Torn frame rail on Cougar 28RBS

[hankaye]

340_Formula_S, Howdy;

Good looking job.

hankaye

[slow]

Originally Posted by 340_Formula_S

...........To Keystone's credit, they told me to get it to a dealer to determine if it was a defect. .................

IMO, it is significant design oversight having the "A" portion of the frame truncating so abruptly under the main frame rails. The result is a very high stress concentration in that area that can also be aggravated by a poor (undercut) weld.

You may also want to consider adding some material that tapers up from the bottom of the "A" frame up to main frame rails a couple of feet further back to decrease the stress concentration where you had the failure.

Thanks for sharing. Now have another item on the list to watch for.

[340_Formula_S]

Originally Posted by hankaye

340_Formula_S, Howdy;



Good looking job.



hankaye

Thank you.

[340_Formula_S]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Nice repair. Make sure to cover that burnt fabric with some underbelly tape or gorilla tape.

I've already ordered the tape. It should be here in a few days. Thanks though.

[So Cal CPA]

To the OP:

I have a 2013 28RBS and crawled under it this weekend. If I understand your pics, the "failure or weak point" is where the tongue "A" meets the I beam running front to back.

Luckily I don't seem to have your issue. I did however notice extra box or square steel pieces about 18" in lenght welded to where the tongue "A" meets the very forward I beam that runs from left to right or perpendicular to the trailer.

I wonder if the extra meat there prevents the "weak point" on your frame??? Less flexing? Don't know but nice work and I will be keeping an eye on mine.

[340_Formula_S]

Your interpretation of the location is correct. I completed my repair over the weekend by covering the exposed underside as a result of the repair. I'm very comfortable that I have provided an adequate remedy for this matter. I'm just thankful that I found it.

[340_Formula_S]

Originally Posted by So Cal CPA

To the OP:



I have a 2013 28RBS and crawled under it this weekend. If I understand your pics, the "failure or weak point" is where the tongue "A" meets the I beam running front to back.



Luckily I don't seem to have your issue. I did however notice extra box or square steel pieces about 18" in lenght welded to where the tongue "A" meets the very forward I beam that runs from left to right or perpendicular to the trailer.



I wonder if the extra meat there prevents the "weak point" on your frame??? Less flexing? Don't know but nice work and I will be keeping an eye on mine.

Can you post a picture please?

[So Cal CPA]

Picture as requested

[340_Formula_S]

I'm a little bit confused as to what I'm actually looking at.

[hankaye]

340_Formula_S, Howdy;

Handy hint that was passed along on another forum.
Click on the thumbnail to enlarge it, then Right click on the next pic.,
select 'View Image" then hold down "Ctrl" button and tap the " + " to
enlarge it. Works like a Champ!

hankaye

[So Cal CPA]

Originally Posted by 340_Formula_S

I'm a little bit confused as to what I'm actually looking at.

There is an extra chunk of steel welded to the very front I beam where the tongue meets it.

At the bottom of the pic where all the wires are running is the tongue "A" steel box frame and you can see where it is welded to the I beam. In the upper right you'll see a cut piece of steel - this is the extra steel welded to the I beam.

[340_Formula_S]

It would appear that piece serves similar to the pieces that I had welded into place on my trailer. It should prevent frame flex at that point.

[340_Formula_S]

Well, my repair seems to be holding up very well so far. I just completed my first road trip since the repair was made. I went on a 1350 mile trip to Houston, Texas. I guess if I make it back home it was a job well done.

[gearhead]

Well now that you're in Houston, why would you leave?? LOL

While you're here, if you have any frame/welding issues try Smitty's Welding on Briitmoore, just west of I-10 and Beltway 8.
http://www.smittysrvwelding.com/

[340_Formula_S]

Originally Posted by gearhead

Well now that you're in Houston, why would you leave?? LOL



While you're here, if you have any frame/welding issues try Smitty's Welding on Briitmoore, just west of I-10 and Beltway 8.

http://www.smittysrvwelding.com/

Thanks for that information, that is exactly where I am staying.

[340_Formula_S]

I hope it's not too early to say this but I've put 2700 miles on the trailer since I repaired my frame rail and all appears to be well. I did however go across a real rough overpass on I-295 around Richmond and broke a leaf spring, but the frame repair held.