Figured with all the hype going on about frame issues with other brands (it seems mostly GD) was just wondering if this has been a historical thing @ all with Vanleigh? We have a 23 310GK and to be honest not really concerned but figured worth the dialog.
Based on what I’ve seen or interpreted I think a lot of this issues are not ‘chassis’ related but the structure on top and it’s construction and/or attachments to the actual chassis. Also willing to bet a fair number were overweight… but that’s just conjecture.
Hi Jon, I’m in agreement with you. I haven’t heard many instances of actual frame breakage, more so the attachment points of the walls is what I’ve seen more of.
We had that happen on our 2020 39FBB and got it repaired last April under warranty in Tishomingo.
There’s some additional info in this thread -
I posted some pictures of the damage to walls and the bad weld that eventually broke and caused the wall to separate from the frame. They folks at Tishomingo did a great job fixing it and it’s been solid since.
Flex has been pretty common on the Vanleigh line and would have to dig up a spreadsheet were I was tracking the models, years and instances. I know that I had tracked around 20 units in 2021, and over 30 units reported in 2022. Those instances were before most were educated in the Vanleigh groups on what to watch for in which time that number rose considerably in 2023. Most model years impacted are 2019 - 2022 with some outliers that aren’t the typical frame flex symptoms.
You have something positive for the the 23 line as Vanleigh started adding extra supports in the wall (manufacture date January 23 after) where the slide opening is at the upper deck. 2023 Vanleighs with upperdeck flex breakage have been rare.
Many units that experience frame flex will have the the steel chassis welds break as well. These usually occurs on the angle iron that is attached to the upperdeck tubing where the walls are supported and bolted an additional connection point on the front upper deck. It is believed that that angle iron isnt the initial cause but once the structure is loose and broke free the movement of the wall works against that support causing it to break. Also common are broken or backed out lag bolts that hold the wall to the steel frame. Those can be viewed on your model by opening up the bottom drawers in your dresser.
Vaneligh started stuffing the aluminum channels of the walls with wood to help address flex and upperdeck issues in late 2020 and then as stated the additional supports in the 23 model line.
Although many factors can contribute to the flex issues including overweight, I am overly cautious about my weight as well as three other owners I know that have experience the issue. 3 out of the 4 of us weighed regularly and had attended an Escapees Smart Weigh on at least one occasion and all of us hit the CAT several times a year.
I have attached a picture of the location of the angle iron and is located on both sides of that upper deck.
I wanted to update this thread to the latest information for all us Vanleigh folks.
I was recently in Tishomingo for 3 weeks and during that time there were several units that arrived with flex issues unfortunately two of the units were 2023 units after the point of Vanleighs production line change. It looks like that was not successful.
Danny had used some pictures of my units correction at a different location and came up with a altered method of approach for correction. Tish is now taking the side fiberglass off and adding triangle gussets on all most all vertical uprights including at the top section. On the first couple of units I observed him fixing he was adding a horizontal support in the side wall as well.
Danny designed a large plate that he is then placing over the top of all of that structure welded on. It looks like Tiffin (Redbay) has adapted Dannys new procedure as there was a recent post with their procedure and his exact plate.
Hopefully they are getting a hold of this issue so many are not doing repeated trips for correction.
I just dropped off our 2019 34’ Beacon at Tishimingo for several issues, the most concerning is a separation of the side wall to the lower front wall, near the front jack on passenger side. Have you seen frame flex issue cause this?
We had a similar issue on ours that was repaired at Tishomingo last year. I think they just had to fix where some of the screws had worked their way out where the front wall attaches and not related to any frame flexing.
This was on the driver’s side but looks similar to what you show.
I agree with Stuarts statement. This typically is screws for the filon sweep trim working their way out. This could be in conjunction with Frame Flex but without noting issues occurring above this point it likely is not related.
I have been involved with several Vanleigh owners that had frame failure on the wall behind the generator that would include this trim coming off but there would be other significant signs in addition.
I am sure those guys at Tish will get that fixed up without much effort.
Thanks, I had talked to Danny he didn’t think it was anything major! I have total confidence in Danny he saved me recently, we were heading out for 2 months so I had Camping World pack my bearings, they called me back saying I needed $3400 brake repairs, I told them to put it back together, I took it to Danny he reattached the break away wire on the brake and fixed a magnet bracket no charge! CW messed up the bearing pack so I paid Danny to re do it, reversed the credit card charge to CW and won the dispute.
We are at Tishimongo now as well getting 1 warranty repair on our dinette slide floor, adding a SeeLevel tank sensor and a few other minor items. Our tech has been great, knowledgeable and fixing everything better than new. If you’re here now we’re in the building. White 320
It’s the worst looking Vanleigh I’ve ever seen, I was shocked, I tried to drop mine next to it but no water and I needed to dump my tanks. You must be next to our blue Beacon or close.
I just got the call today, sounds like an eagle’s song but our 19’ Beacon 34RLB has the dreaded Frame Flex, doing a little research as to what options I have. Appreciate any feedback on what everyone hearing on the subject, like who repaired it, cost and time for the repair, is Vanleigh helping anyone under what circumstances, insurance claims, State Farm covered one after he dropped the 5th wheel on his truck bed rails, even though the issue is unrelated. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Just an add on to my Frame Flex question, does anyone have contact information for someone that’s been helpful or responsive at Vanleigh/Tiffen? I’ve had bad luck getting calls back in the last two years when calling the general line. Maybe I’m a second class citizen because I’m not the original owner of our Beacon.
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