Frame cracks where tongue bolts to frame

Dalehelman · February 2018

I think tow mileage maybe a factor and or maybe road conditions. Some road in the US are getting really bad California for one. That’s still no excuse for this kind of failure.

jkjenn · February 2018

I am picking up my T@b from my mom's and dropping it off for a few things this weekend and will check my 2015, then.

Luckyj · February 2018

Many things can generate cracks on a frame.

among thoses,
-Frames is not strong enough for the task it is used for
-Poorly design frame (assembling process and fastener type)
-Bad material batch
-overloading a trailer
-overloading a suspension ( when suspension bottom out, stress overload is transmitted to the frame)
-underloadind a suspension ( create more unecessary bounce)
-twisting of frame, rearly happen with a single axle trailer because or the 3 point supprt ( each wheels and tongue).
-and bad handling of frame, like it happen on a batch of T@G trailer not to long ago.

Dalehelman · February 2018

@Luckyj whatever the cause the bottom line is it’ not good and needs to be addressed. Anyone with a NuCamp TAB needs to inspect it regularly. I am not blaming NuCamp they do not manufacture the frames. There are currently four trailers with this exact problem I have documented. I do not feel this is an isolated problem.

Normfun · February 2018

I decided I would check my frame today. Yep it’s cracked. 2015 CS-S. Has about 21000 towed miles on it. Only the passenger side is cracked.

Normfun · February 2018

Mine is cracked as well. 2015 CS-S.

dsatwork · February 2018

@Dalehelman Do we know if they are all 2015s?

ScottG · February 2018

Moderator's note:

I've merged the other related thread into this more active one, and added a header to Dale's clarification about the specific location of the cracks.

This is an important discussion and we'd do best keep it consolidated and not let it veer off in different directions. We already have another older thread on the same topic that has been simultaneously resurrected!

Dalehelman · February 2018

@dsatwork I know that 3 are 2015s I am not sure what Nathan and Patty’s are. At this point we are up to five.

dsatwork · February 2018

Dalehelman said:

@dsatwork I know that 3 are 2015s I am not sure what Nathan and Patty’s are. At this point we are up to five.

Just thinking out loud.....it's probably better for everyone involved, if it is contained to a single year, that is identifiable by a specific manufacturing run.

ericnliz · February 2018

@dsatwork, Some VIN #'s might be helpful in narrowing things down also. Just a thought.....

jkjenn · February 2018

If mine is affected, the factory will have its hands directly on one. I had already planned to drop it off this weekend in Sugar creek. Mine is also a 2015.

Dalehelman · February 2018

@jkjenn. I will anxiously await your findings. I hope it is not an issue on yours. If it is a first hand look at it may be helpful. We will be there In July for the rally. How about you?

jkjenn · February 2018

Dalehelman said:

@jkjenn. I will anxiously await your findings. I hope it is not an issue on yours. If it is a first hand look at it may be helpful. We will be there In July for the rally. How about you?

Unfortunately, Ucamp starts a couple of days before my vacation. I am not sure that work would be OK with me tacking on a few more days after 12 days off.

PITPAT · February 2018

@Dalehelman Just saw this posting Dale. My CS-S is also a 2015. The plot thickens.

Dalehelman · February 2018

Looks like four out of five have been 2015 so for. I am not sure what year Nathan’s is.

mona · February 2018

I should have provided more info on my previous comment. No cracks, 2015 max s, low tow miles(around 4000). Manufactured January 2015.

System · February 2018

This discussion was created from comments split from: Frame Cracks.

Another mod note:

I've moved the more recent comments from Sabel's Frame Cracks discussion over here.

Lets try to keep all this info in one place so if we need to compile something to send to nuCamp it won't give us mods and admins screaming fits. Thanks!

ScottG

Sharon_is_SAM · February 2018

@Dalehelman - Cyclonic’s signature line says 2012 TaB.

