prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 14, 2016 15:37:54 GMT -8
Almost sure the entire frame is going to need to be replaced as there is serious rot at the rear cargo area and at the tongue (he rest seems sound). Before I make any final decisions about the frame I will have someone experienced take a looking t it for me.
Question 1: repair the cab first (replace rotted wood, tighten up skin, etc) and then remove the whole thing from the frame? Or remove the cab as is first, remove frame, replace frame and then make the repairs to the cab?
Question 2: should the skin be in it when jacking up the cab to remove the frame?
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Post by danrhodes on Feb 14, 2016 16:23:35 GMT -8
I'd get a certified welder or trailer shop to give some recommendations, then come back with your questions. If I had to remove the box, I'd take off the skin so it wasn't damaged by the flexing.
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Feb 14, 2016 18:28:17 GMT -8
I like Dan's suggestion here. I would recommend talking to a good welding shop or trailer shop/dealer. You really should find out first what can actually be done to cure the frame problems.
I would however disagree mildly with the idea of removing the skin. If the cabin is cut completely loose from the metal frame, then it would retain most of its structural integrity by being completely intact, just the way that it holds its strength for going down the road by being intact inside and out. It would have to be jacked slowly and evenly and supported the same way once loose. But if they can move whole houses down the road intact, then removing the cabin from a travel trailer should also be possible.
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Post by vintagebruce on Feb 14, 2016 18:52:19 GMT -8
Have a pro inspect the frame first and give an "engineering" estimate of required repairs... If repairs would cost more than a new frame, YES the whole cabin can be lifted and the frame can be detached and pulled out from under the suspended cabin...we have already discussed this option here in this section...open this thread started by John Palmer and read the sequence of posts and see photos. In his first post he explained what he took off the "cabin" before lifting it. He was going to have to make frame repairs anyway, so by doing the deconstruction mentioned, he lessened the weight of the cabin, and gave him a complete view of what framing needed to be repaired/replaced in the process. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/4153/frame-off-rebuilds |
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 21, 2016 10:22:55 GMT -8
I think I read that thread a little while back and if I am correct, he restored the cab first and then lifted it off and replaced the frame. I am thinking this is the way that I am going to have to go unless I can make a lot of money really fast (it's possible, I have a lot of equipment and tools to sell). I could restore / rebuild the cabin a bit at a time this summer and then next summer do the frame. That would give me next winter to save for the frame. Is this a viable option?
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Feb 21, 2016 13:23:40 GMT -8
Since there are not any absolutes for this hobby, then it could be a viable plan. But first and foremost, you should make absolutely 100% certain, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that the frame can and will be repaired/replaced... If that does not happen, you have a lot of money, time, sweat-equity, bloodshed, tears, plans,hopes, dreams.... you get my point... tied up in what could then become a really expensive lawn ornament. It almost seems like a totally reversed way of going about it. That doesn't necessarily make it wrong, though....
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 21, 2016 14:31:42 GMT -8
I get that, totally...and I am going to start looking around for someone to make the frame as well as get some estimates. Thanks!
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carvelloafer
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Post by carvelloafer on Feb 21, 2016 14:51:52 GMT -8
Something to consider is that when you lift the cabin from the frame you will likely be lifting it from the edges so that the frame can roll out. If the wood is rotten and in need of replacement on the skirt boards, then you might have some problems lifting the cabin depending on how solid the wood is. When I rebuilt the Lil Loafer I left the frame in place knowing that some day it should be replaced. That day came upon me in a scary way when a spring hanger broke off the frame. At any rate, when I lifted the cabin to replace the frame I was sure glad I rebuilt it as sturdy as I did. In actuality, I never lifted the cabin, I lowered the frame. But I had no apprehension securing the weight by the edges because I knew what was in there. There are a few pics in this link to give an idea. I think it is very much the same way John did his. www.repairingyesterdaystrailers.yuku.com/topic/4407/Lil-Loafer-Frame-Replacement#.Vso-xpwrKhcLike Ten said, there are no absolutes in this hobby. |
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 21, 2016 19:18:10 GMT -8
Thank you! I appreciate all of the input. And thank you for letting me know it can be done!
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 21, 2016 19:24:41 GMT -8
Carvelloafer - did your cab stay intact inside? Was it ok? I think the thread you just linked me to was the one I originally found when I started thinking about this. Thanks, again!
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carvelloafer
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Post by carvelloafer on Feb 22, 2016 6:16:36 GMT -8
Carvelloafer - did your cab stay intact inside? Was it ok? I think the thread you just linked me to was the one I originally found when I started thinking about this. Thanks, again! Yes, everything was intact on the cabin. But when I jacked it up it was with the old frame in place so the entire assembly was as solid as it could be. Then the cabin was just suspended there and the frame lowered, that way I wasn't moving the cabin without a frame attached to it. |
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Post by danrhodes on Feb 22, 2016 6:52:38 GMT -8
There are at least 3 other examples of removing the body in one piece here... I'm on mobile so can't find all of them, but search for threads from RinTin, Teachndad and John PalmerStill interested in the areas of the frame you feel need repairs. Can you post more photos? Most of these old frames just need a little rust removal and paint. |
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 22, 2016 7:01:50 GMT -8
I was under it again yesterday with a wire brush...its even worse than I originally thought. I still plan to have someone else look at it, but Im almost 100% sure a new frame is needed. Ill try for more pics later today or tomo. I appreciate all of the info.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 22, 2016 7:12:33 GMT -8
Cavelloafer - did you have to disconnect plumbing and propane lines before dropping the frame off? All of my lines are under the metal part of the frame.
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carvelloafer
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Post by carvelloafer on Feb 22, 2016 11:29:35 GMT -8
Yes, the gas line had to be removed as well as my wiring harness, that in my case was in the way. Essentially everything that would be in the way of lowering the frame and rolling it out.
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