1975 Ventura

[Joe Frey]

Relatively new to FG trailers..Just spent some quality time crawling around underneath and found a split in the frame. It's just under the bench seat. It goes right thru the 2 x 5 rail. It's @ 1/4" wide, and looks like the propane line has been holding it together.Finding all kinds of patches under the poor paint job that were filled with silicone and then brushed over. Could one weld over on both sides? Does the frame need to be re-inspected after the repair? Or just right it off as buyer-beware?

[Dudley]

Strange, the ventura has a pretty good frame under it, not like the Bolers. You could jack up the body and have the frame welded and reinforced in the area of the crack. I think the body is held on in 4 places with bolts, 2 under the front benches and 2 under the rear benches. I haven't pulled mine so not sure of the number of bolts.I would find someone with a stick welder rather than MIG(better weld strength IMO). If the crack area is reinforced with a piece of flat stock or "fishplate" it will be stronger than new. Post a picture if you can

[Donna D.]

Hi Joe, welcome to FiberglassRV. I can't offer any suggestion/opinion about the frame issue, but wanted to take the time to say "Hi, we're glad you're here"!

[Joe Frey]

Thanks for the info Dudley. 3 long evenings later and it's fixed! Sorry no pics.
Managaed to jack the shell and pull the frame out the back end. 9 bolts held it on the frame. The front bolt had sheared thru the body so the shell was lifting on every bump. Welded a new section of rail under the existing split. extended it back 3 feet on each side on the break. Reinforced with a piece of 1/8" plate on the inside. Found another break under the step/door support. Got all the welding finished and got new 3/8" bolts and ny-lock nuts underneath. Will have to re-route the propane line and use some rubber spacers before strapping it back to the frame.

[Dudley]

Glad it worked out for you. I have double checked mine and its fine. Yours must have had a rough ride somewhere. Now you can get out there camping!