CTS trailer problem

[SSDiv6]

Not enough weld penetration and this type of joint needs to be reinforced.
Those welds may be good for a living room table, but not for a high load structural joint.

Find a certified welding inspector and pay them a few bucks for a letter. Then have a lawyer send them a letter and attach the report with a statement that you will be also filing a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the defective welds and request a recall.

I promise you they will either fix it properly or give you a new trailer. They would not like to have the NHTSA pay them a visit, shut them down and fine them.

[SSDiv6]

Also, if you can, find out what type of Aluminum alloy they are using in the construction of the trailer. 2024 and 7075 Aluminum should never be welded. The heat from the welding process will cause severe cracking.

[Terry Drinkwater]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

Also, if you can, find out what type of Aluminum alloy they are using in the construction of the trailer. 2024 and 7075 Aluminum should never be welded. The heat from the welding process will cause severe cracking.

What type of aluminum would be acceptable for trailers that will be welded or modified?
Thanks,
Terry

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by terry drinkwater

what type of aluminum would be acceptable for trailers that will be welded or modified?
Thanks, terry

6061-t6

[Willyracer]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

Not enough weld penetration and this type of joint needs to be reinforced.
Those welds may be good for a living room table, but not for a high load structural joint.

Find a certified welding inspector and pay them a few bucks for a letter. Then have a lawyer send them a letter and attach the report with a statement that you will be also filing a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the defective welds and request a recall.

I promise you they will either fix it properly or give you a new trailer. They would not like to have the NHTSA pay them a visit, shut them down and fine them.

Thanks for the suggestion I didn't think about
getting someone like NHTSA involved

[Terry Drinkwater]

On my 2nd bumper pull camper and I've looked at lots of them. Haven't seen one yet with aluminum frame and some have fairly stout frames and tongues. (6-8 in rect. tubing) I would think most campers are lighter than your average loaded car hauler yet none are aluminum framed. Wondering about this.......

Terry

[SSDiv6]

There is nothing wrong with an aluminum trailer as long it is designed properly and the right materials are used. Most tanker trailers have aluminum frames.

The aluminum alloy to use is 6061-T6 extrusions, not 2024 or 7075. To weld 6061-T6 you need a 5356 filler and 6061 will recover after welding. High end aluminum trailer frames built from 6061 aluminum are joined together just like an aircraft frame with Huckbolt fasteners and there is minimal welding.

By the way, Huckbolt fasteners are as strong as welding.

https://applifast.com/wp-content/upl...vs-Welding.pdf

[Race Clean]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

High end aluminum trailer frames built from 6061 aluminum are joined together just like an aircraft frame with Huckbolt fasteners and there is minimal welding.

Aluminum welded together in high stress areas is not the best option!

[Markeracer]

Willyracer, please post full company name of CTS, location and website so we are all aware. Thanks

[Willyracer]

Originally Posted by Markeracer

Willyracer, please post full company name of CTS, location and website so we are all aware. Thanks

Custom Trailer Solutions
Could be wrong but thought ATC was manufatured at the
same location in north Indiana

Sorry
Don't know their web site