Frame cracks where tongue bolts to frame

Dalehelman
Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
in Trailer & Towing
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.
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Comments

  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    First picture is driver side second picture is  passenger side.
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  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    Are the bolts torqued too much inside the frame, or frame shaking from average road mileage?
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,423
    Good question, but thank you, Dale for pointing it out!

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

  • driftless
    driftless Member Posts: 135
    edited February 2018
    Thank you Dale. Checked our 2014 Q, 15,000 miles, no cracks!  But we will be inspecting this regularly now.
    Happy Trails,
    Phil & Anita - Driftless: 2018 T@B 400/2015 Ford Explorer 

  • 4ncar
    4ncar Member Posts: 1,072
    Hmmm...
    TV- '16 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab-DuraMax
    2018 320S Outback
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    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.
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  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    Good observation @Dalehelman
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • JustJohn
    JustJohn Member Posts: 171
    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.
    2016 Outback.....North East N.C...... Former 2012 Silver Shadow
  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,674
    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.
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,423
    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!

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    The warranty department at NuCamp requested that I send pictures.
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  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,674
    @Dalehelman, can you tell for certain if the cracks extend all the way through the frame?
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • gulfarea
    gulfarea Member Posts: 524
    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
    2019 TaB 320 S Boondock Edge
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    @ScottG the rust track suggests to me that the crack is through the trailer frame
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  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    @gulfarea here is a better picture. The first is a little misleading. There is no distortion.
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  • gulfarea
    gulfarea Member Posts: 524
    Dale, thanks as that is a better photo, here is mine for comparison. Art
    2019 TaB 320 S Boondock Edge
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    @gulfarea I suggest checking regularly. My cracks just appeared recently within the last two weeks and 1200 miles.
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  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,674
    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.
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • gulfarea
    gulfarea Member Posts: 524
    Dale, yes I will check that area on both sides regularly. Thanks Art
    2019 TaB 320 S Boondock Edge
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    edited February 2018

    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.
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  • mona
    mona Member Posts: 246
    No cracks on my babies frame

    jeannie
    2015 T@b S Max  white with silver trim. 2018 GC Trailhawk. 
  • ericnliz
    ericnliz Member Posts: 4,437
    HEY @Dalehelman, CAN 'YA BRING YER SNOW SHOVEL OVER?????? I'LL HAVE TO DIG A TRENCH TO GET A VISUAL ON THOSE BOLTS!!!!!  =):rofl:
    2016 T@B MAX S-aka: WolfT@B
    TV: 2006 Chevy Avalanche LT Z71 aka: WhiteWolf, or 1972 Chevy Custom10 P/U aka: SnarlingWolf
    Spokane, Wa.
    Eric aka: Lone Wolf  


  • dsatwork
    dsatwork Member Posts: 744
    @Dalehelman has anyone suggested that this is a warranty issue?
    2017 Tab Basic S Silver on Silver with Sofitel Cushions....upgraded from 2013 LG 5W....Towed by a 2016 Sorento V6 AWD w/5000lb tow capacity. Dave S. married to Jen aka SanDiegoGal We pull a Tab but live in a 2014 Airstream International Signature 27 FBQ...Talk about embracing a trailer lifestyle.
  • ericnliz
    ericnliz Member Posts: 4,437
    @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.
    2016 T@B MAX S-aka: WolfT@B
    TV: 2006 Chevy Avalanche LT Z71 aka: WhiteWolf, or 1972 Chevy Custom10 P/U aka: SnarlingWolf
    Spokane, Wa.
    Eric aka: Lone Wolf  


  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    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. 
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  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    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.
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  • dragonsdofly
    dragonsdofly Member Posts: 1,927
    @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.
    2017 t@b sofitel(Dr@gonsFly)TV 2015 Silverado 2500hd(Behemoth). Wyandotte, Michigan.
    Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
  • jgram2
    jgram2 Member Posts: 1,522
    edited April 23
    Here's the one.
    John, Judi, Guinness & OD in PDX
    T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner 


  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    @Twojgrams thanks
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  • jgram2
    jgram2 Member Posts: 1,522
    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.
    John, Judi, Guinness & OD in PDX
    T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner 


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