3" Frame Recall on 15', 17' & 19' Escape Trailers

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by yardsale

Yesterday. Why shouldn't that section have been welded? Now that it is, what now?

Could be with the sides and bottom welded continuously and the top open water could be trapped behind. Don't think it would be a vertical shrinkage issue because a tack in the center first would cure that, if it could be a problem at all.

But if the bottom and sides are fully welded then sealing the top, as others have done, would seem to be the thing to do.

Ron

[Parker]

It was inevitable that someone was going to do that. I'll be interested to hear what ETI says, but I don't think I'd worry about it. Generally speaking, the center of a beam is the lowest stress point, so I can see the logic of saying there is no need to weld it, but I would like to know what harm it causes, if any, to weld it.

[smac2]

My thoughts are that maybe much welding is not needed to give sufficient strength. Often one over engineers welds, nails, and bolts without considering the required shear strengths or bonding requirements. And possibly nonwelding that area would allow drainage, but other folks mentioned epoxy around nonwelded area anyways. In my mind non issue but just my two sense.

[gillfoto]

Originally Posted by Artlady

There will be novice "Escapees" out there whom are looking for a used trailer, and may not know about this recall.

I came across some used trailers recently, and fortunately having learned about this through extensive forum searches and research, was able to inquire thus of the seller.

*Note, that in a couple of cases, this information was NOT volunteered!!!

If the sellers aren't forthcoming, that's a problem. I shudder to think what could happen to some unknowing chump.

Again, it just supports my suggestion about having permanent "stickies" at the beginning of each forum, with vital and concise information at first glance!
Stuff that won't get "lost in the sauce" or the search, as it were...

Perhaps this is something the moderators would consider doing?

Sounds like a great idea to me. I'm now looking for information on the frame for the Escape 5.0/2012 Model.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gillfoto

Sounds like a great idea to me. I'm now looking for information on the frame for the Escape 5.0/2012 Model.

As reflected in the title and first posts of this thread, none of the 5.0's were affected.

[gillfoto]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

As reflected in the title and first posts of this thread, none of the 5.0's were affected.

Good to know!

[Daubsy]

Originally Posted by yardsale

Had the mending plate welded on our 17b yesterday. Welder did not read instructions and welded the vertical ends of the plates. Why shouldn't that section have been welded? Now that it is, what now? Written Escape with these questions but no response yet.

I had a mobile welder come out today and he too welded the sides. I can't imagine why it would be an issue, but its not comforting to go against manufacturer specs.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by yardsale

Had the mending plate welded on our 17b yesterday. Welder did not read instructions and welded the vertical ends of the plates. Why shouldn't that section have been welded?

Originally Posted by Daubsy

I had a mobile welder come out today and he too welded the sides. I can't imagine why it would be an issue...

Steel is affected by the heat of welding. As discussed in an earlier thread, this means that care must be taken in welding to ensure that the work doesn't cause problems, such as brittleness. Unnecessary welding can be damaging, not just a waste of time.

A welder should know that, and I would be concerned that one would do something other than directed without giving a reason and asking for consent. Of course, some people just don't read instructions, whether out of laziness or arrogance. I had a mechanic telling me that an adjustment could not be performed on my car, even though I had provided the factory service manual to him, complete with detailed instructions; I had to tell him what he needed to do in order to get work done.

[Klem]

Looks like the Classic 5.0 fifth wheel is not included in this Frame Recall.


They ALL had the 4" frame. Is that true?
Thanks

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Klem

Looks like the Classic 5.0 fifth wheel is not included in this Frame Recall.


They ALL had the 4" frame. Is that true?

No, the (original or "classic") 5.0 did not have a 4" tall frame; its frame was essentially the same as the original 17', other than the tongue area.

The subject of the recall is the joint between the parallel main frame members and the A-frame tongue structure. The fifth-wheel models have an entirely different design at this point (the frame turns up to the loft, not inward as a tongue), so the corresponding joint is very different... and does not have an issue.

[bill&sandra]

We own a 2011 19' Escape, bought 3rd hand. It definitely has the 3" frame with welded 'bend'. We will need the kit to do the rear. mailing address:
W K Hanna, 1451 Berkshire Ln, Cedar Hill, TX 75104.
I will have the welding done here. Thank you for paying such close attention to your customers needs, even at second or third hand. You make a great product!

[thoer]

Bill, ETI doesn't monitor this thread, please see the first post by Reace on how to get the warranty work performed.

[cpaharley2008]

and send a copy of your thank you note direct to ETI.....

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by bill&sandra

We own a 2011 19' Escape, bought 3rd hand. It definitely has the 3" frame with welded 'bend'. We will need the kit to do the rear.

When you say "kit to do the rear" are you referring to the additional body mount location that is required on the 19' or is there something I'm missing?

[Parker]

Got my attention also....is there something else required besides the two plates to reinforce the mitered welds and the brackets for extra body attach points (also in the front of the camper)?

[Escape Office]

Hello Bill,

Thank you for yo ur email.

The welding plates were only available for the front of the trailer. If you wish to contact the office directly and provide us with a VIN number for the trailer we would be more than happy to assist you with answering any other questions you may have.

Tammy and Escape Office.

[sprinkledavid@gmail.com]

Just had our 2010 19 Escape frame updated...appreciate the notice and work done by the factory service shop...comfort knowing trailer will be sound for years to come...great factory integrity and the modification is hardly noticeable from an owner is strict in keeping his 19 looking nice!

[Parker]

Would love to see some pictures.

[Parker]

Never mind. I just found the other thread that included pictures.

[P-51D]

Just another example of their vigilance to quality by " Escape " ... a great company with integrity ...
Thank You all up North