Frame Flex Broken Welds Cracked Walls - Full Time RV Living EP46

We were hit by frame flex or frame failure last year and have broken welds. We have gone one service center and had repairs completed but the welds broke again. In search of a better fix we come across Affinity RV in Goshen Indiana and hope they have the solid solution for us going forward. We walk you through the build of our Vanleigh Beacon to demonstrate how a 5th wheel is constructed and how it is impacted by frame flex. We also demonstrate how frame flex impacted us and then Rod's team at Affinity RV firm up our wall like no other. This repair was covered by warranty for us but was a cost at around $5500.00. I am told today the price is around $8500 for the same repair.
00:00 Intro
00:42 Construction
01:55 Frame Flex
03:00 Our Break
04:29 Searching for Better
05:14 Affinity RV
06:00 Tear down
07:35 Build Up
10:05 Closing it up
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[@Watchdogger]

Incredible work by Affinity - and clearly honest letting you video their work! Real craftsmen.

[@MidlifeDetour]

I totally agree and a point that I express often when mentioned. I have been told no video at other repair facilities however these guys were an open book. At the time of our repair they didn’t know we had a channel but had said they don’t care if we take video. They did an excellent job that has withstood our continued travels. Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@johnfcomeau5011]

Best cut to the chase video I've seen. Thanks

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you - much appreciated. There was a lot of info to cram into this video and was trying to cover it all.

[@mdduet]

Seems like Affinity RV has started a cottage industry becoming the go to for frame repairs

[@MidlifeDetour]

They for sure do a great job at making them right!

[@AnnaMikkelsen1]

They have a year wait list.

[@MidlifeDetour]

If you want to go to them get put on the waitlist and continue to check in. Rod is talking about opening and second shop to help with the flex issues. 😎

[@philipbuzzanca8450]

Have the same issue, saw the great work they do but unfortunately I was told that February 2025 was the earliest appointment. Was willing to drive there from Long Island too. Had to find another repair facility, which is June of this year. Hopefully they do as good a job on it.

[@BenjaminMedlock]

Concise, informative, well shot and edited. You sir are killing it. Thanks for the great video.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well, thank you! 😎

[@arnoldanderson1501]

I'm so happy for you. I hope you have a permanent fix with this problem!

[@shearenergy8203]

WE NEED A UPDATE

[@MidlifeDetour]

We have no issues regarding our frame flex issue since it was corrected at Affinity. We have driven many thousands of miles since and still holds strong. Thanks for hanging out with us.

[@perryyoung1712]

That looks a lot stronger !

[@dcurry8147]

Anybody that goes RVing knows there's going to be problems. But you two have taken it to a whole new level. You have to be due for some good luck.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! We agree that it’s time for some good luck and some fun travel times! It feels like it’s just around the corner!🤞🏼😎

[@TheFalcondan95705]

We have had an aljo 1902, aljo 24 foot.. Kz new vision Ultra, a Prowler.. NONE have given us problems.. With our Newer montana it has been one issue after another...PURE JUNK...Just saying 'they all DON"T have problems"..

[@petemayo560]

Agree with @Watchdogger! And thank you both for sharing! We started full timing 8-30-21 after selling our home and own a 2022 GD Momentum 397ths. We did not have the issues you have. We had squeaky master bedroom flooring. Took off the philon cover under the front cap and all 5 small beam attachments were broken. Missing some screws and lag bolts and undersized. Sill plate cracked in a few places. Have not had the front cap off - yet. Really really appreciate the photos and info on Affinity's repairs as, per everyone else also stated, they are very booked up and so would need to go elsewhere if we have any further issues. So happy to hear your repair is holding and hope to see you all out on the road! :-)

[@Bediasman]

I think I have found the bottom of the Rabbit Hole. This video is the most calm, easy to understand and informative on the flex issue I have viewed so far. I never knew anything about frame flex, but once my wife said "Hey lets buy a camper and travel a little bit", I went on a research to find one that we would like. Now, I am thinking of buying a boat with a new fishing rod instead. Some of the products mentioned in other videos with this problem have scared the crap out of me. Your video on the other hand gives me a much better understanding of if broken, can it be repaired. I am still researching to see if there is an insurance that can be purchased that will cover this issue and is it only available for some campers. Anyway, thank you for your video. I hope your future travels are uneventful other than having fun.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you for the kind words. I am aware of several folks that had theirs repaired filing an insurance claim. We had some similar feelings when this first happened to us as the manufacturer stated they were uncertain how or if it could be repaired. We have over 25k miles since repair without issue. A kayak and that new rod may be a better idea - less to go wrong. Thanks for stopping by!

