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Topic ClosedRemoving the box from the frame

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Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Removing the box from the frame
    Posted: 13 Aug 2019 at 11:49am
I'm researching for what may become the eventual out-come of my dilemma.

Has anyone here removed the box from the frame?
Byways no Highways
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furpod View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2019 at 2:46pm
I am guessing you mean removing the body from the frame? I know the factory has done it. I don't recall any owners doing it and surviving.I remember 1 owner in Fla who had his Pod flooded quite bad in a hurricane. He bought it back a s a total, then pulled it apart. Last I saw of it, was on Orlando Craigslist as a pile of parts/project, "free to anyone who wants it"....
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2019 at 3:44pm
Why remove the body from the frame? The frame has been pushed up, so they should be able to pull it back down from underneath to straighten it once the axle is off. Then add reinforcement from below and re camber or replace the axle.  I think I would weld another heavier tube section about 3 feet long under the existing tube and attach the axle to that. That would provide an axle lift at the same time and it wouldn't be necessary to worry about the strength of the existing compromised frame tube. 

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Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2019 at 4:07pm
I'm at an extreme here. Hoping someone has done it... Successfully.

My mind is racing right now. What will I actually do if it comes back un-repaired/covered by insurance.

I have always wanted to build my own unit. This frame is way under what I would do. If it comes back, un-repaired... I have to be thinking of what to do with it. A 20K yard shed w/a shower is not an option.

First would be upgrade the frame! Then suspension!

Again,hoping someone has removed the box before. What's connected to the frame, what's connected to the box.

Oh my.. not another first.. please don't tell me this..


  

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2019 at 4:30pm
The floor is connected to the frame, the box as you seem to want to call it, is attached to the floor.

But, again, the frame can be fixed/reinforced, it's done all the time. Our Airstream had it done, by Airstream.
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2019 at 4:44pm
Woah there good buddy LOL

The problem you have now isn't that bad, it can be fixed, stronger than new, I think pretty simply. If FR wants to buy and install a new frame for you then that's great, its on them. But you have a relatively low cost trailer there, its not the Mercedes of trailers, its not a great idea to throw tons of time and money at something like this. 

Don't forget the old saying, if it ain't broke don't fix it. If there is a serviceable solution that doesn't turn this into a huge project then at least consider going that route. If you then truly want a Mercedes sell the rPod and get an Airstream or an Oliver or something like that. Or if that's your dream, build your own starting from scratch using top quality components, no compromises, exactly how you want it. 

just my $0.02 and not worth more than that. 
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2019 at 5:23pm
+1 to above. Not convinced anybody is installing a new frame or if the effort is worth any substantial payout from the customer. Realize we are looking for answers, end of the day sometimes best to cash in the chips and look for another RV. As far as removing cabin from the frame, I don't know anybody who has been successful with that as a DIY. I have done frame off restorations of cars and it's not easy or fast work. Plus with an RV there is no monetary gain, just a better , more reliable Pod. Not worth anymore.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2019 at 7:44pm
   I think if someone were to remove the trailer body from the frame it would have to be well supported. The trailers are built from the frame up I don't think there is enough strength in the body alone to be lifted from the frame unless it is evenly well supported. But as it has been said it could most likely be repaired with frame still attached to the trailer body.
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Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2019 at 6:49am
I do appreciate the statements and advise given. I'm not at that point as of yet and doing my research.

I was hoping someone had and there'd be a thread on it. Looks like that's a no. 
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