ExRocketScientist wrote:

I have the same crossmember setup on a 2003 Jayco. The welds started cracking on mine. I ended up welding some trusses I made crosswise of the trailer and have had no further issues. I used the trusses because I had some additional use for them being there. Really all you need to do is weld up the crack, fishplate the area, and box the spring hangers. The first two items fix the damage. The latter keeps it from happening again. It involves nothing more than welding a piece of 3/16" thick 2x3 channel to the backs of the spring hangers crosswise of the trailer. You can see what I am talking about by looking it up in the Dexter axle catalog. They recommend it for trailers with 7K and up axles, but I would recommend it in your case no matter what the axle rating is. Alternatively, you could install the Mor Ryde X-factor cross member.

57 Panhead wrote:

Now that Lippert has purchased Dexter's chassis division, will they stand good for the issues on frames that were built before the take over? I have read that Lippert has the same issues on their chassis as the cross member design is similar. I have also read that Lippert was fixing these at their expense beyond the warranty.

Steve

RamTX wrote:

EXRocketScientist,

Sounds like you had the same exact problem I have. Did you try and get Dexter to help in fixing it-just wondering. I also failed to mention that I installed the Dexter EZ Flex system on my trailer which I think you might have installed. I somewhat understand what you did, but a picture (as they say is worth a 1000 words) if you are able to take one would be greatly appreciated. One other question, was the C channel installed between the I-beam, welded all around or just welded in a couple of places? Thanks for your excellent response.

RamTX wrote:



I did not mention it, but I initially contacted Lippert and was told that they assume no responsibility for any Dexter frames made prior to the buyout of Dexter frame. Fortunately I continued to pursue the issue in other ways and may get some support from Lippert but not sure!!!

jdog wrote:

So from all of this, the frame stress and cracking is caused by weak spring hangers. These frame builders have always known the cause. Trailer manufactures are known for over loading the frame and springs.

ExRocketScientist wrote:


It is not weak spring hangers. It is the torsion applied to the frame due to the hangers having leverage on the bottom of the frame when you go into a turn. The trailers with tube subframes on them or that use rectangular tube for the main frame rails don't have these problems -- it is extremely difficult to twist a rectangular or square tube. That is why I sugges to people who want 2 to 3 inches of extra ground clearance to add a subframe with crossmembers at each spring hanger. From above, the subframe looks like the number 8 on one of the old 7 segment LED digital displays. It virtually eliminates all of the frame twisting issues. If you converted any of these trailers to single axle from tandem, frame cracks and cracked welds would be virtually unheard of. The problem with actually doing the conversion though is you would definitely need to "tube" the frame to spread the weight bearing over a larger are like the three sp@read out hangers in the tandem axle arrangement does.