[@Livefreewhileucan]

Good job Affinity.

[@LeeFamTV]

That’s superb job. A huge applause to Affinity RV.

[@mrmudslide5676]

The obvious question which you failed to mention was how much did this cost. It boggles my mind that when people put videos like this together, they don't answer the very simple question, which I'm sure everyone is thinking when they're reading the title of the video.

[@MidlifeDetour]

At the time we created this video since it was a warranty repair the cost hadn’t been calculated or given to us. You are right it is a common question and we have updated the description to reflect it. Our work was around $5500. I am told that now this effort is around $8500.

[@MarkB.-mo3lz]

After seeing how Affinity repaired and strengthened the frame, it really makes how the manufacturer built it look flimsy. The manufacturers should build it this way in the first place.

[@jasonalper7898]

That amazing, that is a easier fix than i thought, very cool for sharing,

[@kevinm3873]

You know these guys know what they are doing. All the other company's like Grand Design won't let you video anything because they are just patching the repairs and not fixing it properly.

[@MidlifeDetour]

I think your assessment is spot on. Our experience with the previous attempt on this correction speaks to your statement. Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@marcsmelser9508]

Thank you,!! Very Informative!! I love the quality of work the did for you!!!!

[@gtnoslp]

Looks like a great repair job!

[@larrylove9589]

Great repair. Fantastic looking RV.

[@KelvinAung95]

Was not expecting this from this premium of a trailer 😢

[@JohnDeereAdventure]

Great video .. Thank you for sharing..👍👍

[@timf6916]

GOOD LUCK, TO US ALL..

[@rickgriffith1]

Great job explaining everything. Thank you.👍🏼😎

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks for watchin 🙂👍🏼

[@tg9388]

Wow, thank goodness you finally found a 0lace to fix this issue, hope your repair free for long time now, thanks for sharing

[@davidrobertson606]

Well presented. We do not own an RV but are looking. Your information is valuable. The solution you have looks solid.

[@christopherjohnston6042]

That's one hell of a job you had done. I'm sure you will never have that problem again

[@jstans78utube]

You guys have a great channel here - I like the vibe, low stress and friendly

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! We like to hear that! 😎👍🏼

[@nextupcamping]

So glad you found some real help for this issue! Now, for some worry-free adventures! Safe travels

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks so much! We are ready for adventure…the fun kind! 😎

[@KellyGourde-it1sr]

Thank you Midlife Detour for your quick response! Since Affinity is only 400 miles from where we are now, and kind of in the direction we are going, we will be pulling in there first thing tomorrow morning to discuss our options. I have heard about Tishomingo RV repair but it's so far out of our way at this point, and from all the reviews I've seen on Affinity, I don't think I trust anyone else to do it right the first time! I'd use them for other small repairs if we travel down south. We have paid reservations in Rockland, Maine, May 1 through end of October. Time is ticking away. Praying Affinity will make some magic happen for us! Wish us Luck! I'll keep you posted !

[@markgriffiths2698]

Great job on the repair

[@barrypierce9100]

We will see....nice job

[@egregg57]

OMG!! WOW!! that was slick!! That wall is DONE!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

For sure! So impressed with Affinity and their work and customer service! 👍🏼

[@ouRVisionnomadicliving]

Fantastic video Ryan. As your aware we have gone thru this issue with our 5th wheel as well. I guess the good thing to know is at this point if it happens again, I will know right where to take it. Thanks for walking people thru this potentially frustrating part of RV life. Safe travels to you, Sarah and the pups.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you Sean! Let’s hope that it doesn’t happen to either one of us again. Safe travels to you and Angie as well.

