Help! 17B with bent frame?

[marant]

Just got into town for first sight of 2010 17B to buy. Drove by and it looks like the front of the frame is bent up. Frame recall has not been done. Inspection tomorrow.


If the frame is indeed bent is that correctable? I can get the recall parts from Escape, but do not know how the frame can be bent back down so it is straight and then the sleepers welded in. If the frame is actually broken then what? If we decide to proceed with the purchase what would be a ballpark for having a good welder make the repairs?


Between the cost of potential repairs, a 1000 mile tow back home before they can be made, and the hit resale price would take due to the repairs we are thinking we should just walk away. Price is 16000, but if there is a frame problem it should be quite a bit less?


All advice gratefully appreciated.


(we are really hoping we are wrong and the inspection will show no problems!)

[Kent]

My opinion if seller did not disclose bent frame before you traveling to look at trailer, Walk Away!

[Rossue]

We sold our 17B in cherry shape 5 years ago for 18,000 and it took some time so don't believe everything you hear about Escapes selling in 48 hours.

[Iowa Dave]

Sounds like you’ve got a good understanding of the economic aspects of buying a bent and needing repairs trailer. Just about every frame including car and truck frames can be straightened with the proper equipment and shop setup but to do this kind of work is not something just anyone can do. And attached to a fiberglass body, forces needed to straighten the steel could damage the body if it remained attached. It wouldn’t be for me but
a good body man with old school skills might look at it as an enjoyable project. You have to ask yourself if you know such a person with the time to do it if you can’t do it yourself. That’s how I see it. First you have to buy it right. And then once fixed, know what a realistic value would be.
Iowa Dave

[gbaglo]

How do you mean it's bent up? Where exactly?
A picture would sure help.
This is my 17B and the frame is bent, as it is supposed to be.
Frame recall was on 19'. I don't think there was a recall on 17'.

[Allan Bornestig]

No, never heard of a recall on the 17 B.Ours was a very early 2005.It was riding kind of low going in and out of certain gas station so asked Reace to raise it..And so he did, all good after that.Later I put on 15 inch aluminum wheels and they cleared nicely.

[marant]

Gbaglo


Escape says the 17B is subject to recall per VIN, and will send the parts.


Your photo is helpful. Does the tongue tilt up slightly when new? We just drove by when we got into town late and have not yet done any inspection. I thought the frame should be straight all the way to the hitch, but we have never been able to see one in the flesh.

[gbaglo]

The photo shows it as delivered in 2008. Not a problem.
As for a recall, I would have heard if there was one on mine.

Here is the recall:
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f2...lers-6501.html
Here are a couple more views.

[Iowa Dave]

When you go to look at the trailer I would take a square, a tape measure and straightedge or level along to be sure how far it’s bent if it is. And I’d look very closely for cracks, broken welds or buckled steel that might not “come back”.
Iowa Dave

[Rossue]

There was definitely a recall on all 19 & 17 with 3" frames. Notice how all current models have 4" frames since 2016 or 2017. Some evidently didn't get the memo.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Rossue

There was definitely a recall on all 19 & 17 with 3" frames. Notice how all current models have 4" frames since 2016 or 2017. Some evidently didn't get the memo.

I believe 4” frames started sometime in 2014.

[rubicon327]

This picture is from an early 19, but it gives you an idea of how the 3” frame turns upward. This platform is level. My guess is you are worried about nothing.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Some evidently didn't get the memo.

See link in post #8, this thread.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

I believe 4” frames started sometime in 2014.

Nope Dave we lucked out and in Nov of 2013 received the 4 in frame . Pat

[marant]

Thank you all, the information is very helpful and reassuring. It is probably the result of not being able to find an Escape to look at.


Will post when we complete the ppi.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Rossue

There was definitely a recall on all 19 & 17 with 3" frames.

Not quite: the recall for the 17' was only for trailers with the 3" tall frame and mitre-joint construction. The earlier frames which are bent to form the tongue (the design shown by Glenn {gbaglo} and Dave {rubicon327}) have no problem with a joint and are not affected by this recall.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Frame recall was on 19'. I don't think there was a recall on 17'.

There have been two frame recalls:

1. The first one relates to the mitre joints between the main frame rails and the tongue; it applies to 17' and 19' (and smaller) models that have both the 3" frame height and the mitred design (so, not the trailers with tongues formed by bending). This recall is described on the ETI website.
2. The second recall relates to cracking of the main frame rails (not the tongue) of only the 19' with 3" tall frame.

ETI has parts and procedures to modify the affected trailers for both recalls. Only the first one could possibly apply to a 17'.

[marant]

Update: Did a full ppi on the trailer (courtesy of the checklist from the Fiberglass Community) and was very pleased. Did not find any significant problems, only a few things the seller had disclosed. And the frame looks ok. It is tilted as you all explained, and had no damage to the welds. Will contact Escape for the recall parts and get it done soon.


Thanks, everybody, for your help. Removed some anxiety and made the purchase go much smoother.