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Maximum Turning Angle - Less than expected

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  • Maximum Turning Angle - Less than expected

    Has anyone damaged the underside of their tongue as I have? Looking fo repair suggestions.

    Following 20 years of pulling a Pop-Up camper, WDH were completely new to me. In my research, I was made aware that there may be a limitation in turning radius when backing into a campsite. I never consider a limitation while driving forward. Shame on me. Not once, but three times in the past 5000 miles of travel, I have found myself in tight situations at the gas pumps. I would always be very careful and mindful of trailer swing and cutting corners. I would sometimes, even need a spotter, but never considered watching the interference between the WDH and the A-Frame of the trailer.

    I have discovered that my Curt Tru-Track load bar trunnions only allow for approximately 30 degrees, now 45 degrees on my 2021 Imagine 2670MK. I have contacted Lippert(chassis builder) and they say it's not a chassis manufacturing issue and that the entire A-Frame should be replaced to do it properly. I am considering other options.

    Your thoughts and suggestions, no matter how harsh will be kindly appreciated.
    Al & Ann
    F150 with Max Tow Pkg.
    Imagine 2670MK (2021)

  • #2
    Wow Al,

    That bent way more than I would have expected. I'm wondering if the A-Frame could be beefed back up, and just the coupler changed? I'd talk to a good welding shop to see what they think.

    Jim
    Jim and Ginnie
    2024 Solitude 310GK
    GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
    GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

    Comment


    • #3
      humunuku Wow that's a lot of damage. I agree with Jim, I'd start with a good welding shop, I'd think they could bend it back into shape and reinforce it, or worst case cut it back and weld in new frame. I've never seen damage like that, and would probably be looking for a new hitch. I was unclear from your post if the damage occurred when backing up at tight gas stations or when puking forward in them, but ok do know most recommend removing your bars when reversing and turning (a pain I know).
      Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

      Neil Citro
      2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
      2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab

      Comment


      • #4
        Personally I'd leve it alone.

        Reason: that portion of the frame is almost completely free of stress. The highest stress areas are about midway between the ball and the rear axle, and over the rear axle with the rear overhang (structural engineering, you can look it up in the AISC manual).

        Repairs may cause more harm than they help, not to mention the cost and it's probably going to happen again. I'd be more worried about damage to the WDH head.
        Joseph
        Tow
        Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
        Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
        South of Houston Texas

        Comment


        • #5
          Not being a certified welder or engineer, this is just an opinion, but I'd be more inclined to research a different style WDH to see if there are any significant differences and also ball couplers. Quick search on Google showed a number of options. My guess is no matter what, unless you take this to an authorized Grand Design facility and have it restored to original they're going to void the warranty on this portion of the frame so it's either repair it their way to maintain the warranty or accept it's pretty minimal risk and get components that work for you.
          Either way, I agree with the previous post about this area not being the highest stress point of the frame, besides, metal rarely shears off without quite a bit of flexing, cracking, and lots of indication it's going to fail. Be diligent in looking at this area before, during, and after each trip for now while you make up your mind on what to do and you should be fine.
          Chris
          Chris
          2019 Solitude 3740BH
          2019 Chevy 3500HD Duramax SRW

          Comment


          • #6
            Agree with everyone here. Get it inspected at a shop with certified welders and purchase a different WDH and/or stop making 90 deg turns. My Equalizer on a tight turn will contact the welded piece that holds the safety chains to the frame. A poor location IMO. It shaves a small amount of metal from the hitch and makes a loud pop. At some point I need to grind the area from the hitch (no risk) or re-locate the safety chain mounting location.

            Jim

            Comment


            • #7
              We checked before our first trailer purchase to be sure the Equalizer WDH was ok for backing up. We have (had) 1200 lb bars that rest on L-Brackets bolted on to the trailer frame (no chains on ours). I’ve made plenty of tight turns in gas stations & other situations (probably not 90 deg) and never had a problem. Of course, with our Solitude we don’t need the WDH any longer. I need tho get around to selling it.

              Good luck with repairs.

              Doug
              Doug & Barb
              2020 Solitude 377MBS-R
              2013 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew SB, 2WD, 3.5 EB, Stock Suspension & Michelin Tires
              No, we don’t pull the Solitude, it’s permanently parked on our campsite in SW Fla.
              Previous: Keystone Premier 31BHPR w/Equalizer 1200 WD Hitch

              Comment


              • #8
                I did not think of it earlier, but have you considered and extended height ball?
                https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
                https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...rt/C40036.html
                Joseph
                Tow
                Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                South of Houston Texas

                Comment


                • #9
                  The contact is right on the extreme far edge where I will hit it with a grinder and smooth that area out. The welded bar on the underside of the tongue (bad place for this) can be heated and bent to provide some additional clearance. Its a minor contact area but it does make a pronounced pop. I've never turned at 90deg but I bet its a good 60 deg when this contact is made.

                  The taller ball is a good idea and could allow me additional clearance to fully open my tailgate.

                  Jim
                  Last edited by Guest; 09-06-2021, 07:12 PM.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I don't think you have a big issue there strength wise. Gunched in a bit but probably not compromised.
                    I'd grind that and weld it myself. Repaint...Then look at how to avoid further contact.
                    2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
                    Not to brag or anything about my finances, but my bank calls me about every day to tell me my balance is OUTSTANDING!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Scott'n'Wendy

                      Thank you for your reassurance. I have in fact done as you suggested. I discovered the cap plate was about 1/8" thick and the tube wall was maybe 3/16" thick. I was expecting more beef, but as was started above, it was more of a finish than structural support. I also am looking into the taller ball, but am struggling with a fit. Went to E-trailer as directed by the link but can't find a 2 inch rise with flats on the side (picture). I like the idea of a taller ball but the search continues. Thank you for everyone who has responded and helped me through this issue.
                      Al & Ann
                      F150 with Max Tow Pkg.
                      Imagine 2670MK (2021)

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