[@N2it4Now]

Awesome video. I'm really glad for you guys. I hope we never have to use them but it's good to know that they are there. Rock on MD!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We hope you don’t need them either but they are fantastic if you do! Still ROCKIN 🙂

[@tdav225]

Affinity was impressive. 👍

[@wanderingwithwellness]

Wow!! That was a lot of reinforcement, but clearly needed. That sucked it happened. Safe travels.

[@jimmyduramax8296]

Recently found your channel this week. Really love your videos, experiences and information. It’s perfect in so many ways. We just bought our 2023 Beacon 41lkb new Oct 2022. We can so relate with all the emotions, buy-in, to the “Tiffin ideals” and customer disappointments. Thank you for your videos of experience. We anticipate watching them all.

[@MidlifeDetour]

So glad you found us! 😎So sorry you’ve also had to experience the disappointment aspect. The life we envisioned with the beacon is nothing like it but we’ve tried to revise our ideal and really work to get things fixed so we can travel like we had planned! We hope that’s just around the corner! Thank you for coming along! We wish you the best!

[@garybaldwin9095]

Great attitude. Life is too short to let stuff keep you from having fun. Much respect.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Absolutely!

[@lindasmith5554]

So glad u got some “solid” help!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Absolutely! Thank you! 🙂👍🏼

[@CoddiwompleTravelers]

So glad you found Affinity. We have been using them for several years. We had almost the same issue repaired on our this past September and they did an awesome job.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Affinity was fantastic and did a great job! So glad we both found them! 🙂 I told Ryan I wouldn’t mind them doing ALL of our repairs!

[@rickstills6716]

Excellent video. I wish I lived closer to Affinity.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Such a great place!

[@johnhaithcock1919]

Thank you for sharing. It will help others who have this problem. I hope that your issues are done and you can post some fun videos, like your solar install. Hang in there!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We sure do too! We look forward to it! Thanks for watchin! 😎

[@shelleywalker6225]

Great video, very detailed and informative. Affinity RV appears to have worked hard to come up with a solution to this problem. You two deserve to have some worry-free adventures. I look forward to continuing following you on your journey. Take care.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you! It seems like a solid repair! We look forward to some great travel coming up…thanks for coming with us! 🙂

[@martysmith-BonneyLake]

Looks like a good strong repair! That place fixed it!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Definitely looks solid! 🙂👍🏼

[@WILDEBILL308]

Looks like they dida good job of beefing it up. I realey hope you don't have any more problems. Well atleast till you decide to up grade.👍👍

[@chipangelicamartelle802]

Glad y’all were finally able to get it fixed right.

[@MidlifeDetour]

So are we! That’s for sure! Thanks for watchin! 🙂

[@jeremyfogt6798]

So not a Lippert problem but a manufacture problem. Thanks for the video, it is great to see what welds actually break.

[@billdennis2993]

MD thx for an informative video of your ongoing issues with your 5ver. I was surprised tomsee not much attention given to the steel LCI frame under all the house aluminum framing, I've been towing trailers for 50yrs and 5vers for 20 and most of the frame flexing and broken welds are due to the structural steel frame with the loads transmitted from pinbox to over hang horizontal deck to vertical as only a few small manufacturers use large gusset at the junction. I had a '35' Alfa Toyhouse that had flex issues above the axles and my Dad had a 28' 5ver that cracked at horizontal to vertical joint on a Zieman framed Mallard BITD but that was after 10k miles AK trip on Alcan. I currently have a 40' Fuzion on a LCI frame that I watch very carefully as you mentioned during hitching and unhitching for movement in exterior surfaces around BR slides and horizontal to vertical junction. I have had Reese air ride pin boxes on both of my latest 5vers and believe that isolates alot of the deteriorated road shock loads from the truck to the camper reducing risk of frsme damage + frees up my bed of boat anchor hitches. YMMV Happy Camping.

[@Roger-tm4hh]

Those guys up there know what they are doing at affinity. And they don’t mess around. And the ladies in the office were just great

[@MidlifeDetour]

They were fantastic all around! It was a great experience and so glad to have our welds fixed by them! 👍🏼🙂

[@Hjfvvdst]

Looks like an actual attempt to correct the issue. The best I've seen so far. I hope it works. Keep us up dated please.

