How Long?

[dsprik]

We have 28,000+ miles on our 2007 3400. I would consider that low mileage for a camper. We have had a few problem with our Montana, but this forum has saved our bacon on more trhan one occasion. This forum is the key to your longevity with your Montana - no doubt.

[jrpend]

Dumb question time again: What is a "frame flex"?

Thanks,
Jerald Pendleton
Wannabe

[Carole]

Jerald, go get you a cup of coffee, do a search on the forum about "frame flex" and be prepared to learn more than you ever want to know. Interesting and important research.

[Art-n-Marge]

Carole meant a LARGE cup of coffee. The brief description is that some RV frames are prone to damage during travel as the frame flexes with travel and stress especially around the fiver pin area. There have been some problems with some rigs that the welds that fail or were not properly done so that the framing starts to separate. The indication is then the wall covers, paneling, etc. also start to separate as they try to keep things together and aren't designed to do so. The end result is a major repair as the frame needs to be rewelded and this requires everything be taken apart to do so (ouch!). Bottom line! Don't wish this even on your worst enemy. No one deserves this problem.

No question is dumb. My answer may not be the smartest, but the question is definitely not dumb. This is something we should all be aware of, so it can be recognized to prevent greater mishaps and asking your question is the first step.

[jrpend]

A large cup of coffee *with* a shot of whiskey....

Thank you both.

Frame Flex does seem something pretty hideous. It seems to me that it is a manufacturers defect. Something to watch out for.

Thanks again,
Jerald
Montana Wannabe

quote:Originally posted by jrpend

Dumb question time again: What is a "frame flex"?

Thanks,
Jerald Pendleton
Wannabe

[richfaa]

Just my opinion but I think 'Frame flex" which is a failure of the frame in the over hang area of 5th wheels is a combination of manufacturing design and user miss use. FVSEF a outfit that weighs Rv's indicates that over 60% of Rv's they weighed are overweight in one or more areas. The first time we were weighed I was shocked at how much we were over weight.

Quality of welds is a ongoing discussion. I have had certified welders tell me that our welds look good and other certified welders on forums say they are crap. Our 2006 3400 suffered frame flex twice. That is the frame broke in the overhang area.

The first time was after we knew we were heavy unloaded to spec's. The second time we were absolutely under spec's..
we are long timers . We travel a lot over our wonderful highway system. There are many, many here who travel far more than we do and have not had the problem.

[jackel1959]

We have had our 3455SA for 4.5 years and have just a little over 41k on it (I know because I have a hubometer). We have had issues including frame flex, hydraulic pump, suspension, wheels, holding tanks, etc. Some of those issues were under warranty or the Keystone company took care of. Others, the extended maintenance contract we purchased stepped up, some we sucked up the cost......that's the price for owning one of these rigs.

We have done several, what we consider major upgrades including disc brakes, 2nd a/c and tires as well many minor upgrades/mods. Overall, we have been very happy with the rig and plan on keeping and traveling in it for many more years.

It has been holding up well and as long as we continue the scheduled maintenance and other care and feeding these things require, I don't see why we can't continue to enjoy it for several more years.

Jack

[lunalonestar]

We have a 2006 3650RK (built in Nov. '05). We moved into it full time Dec. 2006 and have over 30K miles on it (of which have been added the last 2.5 years) Took her up to Alaska this past summer (frost heaves). We try to be diligent with respect to scheduled maintenance and when we see an issue, we do not let it tarry. We fix/repair it as soon as we can. So far, she's holding up well and our long term plan is to keep her together another 4 years. Wish us luck! So IMHO, with proper care and maintenance, it is not unreasonable to expect a rig to last 12-15 years.

[shovelhead86]

[quote]Originally posted by twindman

I bought my 2006 model used in 2006 - about 6 months old. I have probably 60-70K miles on it. We use it pretty hard for 90 days each summer. I think we probably average 45 different campgrounds in 90 days, so a lot of setup/takedowns. My only major repair was frame flex that cost $1800. So pro-rated, that is $250 a year or so.
So I think if you only drive 2-3000 a year, it should last 15-20 years.
[How did you determine you had frame flex]

[mlh]

I have a 2001 2955 that I have pulled at least 50000 miles. I pulled it 8500 miles this year. I've took it places most people wouldn't take their truck and speeds that broke all speed limits. It still looks almost like new and every thing on it works like new. I still don't know how long it will last but if I choose to keep it I'm sure it will last several more years and 10s of thousands of more miles.
Lynwood

[JandC]

I stay up on all maintenance and check everything on a regular basis. Being full time and planning on putting 10,000-20,000 miles on per year I would think our 2008 would last us as long as we need. I believe one of the keys to keeping older RV's from looking aged is to take really good care of the exterior finish.

[jackel1959]

[quote]quote:Originally posted by shovelhead86

Originally posted by twindman


[How did you determine you had frame flex]

The way I determined I was having a frame flex issue was when I hooked up the rig and had all the weight on the truck and pin, the side wall of our front closet would bow at the bottom. When we un-hooked and the weight was off the pin, the bow went away.

Other members have had the same kind of indications, but some have been more severe like seeing gaps/separation and/or cracks in exterior walls in the area of the front cap.

Jack

[jhudson]

quote:Originally posted by JandC

I stay up on all maintenance and check everything on a regular basis. Being full time and planning on putting 10,000-20,000 miles on per year I would think our 2008 would last us as long as we need. I believe one of the keys to keeping older RV's from looking aged is to take really good care of the exterior finish.

Fully agree here. My last SOB was 10 years old and pulled it 50,000 miles. All decals were original and still in perfect condition. The front and back gelcoat was still perfect along with sides. Yes it took many hours to keep it this way, but the advantage was when I sold it. It sold in two days. Price was never haggled. Folks thought it was new interior and out.