ceiling right at the bulkhead between the kitchen and sleeping area on the curb side. Is this indicative of the axels being bad or an issue with the hitch system? How much should I expect to spend on axels? Any help appreciated.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Brianv512

Does anyone have any ideas what may have caused this? My trailer is a 66 sovereign and I have only had it about a month. This is the ceiling right at the bulkhead between the kitchen and sleeping area on the curb side. Is this indicative of the axels being bad or an issue with the hitch system? How much should I expect to spend on axels? Any help appreciated.

That crack in the ceiling is somewhat common, due to brutal punishment of the shell.

There are 2 causes.

1. Unbalanced running gear.

2. Axles that are no longer serviceable due to the failure of the rubber rods.

The fix is not difficult.

The trailer has to be suspended from the bumper to the coupler. That will allow a little gap at the top of those bulkheads. Add a plate to hide the cracks. Cut off about a 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the top of the bulkheads.

Note how much the tires dropped when the trailer was elevated. They should drop about 3 inches. If not, the rubber rods have solidified.

Then lower the trailer back on to the ground.

Next, replace the axle if necessary, and two, balance the complete running gear, or install Centramatic balancers.

Andy

[dwightdi]

Frequently this problem occurs when the outriggers are shot. The shell settles over the frame due to them bending or collapsing. This causes the top of the shell to settle over the room divider bulkhead which is attached to the frame. Your axles may or may not be shot. Andy's test will tell you. It is not related to the balancing of the running gear. That usually results in fatigue cracks to form on the top of the frame just over the second axle.