Frame cracks where tongue bolts to frame

Dalehelman

This problem has been discussed at least once before. While we were at Tabazona 2018. I was doing the single dump valve mod on a friends T@B .I discovered cracks around the front lower bolts that attach the tongue to the frame on both sides. These are the four bolts on each side just behind the step and the black water elbow, I emailed NuCamp Friday to give them a heads up before I post this. After arriving home I find ours has cracks in the same location, but only the driver side at this time. Ours is a 2015 Sofitel. At this time there appears to be very little chance of a  catastrophic failure, but I will be watching it very closely. These cracks developed during our last 1000 miles. Total miles on our trailer are somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 miles. I would suggest that everyone inspect their trailers as soon as possible. Post your findings so we can see how widespread this issue is. Pictures to follow.

Dalehelman

First picture is driver side second picture is  passenger side.

Ratkity

Are the bolts torqued too much inside the frame, or frame shaking from average road mileage?

jkjenn

Good question, but thank you, Dale for pointing it out!

driftless

Thank you Dale. Checked our 2014 Q, 15,000 miles, no cracks!  But we will be inspecting this regularly now.

4ncar

Hmmm...

Dalehelman

Someone on Facebook questioned tongue weight. The other T@B had cracks on both sides was completely stock no extra weigh. The tongue weight on ours is under 200lbs.

Ratkity

Good observation @Dalehelman

JustJohn

Just checked my 2016 Outback and had no cracks in frame. Dale, do you know the model year of your friends T@B? Thanks for the heads up, something to keep checking occasionally.

ScottG

No cracks evident on my 2015. My normal tongue weight is just over 200lbs. I'm not sure my mileage, but I doubt it's as high as Dale's.

I did note that the forward bolts on the driver's side are partially obscured by the cover for the shower drain. When it's a little warmer and drier I'll get under there with a good light for a better look.

jkjenn

Dalehelman said:

Someone on Facebook questioned tongue weight. The other T@B had cracks on both sides was completely stock no extra weigh. The tongue weight on ours is under 200lbs.

I knew someone would think it was a tongue weight issue. Thanks, Dale!

Dalehelman

The warranty department at NuCamp requested that I send pictures.

ScottG

@Dalehelman, can you tell for certain if the cracks extend all the way through the frame?

gulfarea

Dale thanks for the post. My 2016 CS-S (no cracks) looks different than your photo on the drivers side. In your photo it looks like there is no metal (v shaped) close to where the cracks & fasteners are where mine has much more metal going forward. Also noticed in your photo the frame seems to have a bent bulge just below the cracks which might be causing metal stress which mine does not. Good luck & please keep us posted. Thanks Art

Dalehelman

@ScottG the rust track suggests to me that the crack is through the trailer frame

Dalehelman

@gulfarea here is a better picture. The first is a little misleading. There is no distortion.

gulfarea

Dale, thanks as that is a better photo, here is mine for comparison. Art

Dalehelman

@gulfarea I suggest checking regularly. My cracks just appeared recently within the last two weeks and 1200 miles.

ScottG

Dalehelman said:

@ScottG the rust track suggests to me that the crack is through the trailer frame

It certainly looks that way from the more recent photos you provided.

gulfarea

Dale, yes I will check that area on both sides regularly. Thanks Art

Dalehelman

Frame crack location clarification please read

When looking for these cracks be sure you are looking in the right place. There are 2 bolts near the stabilizer foot pad. These are not the ones. You need to look about a foot father back directly behind the step on the passenger side, and just ahead of the shower drain cover on the driver side. There is a group of four bolts check the forward lower bolt.

mona

No cracks on my babies frame

jeannie

ericnliz

HEY @Dalehelman, CAN 'YA BRING YER SNOW SHOVEL OVER?????? I'LL HAVE TO DIG A TRENCH TO GET A VISUAL ON THOSE BOLTS!!!!! 

dsatwork

@Dalehelman has anyone suggested that this is a warranty issue?

ericnliz

@dsatwork, Good point. Wonder what nuCamp will have to say on this subject. Seems to be something they would want to address immediately. Just my opinion.

Dalehelman

I am sure the original posters problem was not caused by anything the dealer did. Because this same problem has been found I at least 3 other trailers. Check current postings for more information.Here are some photos. All different trailers. One has cracks on both sides. 

Dalehelman

Sabel reported the same problem in Nov 2016. At that time NuCamp covered he repairs. Check out post titled “frame cracks” Sorry I do not know how to set up a link to it. I am in contact with NuCamp warranty department even though our Tab is out of warranty.

dragonsdofly

@Dalehelman, thanks. That last photo makes the exact place easy to locate. Now if I can only arrange a local thaw, I'll be able to get out in the yard and check it.

jgram2

http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/3973/frame-cracks Here's the one.

Dalehelman

@Twojgrams thanks

jgram2

You're welcome @Dalehelman Still too much snow for me to roll around on the driveway to check ours out and don't think I'd be making a snow angel! More like a snow caterpillar.