RV Frame Inspections & Repairs

If you’re concerned about the strength, safety, or wear of your Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel RV frame, trust the experts at California RV Specialists. Our team provides detailed frame inspections and professional repairs to help keep your RV safe, reliable, and ready for the road.

We carefully inspect and address common stress points and potential problem areas, including:

  • Pin Box and Hitch Connections
  • I-Beams and Crossmembers
  • Leaf Spring Hangers and Suspension Mounts
  • Weld Integrity and Reinforcement
  • Slide-Out Support Brackets
  • Structural Attachments and Components

Protect your investment and travel with confidence. Contact California RV Specialists today to schedule your frame inspection or repair service.

Inspecting for frame damage
Repairing frame damage

Pin Box Failure Causes

Pin box failure can result from a variety of factors, including:

  • Hard upward or downward jolts
  • Twisting and flexing of the RV frame
  • Sudden emergency stops
  • Rough or uneven road conditions
  • Overloading the RV beyond its rated capacity
  • Weld fatigue or failure

Any of these issues can weaken the structural integrity of the pin box, leading to potential safety risks. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to preventing costly damage and ensuring your RV remains safe on the road.

Frame Flex Failure

Join Dustin in The RV Shop as we inspect a Grand Design RV showing severe frame flex failure — a problem the manufacturer has already tried to fix three separate times! See why repeated repairs aren’t always the final answer when it comes to critical frame issues.

Please Note: California RV Specialists does NOT perform frame flex repairs, nor do we coordinate with manufacturers to complete these types of structural repairs.

Catastrophic RV Frame Failure

Step into the RV Shop with Dustin as he investigates a serious concern — an RV frame failure. Watch as Dustin methodically examines the structural integrity of the frame, with all critical components removed for a clear, detailed inspection. See firsthand the importance of a thorough evaluation when it comes to RV safety and performance.

Upper Deck Flex Measurement

This can sometimes indicate problems with frame flex or broken welds in the front frame area, so it’s important to watch for these potential red flags when inspecting your RV.

Forklift Required For Flex Test
Before Lifting
After Lifting
Basic Testing
Basic Testing 2 Inch
Basic Testing 1 14 Inch

Upper Deck Flex Measurement – Lippert Doc 0236

Example of measurement doc

Frame Cracks in Towable RVs: A Serious Concern

The presence of frame cracks in a towable RV is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. These cracks can weaken the structural integrity of the RV, posing safety risks and potentially causing further damage if left unaddressed.

Cracks Behind Reinforcing Plate
Main Frame Rail Cracks
Cracks Behind Reinforcing Plates
Repairing Frame Crack
Reinforcement Angle Plate
Welding Reinforcement Angle Plate

RV Frame Repair: From Cracks to Reinforcement

Repairing Frame Cracks In Axle Location per Lippert Doc. SF-013

Lippert Doc
Lippert Doc

Spring Hanger Support Tubes

Spring hanger support tube are used to minimize or even prevent sway in the unit and strengthen the axle area.

Spring Hanger Support Tube
Spring Hanger Support Tube Installed
Hanger Support Tube Side View
Making Custom Spring Hanger Support Tubes
Making Custom Spring Hanger Support Tubes

Frame Crack Repair Short Video

Frame Hanger Problems

The leaf spring hanger secures the leaf spring to the RV frame, playing a crucial role in suspension support. Unfortunately, these hangers can suffer from improper welding, rust, cracks, or even break loose from the frame. Many manufacturers do not reinforce the hangers or I-beams, which often leads to hanger failures.

Rusted Loose
Broken Loose
Torn Loose

Reinforcing Spring Hangers

Adding Reinforcements
Reinforcements In Place

Slide Out Bracket Frame Weld Failure

It’s important to be aware that welds on your slide-out mounting brackets can fail for various reasons. Rough roads, hard braking or acceleration, speed bumps, potholes, lack of maintenance, improper timing of slide-out rails, gear pack failures, rusted frames, and other factors can all contribute to potential problems.

Slide Out Bracket Broken Loose
Bracket Weld Failure
Repairing The brackets
Biggin Underneath Slide Out Welding Back In Place

We perform comprehensive frame inspections on RVs to identify and address weak points, ensuring your safety on the road. Our expert team conducts everything from visual checks to detailed tear-down assessments tailored to each unit.

Please note that every RV frame is unique, so we cannot provide a fixed price for inspections or repairs upfront. All inspections, tear-downs, and repairs are billed as straight-time operations. Based on our experience with similar jobs, we will offer a low and high ballpark estimate. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates until we fully assess the condition of your RV.

Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and other social media pages.

Can’t Bring Your RV to the Shop?

If you’re unable to bring your unit in for maintenance or repairs — or if you’re looking to tackle an upgrade as a DIY project — we’ve got you covered!

Visit our Amazon Store for everything you’ll need, including basic parts, accessories, and tools to help you maintain your RV.