Posted 2016-08-23 10:14 AM (#168133) Subject: Featherlite Weld Issues
New User
Posts: 2
Hi, I am looking at purchasing a 2004 Featherlite 4H gooseneck. The trailer is a one-owner trailer and in really nice condition and has approximately 12,000 miles on it. When inspecting the trailer we noticed that the welds in the top corners of the rear frame are cracked from the inside of the trailer into the the middle of the weld but not all of the way through.
Does anyone have experience with having this type of issue repaired? Do the repaired welds hold?
How expensive is it?
How significant is this structurally to the trailer? Would you pass on the trailer?
We have noticed this on many other Featherlite trailers that we have looked at as well. Does this happen with other aluminum framed trailers as well?
Posted 2016-08-26 10:56 PM (#168188 - in reply to #168133) Subject: RE: Featherlite Weld Issues
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Cracked welds in the top corners of the rear frame can tell you the trailer has lived a hard life on some rough roads, I'd bet there are more stressed areas in the frame around the coupler mounting or between the jack wall and trailer nose. Aluminum trailers are ruined by the vibrations of washboard type rock roads. The cracks you see are from the frame flexing horizontally side to side as the trailer is driven down bad roads or worse.
Featherlite Weld Issues