[@TheViewfromBethlehem]

I sure hope that this is the fix to end all fixes and you can finally enjoy the nomadic life that you dreamed of, without waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't think there are any RV-ers who more deserve a break and something good happening than you two. If it's any consolation though, Mrs Midlife Detour is gorgeous.

[@deanjasso174]

Thanks for the very informative and in-depth video. I have been noticing some problems with my exterior on my fifth wheel and will be doing these measurements.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Something I should have mentioned is that we only saw our separation in the trim while the rig was hitched up. When it was on its own feet everything closed back up (fairly) nicely. I have met several people that didn’t know they had the problem as they haven’t looked at their unit while hitched. Thanks for hanging out and I hope you do not discover any issues on yours.

[@thefatninja942]

the goshen elkhart area is where i grew up. that area is where a ton of these rvs come from in the first place, it is the best place to go any time you need anything done. best chance of having knowledgeable people and parts available.

[@tandsl9218]

I was nervous for you seeing them tear it apart, but it sure looks like they did an amazing job all around on that repair!

[@MidlifeDetour]

They really were “ripping” it apart and they DID do an amazing job! 🙂👍🏼

[@MichaelRyan-bv4hp]

I hope this is the end of broken frame issues. See you guys on the road someday safe travels

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks so much! Look forward to seeing you! 🙂👍🏼

[@bradnoel5053]

Great video!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks for watchin! 👍🏻😊

[@keevs5adventures]

This video and the repair is phenomenal! Going through this right now with my Grand Design and I think the first repair they did failed.

[@hectorperez7655]

do both walls, they did a fantastic job!!

[@BobTaylor50by50]

Good to see you got that problem fixed! I always told you you had a lemon and this confirms it. The cut of your frame was the start of all your problems AND the ‘unknown’ problem I kept telling you was causing your problems. I’m still wondering if all this was related to all the water leak problems also or if that was another ‘lemon’ issue? After watching this I am SO GLAD I traded out of my 34RLB. For me, life is too short to go through all you went through…..but you are younger than me and it makes for a good story for your videography. BTW, this video was shot and edited very well. I can see your improvement since the last one I watched. 😂 Good luck and hope this fixes at least that problem for good.

[@hebelson444]

Heck of fix!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Yes, for sure!!

[@martinmudron6113]

Thank you for such a great video. Gave me a great explanation of how I need to reattach my walls to the frame of the trailer. Definitely will check my aluminum frame in the walls for cracks but I hope I just need to add wood and longer screws like they did to yours. Thank you for the great video.

[@SwitchItUpLife]

Great video. We are starting to see issues. So it's good to know that there is a place to do it right.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you! We were very impressed with Affinity and highly recommend to you guys! 👍🏼

[@juliebaxter145]

Y’all are breaking my heart!! We had flex issues with our Solitude, Grand Design took the entire front cap off and welded in gussets, steel supports, reinforced welds. Hope your fix works for you. We did trade ours in for a motorhome after the factory went through everything on warranty so the next owner was set but man we were tired of repairs, slide issues, etc. It was our second fifth wheel, a 2022 - one of the first 22’s built. Maybe true about Covid built rigs. 🤷‍♀️. So sorry for everything you have had to deal with. So hard to see your home in constant repair mode. Blessings and safe travels!!

[@user-wo4wf5oi6u]

Ryan; thanks for the video. We have a Vilano 320GK and have frame flex. Not as bad as yours. I'm going to call Affinity RV Group on Monday to schedule a repair. I was thinking of going to Tish but we live in Michigan and besides Affinity being closer, it seems like they have a better solution to the problem. I hope your Beacon is OK moving forward. I watch all your videos and you and Sarah have had more than your share of problems with your rig.

[@raysmalley4647]

WOW! Amazing work done on your rig! I hope that solves the problem once and for all. To me, there is nothing more discouraging than having something break on what you hope will be an enjoyable item and not be able to have it corrected properly.

