Question for DPeakMD

[Fun-Lovin]

I believe that Im experiencing Frame Sag like you had.

Starting between the axles my floor starts running down hill to the rear of my a/s. From the outside my rivet lines are level and true from front to back. The plywood floor apears to be in good shape. Can you tell me what the factory did. It doesn't appear that I am having any seperation problems though.

Thanks
Greg

[DPeakMD]

Greg-

Sorry I didn't see your post until now! The factory installed what I think are called 'fish plates' over the existing frame where it's exposed in the wheel wells. The plate looks like 1/4" plate steel that's specially made to fit exactly and on mine was fixed in place using what look like large riv-nuts. From what I've read, before they put the plates in place, they jack up the trailer in the front and back and let it sit that way for a day or so to remove the 'sag.'

Let me know if I can be of anymore help. You can probably get a lot more detailed information from someone else, though! I just took mine to the factory and said "Here it is, fix it!"

-Dallas

[Fun-Lovin]

Thanks for responding. I have currently completed the install of the frame stiffening plates on mine. I took several pictures and they are posted on here under "frame sag repairs" I think.

[Pahaska]

Originally posted by DPeakMD
The factory installed what I think are called 'fish plates' over the existing frame where it's exposed in the wheel wells. The plate looks like 1/4" plate steel that's specially made to fit exactly and on mine was fixed in place using what look like large riv-nuts. From what I've read, before they put the plates in place, they jack up the trailer in the front and back and let it sit that way for a day or so to remove the 'sag.'

Sounds like that is what they are about to do on my 2003 International AS. The weight of the rear galley, black tank, and bath in this model is apparently are causing frame sag in this model. The dealer has the parts on order and I hope to have the "fix" on the trailer before my trip to Colorado Springs, leaving the 15th.

[Fun-Lovin]

Wow on a 2003 model. You would think they would have fixed that problem. Maybe they need to forget about making the larger a/s trailer towable by a 1/2 ton vehicle and make the frame beefy.

[Pahaska]

Originally posted by Fun-Lovin
Wow on a 2003 model. You would think they would have fixed that problem. Maybe they need to forget about making the larger a/s trailer towable by a 1/2 ton vehicle and make the frame beefy.

My feelings exactly. The frame is of very light material and there is a lot of cabinetry in the rear along with the rear bath. I was amazed at just how light the frame is.

At least, A/S is attending to the problem. On the down side, a few more pounds lost from my limited useful load.

[Fun-Lovin]

If the plates they are going to install on yours are anything like the ones I just installed then its not going to be as much weight as you would think. I believe they weighed a total of approx 75 pounds. But thats still 75 pounds lost.

[DPeakMD]

Greg--I'll check out your other post! I'm interested to see the photos.

It's hard to believe this is still happening on the new ones, but it's good to know Airstream is fixing it, too.

-Dallas