Mis-aligned wall on Coleman/Fleetwood Cheyenne

[springer02]

We have an '01 Cheyenne that's in good shape but has been well traveled since we bought it new in 2002. Annual Florida and Michigan trips plus lots of local camping totaling 30-40 nights per year.

In last couple of outings I've noticed that the master bed bunk has been tough to push in. Upon closer examination it appears that the trailer wall that includes the door is bowed out slightly, meaning that the bunk slides miss the tracks once they get past the door opening. They either hit it incorrectly or just pass by them entirely inboard of where the tracks start.

If I push the wall in as we slide in, things line up correctly. I now realize that this problem is also related to a door fit problem I've had recently. I've noticed that the aft edge of the stepper door has been rubbing on the  metal of the sidewall, wearing paint off. I didn't put two and two together until I noticed the bowing.

The only possible contributing factor I'm aware of is that I know our tire shop (very good folks) let me know that they had bent a piece of metal with their jack while replacing tires at the start of the season. They were just being honest in case it's a problem. Didn't think much of it at the time. And it was on the same side as the problem I'm having now.

Thoughts? Anyone have a similar problem? It just seems like the side wall needs to be bent back in, but I'm loathe to do it lest something really break.

[brainpause]

Sounds very much like the tire shop problem could be related. I'd keep that tire shop, though. Not many would tell you up front.

Do you level the camper properly? That is, do you use the axle for left-and-right, and the tongue jack for front to back? Or do you use the stabilizers for leveling?

I see your post count and know you are a PUT long-timer...I bet you level properly, and that isn't the cause.

Larry

[cndlzrus]

We have an '01 Cheyenne that's in good shape but has been well traveled since we bought it new in 2002. Annual Florida and Michigan trips plus lots of local camping totaling 30-40 nights per year.

In last couple of outings I've noticed that the master bed bunk has been tough to push in. Upon closer examination it appears that the trailer wall that includes the door is bowed out slightly, meaning that the bunk slides miss the tracks once they get past the door opening. They either hit it incorrectly or just pass by them entirely inboard of where the tracks start.

If I push the wall in as we slide in, things line up correctly. I now realize that this problem is also related to a door fit problem I've had recently. I've noticed that the aft edge of the stepper door has been rubbing on the  metal of the sidewall, wearing paint off. I didn't put two and two together until I noticed the bowing.

The only possible contributing factor I'm aware of is that I know our tire shop (very good folks) let me know that they had bent a piece of metal with their jack while replacing tires at the start of the season. They were just being honest in case it's a problem. Didn't think much of it at the time. And it was on the same side as the problem I'm having now.

Thoughts? Anyone have a similar problem? It just seems like the side wall needs to be bent back in, but I'm loathe to do it lest something really break.

We have the same PUP... no problem here.  Actually a well built camper.  I am wondering if you are missing some ribits or screws that hold the slide rail in place?  Not sure what would make your wall bow out?  You could always take it in for inspection at a dealership.  Since that side has the goucho couch  on it, it might be easily fixable.   Keep us posted on what you find out.

[beacher]

Sorry to hear about your wall.

If you look underneath the trailer you should be able to tell if the bent metal is the cause of your problems.

The side walls are attached to cross beams on the trailer.  If you bend one of those cross beams the adjoing wall will be affected.

That's why Fleetwood is specific about lifting on the main trailer frame only, (not the cross beam members, the walls, or the axle).

[bhauber]

My 2001 MESA has the same proplem. Looks like the wall with stepper door is pulled away from the interior cabinet about 1/4-1/2 an inch. The beds when pushed in don,t sit in track properly. The roof looks to line up pretty good. Any one know of a fix or just live with it.

[springer02]

Sorry. Been away from the board. I've looked underneath and don't see any type of bend, so I'm at a bit of a loss. But when I noticed this problem, their comment came to mind. Since I can cope for now, I'll take it in for usual maintenance at end of season and have the dealer take a look.

I do trust this shop and appreciate their telling me they did "something," especially since it was not obvious.

We stabilize using lynx levelers and front tongue jack. Some places, including our driveway, are a bit extreme -- five levels of levelers. But we do always get level if we're going to pop-up.

I take it by responses that there's nothing else that might cause this? That was sort of my gut, but I've been surprised before.

I'll take a look underneath this weekend and study the supports more.

Thanks.

[A2SuperCrew]

Is there any way to FIX a wall that has bowed out for whatever reason?  :confused:

[harleywolf]

I don

[springer02]

Thanks.