sandiegotravelers
San Diego, CA
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Joined: 04/04/2007
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I recently noticed that my A frame (passenger side) was bent in and the coupler had a piece missing from it. I hitched up to take it into the shop for warranty repair work and noticed my WD (EAZ-LIFT) must have done the damage. I can only think that at one point in time I turned to far and the sway mount on the hitch was up against the frame and pushing in on it.
I was told that I should have the coupler taken off, frame bent back to its standard L shape and then a new coupler welded on. I have included some pictures that show the damage. My concern is the weld separation on the underside of the frame and the damaged coupler piece.
Has anyone else had this happen to them? If so, what actions did you take? Does anyone have any suggestions? Cost est. is $450-$500 parts and labor.
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edited 05/07/08 09:06pm by sandiegotravelers *
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2007 Fleetwood Wilderness Scout 27' TT
2005 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.4L V8 FI SOHC
EAZ-LIFT Weight Distribution Bars
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BarneyS
S.E. Lower Michigan
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I agree that the coupler should be replaced, frame straightened, and a new one welded on. Don't know if your price is reasonable or not though. I had the bracket hit my A frame under the coupler on my previous trailer and dent it slightly but nothing was broken. I just left it the way it was as it was only a small dent. Was always careful not to jackknife to much after that.
Good luck.
Barney
2004 Sunnybrook 30FKS TT
Hensley 1400# hitch
2002 Ford F250, 7.3L PSD, SuperCab, Short bed, Auto, 3:73rear
1996 Harley Davidson FLHRI Road King
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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bite the bullet and get it fixed. it happened to me on a boat trailer once, we just had to replace the channel tubing, much easier on the pocket book.
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GHarper
New Hampshire
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Joined: 11/12/2007
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Can't see the pictures but. Once metal is bent it is very hard to unbend it. Also you don't want to weld it anymore than needed as it will change it's temper and strength. The best thing would be to replace the A frame. You may find the cost is nearly the same, but I am sure that the stength will not have been compromised. I would look for a good welder in your area and see what he would charge to mke you a new A frame. A lot of weld shops make trailers now a days.
1994 Suburban 3/4 ton +
2008 Crossroads Zinger ZT29DB
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Midnightpumpkin
Concord Twp, Lake County, Ohio
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I had the same issue with an Eaz-Lift hitch on a previous trailer. Fortunately I saw it before any damage was done. I installed a hitch ball with a 1" rise to provide the needed clearance.
Keep this in mind once the A frame is repaired.
John U
Midnight pumpkin
2003 Dodge Ram 2500, HEMI, 2WD, 3.73 gears, 5speed Auto
Prodigy Brake Controler
Reese Dual Cam HP
2007 Rockwood 8315SS Travel Trailer
Loaded Weights:
Trailer Axles 6640#, Hitch Wt 920#
Combined Gross Wt, no passengers, 13,855#
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symbasden
WI
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Joined: 07/29/2003
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Take a look at an "Inverted" coupler to prevent it from happening again. The coupler on my new trailer is mounted to the bottom of the frame instead of the top as my old one was. There is no way for my hitch to hit the frame of the camper...
Jeff
2009 Rockwood Signature Ultra Light 8317SS
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 QC LB Hemi
DW Kelly and DD
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BurbMan
Long Island, NY
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Joined: 09/20/2001
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Photos?
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sandiegotravelers
San Diego, CA
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I think I got the picture issue fixed. If you cant view them on this page, you can see them at http://picasaweb.google.com/ciblaisdell/RV
* This post was
edited 05/07/08 09:11pm by sandiegotravelers *
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Scott_C
NJ
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Piece of cake repair. I've done several A-frame chop and swaps (I am a CW). Honestly, I would only charge you $500 to build a NEW A-frame from scratch! Granted, you don't have a side view of the C-channel, but it looks like a $250 repair for me. I'd chop the coupler (incidentally, only bulldog style is more than $50!), and simply work out the tweak with a porto-power (doesn't even look like it needs heat). Once I confirm the triangulation is good with the axle, and the rails and the flanges run parallel, I'd weld up the new coupler and probably add a stiffner. If you cost estimate includes refinishing the A-frame (weld dressing, priming, and squirting), then it's probably good.
2008 Shamrock 21SS
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sandiegotravelers
San Diego, CA
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Thank you all for your input. I decided to go with having the repair done. I shopped around some other places for labor costs (coupler is only $39.99, so majority of cost is labor) and it was about equal or more.
Some of my fellow trailer owners thought I could wait, but for me, it's all about safety. Towing the family and knowing the damage is there, I would always have the bad thoughts in my head.
I pick up the TT this Monday and will post some post-repair pics.
Thanks again and happy travels! 
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