[@MidlifeDetour]

They really did a fantastic job. Great place! We are looking forward to the adventure ahead! 😎👍🏼

[@seanbhaney]

Absolutely fantastic video...been waiting for many videos to see what the final solution was. Since our Reflection 320MKS has a Lippert frame, I will be forever checking ours to make sure this doesn't happen. You sir, are the most calm RV-owner individual I've ever seen. and as far as the leaks, we've had 3 so far in out 5 months of ownership, but nothing like you've been through. Personally (and since it's not MY money), I think you should sell it and get the Brinkley!!! 🙂

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you - much appreciated. I wanted to observe the process so I understood and felt good about the resolution but appreciate Affinity allowing us to put the video together. Leak chasing has been tough for sure - the occasional leak from a water line happens in RV life but many of our leaks go back to the production of the unit. Hopefully we are getting toward the backside of those types of repairs. Brinkley!! I am in agreement. We have considered this many times but have the issue of resolving outstanding major issues before we jump ship. We had a Brinkley pull in near us today and have been slobbering over it since. Thanks for hanging out with us!!

[@jamesb.1156]

Good work Team! I own a 2018 320GK with Generator. I am closely watching for this frame-flex on my unit. The frames on all of the Vanleigh units are from Lippert. Many of these engineers build and spec these frames to the bare minimum required strengths = (1.5X) times for engineer loads, etc. Furthermore, emphasis should be ON reinforcement of the forward bulkhead areas like the Affinity RV did in this video. If I see any movement in my frame-flex, I will take it to the same repair facility that you guys used. For many years I was one of the 1st FAA, A&P technicians that worked with factory-direct engineers from France with Airbus-A320, A319 (Working for Northwest Airlines) when they first came to North America. I know from direct 1st hand experience how they work and think, in this case, Lippert did NOT reinforce the frames as needed for all of their towable units.

[@grayfox9911]

Bless your hearts. You've had more than your fair share of problems in a short period of time. It looks like that should fix it! Be careful out there!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you! The fix is holding! 🙂👍🏼

[@NomadicLiving]

We had this issue but the repair they did took the first time; it was almost 5 years ago, no more issues. They found missing/broken welds in the frame which caused the sidewall frame to break on yes - the slide side. The manufacturer had a Lippart welder do the welding repairs.

[@rickhodges1731]

Impressive shop! To find that level of skills is a real find! Beyond that, I sure hope you are able to get reimbursed for all the work you have had have done to correct these factory created problems! Wish you good luck that this time is the last time! 👍

[@MidlifeDetour]

Our repairs have all been covered under our warranty, thankfully! 👍🏼thank you, we are hoping it’s the last time! 🙂

[@CartersTrail]

@@MidlifeDetour Was that a third-party warranty or manufacturer warranty? Did the manufacturer not want to handle it?

[@KellyGourde-it1sr]

Awesome video! great info. we have a 2023 beacon we bought two days ago, traveled 900 miles and the expansion joint has separated. I'll be calling Affinity! We've already been to Tiffin, Red Bay, to have a previous Vilano flex fixed. HORRIBLE job. not worth going back. thank you for the info!!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Congrats on your new Beacon! I was hoping the extra supports they did on the production line for 2023s Vanleighs would have solved the problem but I have heard of three in the past few weeks. We just spent 3 weeks at Tishomingo opting not to go to Redbay due to their wait time. Danny at Tish has changed his method for flex repairs and is much more robust than what he was doing previously but those guys at Affinity are top notch. If you need any info from us as you traverse getting yours corrected feel free to shoot us an email!

[@imkwuzn]

My parents have been pulling a 1998 Alpenlite 5er for nearly 20 years. Many thousands of miles and it is as solid today as the day they bought it. I guess it’s true when they say they don’t build them like they used to. Glad your problems are finally resolved.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Definitely glad to have this repair behind us! I agree that they just don’t make them like they used to! 😕

[@J.P.W.]