Luckyj · February 2018

Dalehelman said:

@Luckyj whatever the cause the bottom line is it’ not good and needs to be addressed. Anyone with a NuCamp TAB needs to inspect it regularly. I am not blaming NuCamp they do not manufacture the frames. There are currently four trailers with this exact problem I have documented. I do not feel this is an isolated problem.

@Dalehelman
I totaly agree with you. The problems does exist and in my book, it should not have happen. But I also found out here, that pointing a finger is not well received by the moderators. I eneven remember how one on them was describing how pease (the mod) was about how sturdy and strong the frame was, being able to support all those road bumps. And like you say, Nucamp are not fabing the frame them selves. But the send out the specs and accept the delivery of that sub assembly.

now, I major thing for NuCamp, is that they really stand behing theire product, with top notch custumer and warranty service. They are way better that my dealer can be so far. Like I have always said, I give credit to whom deserve it.

hope you guys are able to get satisfaction, cause loosing a trailer for any amout of time for repair, is never a good news. No matter how you look at it.

Dalehelman · February 2018

I am communicating with NuCamp and NuCamp is apparently talking to the chassis manufacturer. At this time it will not effect our usage. I will be checking with a certified welder for his opinion. At a minimum I will probably have the crack welded then monitor for a reoccurrence of the problem.

mona · February 2018

If, indeed, it is a bad batch of 2015’s, there is number chalked on the tongue that could narrow it down, maybe. Mine is still visible.
Door side of camper. Mine is 1324.

Tabaz · February 2018

I believe the actual date of manufacture is printed on the sticker with the gross weights, etc. on the driver side of the frame at the front near the tongue jack. Mine was made in August of 2015, but considered a 2016 model year for some reason. The actual date might be helpful in narrowing the problem time period.

mona · February 2018

I believe that nucamp year change is April.
So, that makes sence.
Jeannie

Tabaz · February 2018

No cracks on either side. Manufacture date 8/15. Also checked a friend's 320 made about the same time. Also no cracks.

Dalehelman · February 2018

Talked to the Bal the chassis manufacturer today. I was assured that the three other mounting bolts are more than adequate to secure the tongue. At this point I tend to agree. If I see any increased cracking or any cracking at the other three bolts I will take action. I understand those frame rails can be replaced fairly easy in a couple of hours.The factory claims to have had only the original complaint a couple of years ago. Through this form we have documented four more.
Here is the note I received from Bal manufacturing. At the bottom is the contact name and number if anyone would like to get more information

Dale,

This is Bernie with BAL / Norco Industries. We produce a variety of frames for customers in the RV industries including nuCamp. I received a few of your comments regarding the crack around the front dimple on your T@B frame. I would like to share some of the information regarding the frame but your phone number was not included. If you could please send a number that I can reach you at, I can run through what I know about the T@B frame and your area of concern.

Thanks,

Bernie Garceau

Norco Industries

(574) 262-3400

ScottG · February 2018

Good info Dale. Thanks for taking the initiative to bring this to everyone's attention and to follow up with Bal/Norco. (However, I wish you didn't have the frame cracks that motivated you to do so...)

ericnliz · February 2018

@Dalehelman, Yes, a BIG thanks for bringing this situation to light for others to be aware of. It's about time for you to get out your lawn chair & coffee cup isn't it? As always I'm looking forward to your next round of insights, or modifications, whatever comes first.

jkjenn · February 2018

Looks like I have one started on the passenger side.

Passenger side dies not have one, yet, but appears as though one could be forming. It's raining pretty much all day, here, so I did not linger to study, closely.

Normfun · February 2018

Jenn. Looks like you do have a good start on one. This is interesting as it shows the starting point. I suspect rust at the bottom of the dimple is what starts it. Then trailer flex moves it along. When you drop it off at the factory make sure they see it.

I find this worrisom but not a fatal flaw. Likely easy to weld and strengthen too.

Thanks for checking.

Norm

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Frame cracks where tongue bolts to frame

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