Casita Frame Problem

[d_wildemann]

Was adjusting brakes on my Casita, pulled the passenger side wheel and found a V-shaped crack. I had it welded and braced but other Casita owners might want to check this. I also had the front ball holder double welded; saw some pics of a Casita where it had come loose on an interstate and did severe damage to the trailer.

[Donna D.]

YEOW, thanks for the heads up I'm sure the Casita owners appreciate it.

Questions, what age of Casita? Live anywhere near where salt is used on the roads, or is the trailer parked near the ocean? Original axle?

[Dan Tracy]

I just found an almost identical crack on the 1994 Casita SD that we bought recently. I had to replace the bearings, bearing races and brakes (whole brake back plates). While I was at it I decided to wire brush the frame -- and treat with rust converter. After wire brushing the dirt and surface rust I found a single crack (just like the left hand crack in the photo). If I had not done the wire brush prep I never would have seen the crack. I'll get it welded ASAP prior to any trips. I think I'll wire brush the axle mounts and inspect them on a regular basis! I was going to paint the frame with rustolium, but I think I'll just leave it with the primer finish created by the rust converter since it dries clear and allows a visual inspection for cracks. The paint might cover up hairline cracks like I just found.

[Paul from NWOnt]

Thanks for the heads-up! I'll make sure to double check the area before any trip, and spot check on the way.

[Roy in TO]

I just found an almost identical crack on the 1994 Casita SD that we bought recently. ... I'll get it welded ASAP prior to any trips. ...

I'm thinking it would be prudent to cut the axle off the frame, weld on brackets and repair the cracks, then bolt the axle on. The brackets would beef up the frame a bit.

[Pete Dumbleton]

That looks to me as if the axle to bracket (axle factory) weld failed, not the bracket to frame (Casita) weld. Any welding on the axle beam in that area is likely to damage the rubber torsion rods inside it, so one might expect reduced life.

If I am correct, the best solution would be to replace the axle rather than pay for intermediate repairs. BTW, Dexter and Al-Ko both warrant their torsion axles for five years.