Excellent video. It describes exactly the problem I have with my 4 year old 5th Wheel. What started a couple years ago as 1/8 to 1/4 inch separation of trim from the caulk line, resulted in a bulge in the side wall such that I can stick hand between the bottom slide seal in front when the slide is otherwise in snugly. To fix it, the front cap, the slide, and the filon have to be removed so they can add structure to the framing and weld in gussets. It has to then be reassembled. Awfully scarry!!!

[@dennisokey]

Worst nightmare. Frame welds at front and rear wall seem to be weak points. Are you willing to share cost for work that was performed? No issues now but intend to keep Affinity's number around. Great that somebody has a fix.

[@olsonsinoverdrive5153]

I follow your channel because I feel bad for you guys. However I love how you guys push thru the issues. Please don’t give up. Your trailer seems short to having these serious structural issues. Hopefully things will be okay at this point.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We are so glad you come along with us on this journey! We look forward to a lot more adventuring to share with you!

[@NTM2009]

They should have plated it. Saying it can't be done is them just not knowing what to do or want to do. Thankfully you found good place to go. A welding shop that deals in frames is another good spot to go

[@williamlight6165]

My wife and live in Star. We are fans. Please keep content coming

[@MidlifeDetour]

Hello fellow Idahoan! 😎👍🏼 thank you so much for your comment and for watchin!

[@donaldlajeunesse1455]

What a video. I cannot even understand Van Leigh would produce this structure. I hope that Tiffin family is watching this.....I would not even buy a Tiffin coach after watching this. I dont think you will have any front end problems after those fine people fixed your unit. I really hope your future journeys become a pleasure for you and your family.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We are very impressed with the work Affinity did! They were great! We are still enjoying our travel but look forward to getting the repairs behind us! 🙂👍🏼

[@markt7291]

Maybe Tiffen should take a hard look at the repair from the Shop. Work with them to have it done when they making these frames when building them. Seems like they could use their ideas. . Inexcusable I reckon. If you want any job done right, you find the professionals. Good video. Interesting..

[@rtoadontheroad]

Hello again from Nampa,

[@MidlifeDetour]

Hello! Still in cold Indiana here! 🙂

[@ibrewalot]

That is a BEAUTIFUL rig! Hopefully (writing this 7 months after your post) you are broken wall free...

[@doubled8247]

It’s crazy to see what they didn’t do at the factory and how thin the material is. The large 2”x4” looks like 1/8” and the wall beams 1/16”. You can’t bevel the ends to lay a nice weld and when welded it has to be ground off for the skin to go on. It’s not a matter of if it will fail but a matter of when.

[@ourrvsunsets]

Well they certainly beefed it up. I really hope that's the end of this issue for your guys.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Definitely beefed it! 🙂👍🏼

[@Black-DMax0718]

Yes, please give an update and did Vanleigh pay for the work or was it out of pocket? Great work by Affinity!!!

[@rexp6296]

wow....those guys there know what they are doing for structural repair...and the finish job??? You could never tell that front cap and sidewalls had been removed... THANKS for sharing your ordeals on this...just hope that our 2023 Vilano has the additional gussets in the proper areas and we never have any issues...but that is something I will keep an eye on for any movement....

[@MidlifeDetour]

Greetings fellow Vanleigh owner! I am completely impressed with the work they did in that shop. It's a bit nerve racking to watch the cap come off and have them rip of the exterior fiberglass but the results are fantastic. Something I meant to put in the video but somehow missed was my separation / bulge only shows while hitched up. Once the unit was on its own feet it closed back up sometimes depending on how things settled the bulge would be present sometimes it wouldn't. I hope you do not experience issues as well and most won't, but keep an eye on it. Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@HSTWXMAN]

So glad you finally got some resolution. Affinity has a good reputation so I am sure you shoulld be good now to go and get your upgrade at Brinkley:)

[@MidlifeDetour]

The folks at Affinity were excellent! Brinkley Brinkley Brinkley! Hahaha!

