Broken steps (actually torn from the frame)

[flyingfishy]

So I've just discovered what I think may be a very big problem.
My steps have been wobbly for a month or so and after glancing at the attachment to the trailer, I thought that all I needed to do was tighten a bolt.
Today I finally got around to getting my socket wrench to fix the problem. As I was figuring out what size socket to use I discovered that the problem is not a loose screw, but where the screw attaches to the trailer is actually torn. What's torn is solid steel, so I must have hit the steps in transit somewhere without knowing it. When I feel around under where the steps are connected, it appears that the steel is actually part of the frame of the trailer, which to fix would be pretty involved, I would think.
Can someone confirm for me that I am looking at the actual frame of the trailer? See the attached photo. I have a 2012 International Serenity 27FB.
I am wondering if someone could suggest a permanent fix that doesn't involve exposing the frame, cutting out the torn part and welding a new part in. Perhaps a local weld once the torn portion is realigned with the frame at a service center or metal shop? Thanks for your help!

[flyingfishy]

Oops, looks like my photo didn't post so I took a video instead.

[Hillgenberg]

It needs to be welded if it's one that pushes up and locks in frame shape

[cwf]

Sorry about your problem...

I think it may be addressed at this thread:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f475...er-163550.html

Apparently it can be fixed.

[flyingfishy]

Thank you so much, CFW. There was a lot of good information in that thread. I think I will go with seeking out a specialty shop that can perform a tig weld so that the repair is not obvious.

Mark

[cwf]

Perhaps Monkey Garage" of tvfame will help. I know.a place in Round Rock...

[flyingfishy]

Originally Posted by cwf

Perhaps Monkey Garage" of tvfame will help. I know.a place in Round Rock...

I'm currently in Colorado, near Ridgway, until Labor Day but I will look around in Montrose for someone who can fix it.

Thanks alot!

[mikesSE]

The step is torn on my '07 Safari,also.The metal it is mounted to is way undersized for a step mounting.I face having to grind,weld and double-up the mount for the step.More of the under-engineering from A/S on the cheaper models!

[RedBird64]

Originally Posted by flyingfishy

Oops, looks like my photo didn't post so I took a video instead.

OK, being the handy type (restored classic cars, vintage bikes, household rebuilds), I would remove the steps. Move that "torn" metal back into place weld the breaks, or, move the metal back into place and weld a 1/8" plate (the full length and width of the frame member ) to the frame, redrill the attachment holes, replace the steps. This is the most effective fix.
The fastest easiest is the first option.

[flyingfishy]

Originally Posted by RedBird64

OK, being the handy type (restored classic cars, vintage bikes, household rebuilds), I would remove the steps. Move that "torn" metal back into place weld the breaks, or, move the metal back into place and weld a 1/8" plate (the full length and width of the frame member ) to the frame, redrill the attachment holes, replace the steps. This is the most effective fix.

The fastest easiest is the first option.

Thank you, but I'm not that handy. I will tell the metal shop your suggestion, though.

[MelGoddard]

I have seen this kind of post before, and so I checked under my 2016 FC for possible tearing. There was none thank you.
So to strengthen the support of the steps, I installed two battery hold down 'L' bolts; 1/4" X 10" long.
I drilled two 1/4" holes freehand into the structural plate, that the OEM bolts are used to mount the steps.
I then mounted the bolts from the lower 'beam' that had two holes already, to the upper plate, that the steps are mounted on.
I used two tension nuts on each bolt, and tightened them together, as locking jam nuts.
Then sprayed WD-40 Lithium grease to rustproof it.
See attached photos.



Hope it works!

[dkottum]

We hit a high curb exiting a campsite with the step a few years ago and the step mounting began to tear. We finally had it repaired at a routine service visit to Jackson Center while traveling east. They welded what looked like a piece of 1" square steel tube up behind the torn metal, the entire width of the step, then bolted the step back into place. That was their method of repair for the torn step when they came in. Very solid.