Sarah Calhoun Have all the electricity I need....2 solar panels and 1
battery
(only because can't find a place to stash a 2nd battery in my 30' 64 and
medium sized inverter. run humidifiers all night (need moisture for
breathing with laryngectomee) and No I never smoked. Pearl
>
> In any case, it's great to have a place to go with all these questions, and
> thanks again for the thoughtful answers to these and other questions.
>
> --Sarah
>
> Harvey Barlow wrote:
>
>> Sarah,
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>>
>> Harvey Barlow wrote:
>
>> Frame sag or frame/body separation is, I think, mainly due to excessive
>> weight suspended at the extreme rear of the longer frames which caused frame
>>
>> bending behind the axle mounts. The frames were slightly weak for the
>> weight and flexed. If the monoquoque shell also flexed, side skin bulge
>> resulted. If the shell retained its shape, the two parted. Rusted bolts,
>> screws, and rivets holding the body, floor, and frame together probably
>> allowed the separation but inadequate numbers and sizes may have
>> contributed.
>>
>> The problem occurred when rear bath gray water tanks were added which was
>> either coincidental or the direct result of Beatrice ownership of A/S, you
>> decide. Some owners never travel with full tanks so may not have
>> experienced the sag or separation problem.
>>
>> All long trailers seem to sag very slightly when not supported by stabilizer
>>
>> jacks but apparently within design tolerances. Apparently the engineers
>> never intended for A/S frames to support the entire weight of the trailer
>> but the combination of frame and shell firmly connected together are
>> designed to provide adequate strength as in aircraft design. I have no
>> direct personal knowledge of the problem but based on my own observations
>> and comments on the list I would say that minor sag has always been present
>> in 28' to 35' trailers (and possibly single axle 24') but early (in the
>> trailer lifecycle) frame/body separation resulted between '73 when the gray
>> water tank was introduced until about '76 or '77 when A/S strengthened the
>> frames. I think frame/body separation can occur in any A/S that has been
>> subjected to heavy loads on rear frame end, lots of travel on rough roads,
>> and failure of bolts, screws, and rivets. My '66 Safari 22' shows no sign
>> of sag or separation but it has apparently never had a rear tire carrier
>> installed and does not have a gray water tank. I've only owned it since
>> last July and have no idea how it was used or abused in its earlier life.
>>
>> Newer, or at least longer A/Ss use 5" channel frames I believe. Frame size
>> is easy to determine......get your ruler, yardstick, or tape out and measure
>>
>> top to bottom of the frame at the rear bumper or front A frame.
>>
>> If your trailer has been overloaded and abused and the frame and body sagged
>>
>> together, it will show in sidewall bulge just behind the wheel cutouts. If
>> frame/body separation occurred, it can be detected by looking at the point
>> where the rear of the body rests on the plywood floor and the frame at the
>> rear bumper. A tight joint between body and bumper compartment cover
>> between the frame rails should indicate a lack of separation.
>>
>> The 1000 pound average figure relates to carryied weight and is limited by
>> tires, wheels, suspension, frame strength, balance point, equalizer hitch,
>> and tow vehicle tolerance for tongue weight. With stabilizer jacks down
>> additional guests seated or walking around in the trailer will not hurt
>> anything. Yes, the location of carried weight matters considerably. Your
>> assumption that additional weight carried over the wheels would be more
>> acceptable than weight near either end is generally correct.
>>
>> These comments are only my opinion and reflect my understanding of the
>> problem but may not be precisely accurate or complete information. Maybe
>> this will add to your understanding. Your comments/questions indicate a
>> correct understanding of the issues.
>>
>> Harvey Barlow
>> Lubbock, TX
>> WBCCI # 1171, WDCU, VAC
>
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