[@HSTWXMAN]

@@MidlifeDetour yep, can’t wait to see whether you stay fifth wheel or go back to toy hauler, lol

[@braultrd2]

Ryan, thanks for the detailed video... I'm going through the same issue with my 2019 Montana 3791 RD. I had the driver side with the bedroom slide-out repaired about 1.5 years ago under the frame warranty... After our trip through upper PA the we have the passenger side showing singes of frame flex. it is currently in the shop awaiting the shop to get back tome with the autopsy report but my guess is aluminum frame flex. how has your repair held up and is there anything you would have done differently. Thanks for your informative post and safe travels.

[@BACAMICK]

WOW great video , i believe I've now found my problem after watching this , i do get a bubble once the bedroom slide is in and do believe i can see movement through that expansion joint , only reason i noticed it was because the nose cap seems to move up n down n pin box dose not , mines a 2012 Durango , has it held up so far ? cheers from AUSTRALIA

[@coldnnh6983]

It’s scary that this happens on something so expensive and supposedly we’ll built, there are so many videos out showing the low quality of rv’s today. Hopefully this works, good luck

[@kevinpilotte8738]

I watched them weld numerous gussets once the frames arrived from Lippert. A modification they made on all the new frames they received. This was in 2008 at the Forest River Sabre plant. At the time I had a 34’ Sabre 5th wheel. Your frame should have been modified during manufacturing. Lippert knows that modification should have been performed prior to assembly. No body should have to go the rough the hassle and inconvenience y’all had to endure.

[@markgriffiths2698]

Totally agree

[@josephharrell5724]

Impressive. I am surprised that Affinity allowed you to film and publish all that but it does look like this will hold up much better than the original construction.

[@bradnoel5053]

They allowed filming because they are confident in their work. They truly are craftsman that care about quality and the customer, therefore priceless free advertising.

[@danieldubois3707]

Welcome to the club. Our dealer (out of warranty) pulled off the cap and we had cracks on both sides of the cap frame. Thank goodness the frame was fine and no missing lags bolts. They ended up installing a cross beam to the frame and inserted web frames on both sides. About 65 lbs of extra steel. I was getting about 1/2" of movement between the pin and the cap. The manufacturer wanted me to 'weigh" the rig (after the front was removed - and wait 6 weeks) in order to consider reimbursement ... we couldn't wait that long and I thought it stupid to have the dealer reinstall the front and drive 50 miles to get weighed and then return. Good video. There will be more as folks start realizing what is going on.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Was the manufacturer looking for weight to see if you were over weight and caused the issue? They completely inspected my steel frame and my breaks were all in the aluminum so hopefully with the reinforcements we will sustain. Our total weight add was 23lbs.

[@danieldubois3707]

@@MidlifeDetour We're not sure just 'why" they wanted it. Will probably never know. At any rate, as soon as the repair was finished, I went to a CAT scale and was at least 1500 under the GVWR. The dealer estimated about 75 lbs of steel added and from what he described, that's pretty close.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Not brand specific but Lippert specific. They have issues with those frames. Amazing job they did. 👍🏼 impressive

[@MidlifeDetour]

We were highly impressed with the work and customer service of Affinity! 👍🏼

[@Chillerguy48]

Great video! If only the RV manufactures did the reinforcing during the original build, so the customers wouldn't have to go through all this.

[@kennesbitt4722]

job well done

[@dstevens7614]

RV stands for Re😊pair Vehicle!!! I wish you good luck…❤

[@MidlifeDetour]

Ha! That is great. We always call it a rig as we don’t think of it as a “recreation vehicle” but now I might start calling it a RV again. Very fitting. Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@joesutterfield6113]

We have a 2022 Forest River Cardinal 370FLX and are going through this exact issue now. It’s been repaired at the dealership once. Broke again. Right now it’s being sent back to Forest River. They say they’re going to do what you show in the video. Best of luck in your journey. Keep the great videos coming.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Ours did break after the first fix which was not what we had done at Affinity. Hopefully your second weld at FR will hold this time and it seems like it will if they are doing it like Affinity! 🙂 Hopefully they won’t have it too long so you can enjoy traveling!

[@pugetlexus]

the FLX in the model means " flex"?

[@jaylee5019]

Sorry for ur luck. We r here too. But hust minor repairs

[@rpkett]

Excellent video. Those guys did an A+ job on your rig. Just have to ask how much does work like that cost?