Frame Flex Repair Pictures - Montana Owners Club

DHenry · 09-16-2006, 02:47 PM

Here are a couple of the pictures of the frame flex repair that was done at the Keystone factory in Pendleton, Or.

The first picture shows the angle iron bolted and welded on the bottom of the framing at the top of the LP compartment.

The second picture shows the angle iron bolted and welded to the verticle side of the framing again at the top of the LP compartment.

This was done in both of the LP compartments.

bsmeaton · 09-16-2006, 03:02 PM

Thanks a bazillion for the photos Doug!!

At least if I'm on my own for this, I think I could get a good welder to make this happen without any invasive surgery on the Monty! Do you know if there were any mods up in front? (I've heard gussets behind the noze cone or under the belly of the nose).

DHenry · 09-16-2006, 03:31 PM

No mods up front, they said they just rewelded the broken welds there.

bsmeaton · 09-16-2006, 03:35 PM

Thanks again Doug.

CRUZIN 2 · 09-17-2006, 12:17 PM

Doug

Were there cracks where they welded in the angle iron in the LP compartment?

Larry

DHenry · 09-17-2006, 01:57 PM

Larry, no there were no cracks in there. The only problem was the broken welds on the passengers side of the overhang and the crack in the fibreglass at the top right corner of the bedroom slide which they fixed with a expansion joint.

Trailer Trash 2 · 09-17-2006, 04:06 PM

It looks like a simple fix Doug, I hope it stops your problem, is there any reason why they used a beginning welder to do the work. HA HA.

DHenry · 09-17-2006, 04:38 PM

I noticed that also, but the bolts convinced me that it will hold.

bsmeaton · 09-18-2006, 07:20 AM

It would seem Keystone is trying to strengthen the horizontal frame run between the two vertical supports (fore and aft in the LP compartment), before it cantilevers out to the pinbox. Does anyone else see it that way or am I way off?

Brad

cstevens · 09-19-2006, 02:49 AM

I am considering a Montana 3400. This frame flex problem makes me very nervous. Is this something that has been fixed?? Sounds like they need a much stronger frame.
Thanks

lightningjack11 · 09-19-2006, 04:36 AM

cstevens,

If I were going to order a new Montana I would request in the contract that known frame flex re-inforcement repairs be installed while the unit is being built.

There is so much of the frame flex going around that I am sure Keystone is making changes on the assembly line to keep warranty cost down. But it never hurts to put it into the contract so that you won't lose use of your camper for long periods.

CRUZIN 2 · 09-19-2006, 07:52 AM

lightingjack11

We were at Goshen IN. about 3 weeks ago and took a tour of the plant. I pointed out the Flex Problem and they were unaware of any problem so nothing has been done thus far. This is why we had our unit there to be repaired. We're not real pleased with the results, time will tell I guess.

I do need to say that the service department, especially Darrell Turner were wonderful to work with. They go over and beyond fixing things you weren't even aware of. We were very pleased with how we were treated.

lightningjack11 · 09-19-2006, 09:20 AM

Larry,

I would suspect that would be the case. So why not put it in the contract. MOC members have an advantage here. Might at well use it.

cstevens · 09-19-2006, 09:30 AM

I wonder who makes their frames? There is a problem with Norco frames bending too.

One dealer (not Montana) told me Montanas get cracks in the fiberglass near the windows because of inferior construction. He offered to show me a used unit on their lot with this problem but we didn't have time to look. I have not heard of this anywhere else.

My salesman said the Montana fiberglass and walls are very strong. He proceeded to kick the wall of the trailer really hard. It did not dent but we were quite startled.

CRUZIN 2 · 09-19-2006, 09:35 AM

Tom

My feeling is when you have to put a splice by the bedroom slide, that is just a band-aid on a problem and not addressing the real cause of the problem.

bsmeaton · 09-19-2006, 12:03 PM

cstevens -

I don't believe "bend" is the appropriate term. I don't think there have been any bent or distorted frames on the Montana's.

There has been evidence of broken welds on the nose, but these are not frame welds and do not affect the integrity of the frame. Rather they are the welds that hold the aluminum structure and siding to the steel frame. Once the welds break and the trailer is towed, movement can cause cracks in the siding. If they are inspected as I have just done mine, I think the problem can be avoided way early in the game.

I don't think kicking the siding is an appropriate measure of stoutness, and the dealer might have got a shock if he stuck his foot through it in front of you! We have never had a problem with the Montana siding, but we have with other manufacturers - one that had separation between the fiberglass and wood causing bubbles down the side. The other was aluminum sided and expanded when it was in the sun causing the molding to pop off and rivets to pop out of the studs. It looked like the uniroyal tire man laying down when it was in the sun. After 3 siding replacements by the manufacturer, we decided it would never be fixed and got rid of it.

Brad

CountryGuy · 09-19-2006, 12:59 PM

cstevens

just remember a salesman will tell you anything to get you to buy what he is selling. You are doing the right thing, which is researching yourself. Read all the forums, and see what kind of problems are being reported by other users of other brands of RV's. And, see if those manufacturers stand behind their units the way Keystone is!

Welcome to the forum, good luck in your decision.

cstevens · 09-20-2006, 02:00 AM

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments.

We have narrowed our search to a Montana 3400RL and the Jayco Designer 35CLQS. They are very similar and I can't tell that one is better than the other. It might come down to who gives us the best deal. From reading this forum's notes it appears that the Montana is quite reliable. We might wait until spring to make a decision.

krvk · 10-01-2006, 02:18 PM

After hooking up our '04' 3295RK the molding moves about an 1/8" on the right side (passenger) where it starts to curve and moves about a 1/4" on left side molding (bedroom slide). Everything seems to be ok on the inside of the Monty. I took a couple of pictures, but could not figure out to post them here.
Should we be getting worried or have this checked out at a dealer?
We are currently in Novato,CA.

DHenry · 10-01-2006, 02:43 PM

I would not worry to much about 1/8" of deflection. Mine was on the drivers side and was considerably more that what you are seeing.

You may also like: