I have a 3-H LQ steel trailer. I noticed that the escape door was getting hard to open so I looked around the frame of the door and it appears that the trailer is sagging there. I put a hydraulic jack under the bottom structural rail(?) and with the jack holding the weight, the door became easy to close/open again. What I found is that the vertical support between the first and second stall isn't welded to the long horizontal rail running the length of the trailer. I'm guessing it's a manufacturing defect since there is no evidence of a weld. Do I just jack the member into place and weld or do I have something else going on?
Posted 2014-10-28 10:35 PM (#161324 - in reply to #161321) Subject: RE: 3-H LQ Sagging
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If it's a newer trailer, take it back to the dealer and show him the complication. He may be able to discern if similar models are having the same problem. He may be able to goad the manufacturer into repairing the welding omission from the factory. If it's an older model out of warranty, I would take it to a fabricator or custom trailer builder. A person knowledgeable of structures would be the best to hire. Just welding one spot may not be enough of a fix, when the addition of doublers or custom gussets may be involved, to effect a long lasting, safe repair.
Posted 2014-10-29 12:34 AM (#161325 - in reply to #161321) Subject: RE: 3-H LQ Sagging
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
It wouldn't be a used Charmac bought from Northern Cali would it? I know of someone who bought one from Idaho and realized the same exact thing you are speaking of. That is why she sold it. Whether or not she was honest about the trailer when selling, I seriously doubt it.
Posted 2014-10-29 8:19 AM (#161328 - in reply to #161321) Subject: RE: 3-H LQ Sagging
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Palmdale, CA, 93551
No, this is an older Circle J. The company that builds Circle J now isn't the same as built these older LQs and they don't have any information about them. Taking the trailer to a trailer fabricator is a good idea.
3-H LQ Sagging
