Tongue strengthening

[seafeet123]

Met someone a while back that put us onto this site. He mentioned a need to strengthen the tongue on the trailer due to Sunline reducing size of same at some time. Said to have a piece of steel welded to the tongue. But I forget whether it was to be on the inside or the outside of the channel. Need to be sure of location before having this done.

[JohnB]

Hi Sea Feet

Welcome to Sunline Owners Club. The trailer A frame problems I think you are referring too have only shown up on certain year and models in the 7,000# GVWR class TT's.

What year and model camper do you have? If yours is not in that group then you should not have to add the A frame strengthening from what we have seen on this forum.

Thanks

John

[clueless campers]

Here is a lot of reading on the tongue issue. Most problems occurred on the 2005 - 2007 T-2499's.

Bent front frame cross-member on '07 Solaris T-2499 This is the main discussion and about 7 or 8 pages long.

05 T2499 Bent Header AGAIN
This is about a problem after a repair was done.

Sunlines with bent frames, which WD hitch are you using ?

Hopefully you won't have any trouble with yours.

BTW, welcome to SOC. The members here are always willing to help, so if you have any questions--just ask.

[seafeet123]

We have a 2005 T2499, towed by a 2005 Ford F150. We do not make that many trips per year, at most 3 or 4. Longest run is about 250 miles one way.

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by seafeet123

We have a 2005 T2499, towed by a 2005 Ford F150. We do not make that many trips per year, at most 3 or 4. Longest run is about 250 miles one way.

The frame bending issue wasn't really tied to amount of travel. Some folks experienced it with relatively few miles.

The threads are already referenced above. It may be a good idea to read them over and then keep a close eye on your trailer. The bowed header is very easy to spot once it starts.

Several folks reported having the fix done for less than $200. Might be good preventative medicine.

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by seafeet123

We have a 2005 T2499, towed by a 2005 Ford F150. We do not make that many trips per year, at most 3 or 4. Longest run is about 250 miles one way.

Hi Sea Feet

Yes you have one of the affected ones. And as was said, mileage does not necessarily need to be there to create the problem.

The problem comes from twisting of the A frame side rails, (the 4” channel) due to the weight distribution hitch. That A frame side rail twisting translates the twisting force into the main A frame header (header runs left to right across the TT, has battery disconnect switch on it) and then buckles the main header. Once the main header get’s deformed and if the twisting action continues, the A frame can deteriorate into total failure if left untreated and long towing miles continue.

Here are some things to sort out and realize.

1. Find a truck scale and measure your loaded tongue weight. The T2499 can have a very heavy tongue weight pending where gear is stored in the front of the camper. Bed Room, cargo hole and fresh water tank. If you are approaching 1,200# and higher, your camper needs to go on a diet with that A frame.

2. The fresh water tank filled can add in the range of 180 to 200# tongue weigh all on it’s own.

3. Truck bed weight aft of the rear axle creates more work for the WD bars to handle. More WD bar loads push the problem of A frame twisting even more. Load heavy items forward of the rear TV axle.

4. Very large dips and turns load up the WD bar forces on one side of the A frame and increases the forces leading to the header buckling. We have had at least 2 forum members bend up the system just pulling in and out of there driveway.

5. The A frame correction has addressed the flexing of the header and some also have added a correction with the flexing of the A frame side rails. Early detection before a header buckle is key. In this case, fix it before it breaks.

You have a great camper there other then this one issue. Get it fixed now and go have fun camping.

Hope this helps and again Welcome to Sunline Owners Club.

John