[SilverStreak] Bad Center Frame Member

["Eddie" <EddieHuffstetter@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sherylyn,
Yes, the trailer has three beams. This was one of the things that caused the 
break off of Silver Streak and Streamline partners, frame design. So the 
thing to do now is stop the deterioration to the frame member and the 
skirting that will continue without attention. To not repair the center beam 
can result in the lower areas around the remaining two beams bending up the 
box skirting when towing. If not towing, no repair is needed.

The battery box must be removed and a strong mix of baking soda and warm 
water liberally slopped, brushed, and poured over the entire area needs to 
be done ASAP. Metal is porous so you will need to do this a couple of times. 
Liberally fresh water hose off the entire area and get it dry because now it 
is raw. Get behind and in everything the acid has vapor or contacted in any 
manner. New battery boxes are available at WallyWorld, boat and Rv shops or 
just make one out of your favorite plastic container. Either way, make sure 
it cannot leak. Always assume it must contain liquid acid.

For now, just aluminum paint everything including inside the frame box and 
even the aluminum skirt. Don't worry, the paint will easily wipe off with 
mild solvent at any time. The idea is to treat the metal to stop the 
corrosion that will continue if unabated. Just get it neutralized, rinsed, 
dried, and painted to stop raw metal corrosion.

It is not that devastating. It will repair. There are many ways to scab-on, 
add-to, or section the damaged frame member. Later when you have good 
weather you can pursue the repair. It will require the skirting removal to 
expose the good frame portion, access and repair it. A slip over frame 
section can be built and thru bolted under the trailer onto the cleaned, 
dressed and painted end member. That section can be sized back down at the 
tongue end or just slipped over and welded onto what remains of that 
cleaned, dressed, and painted tongue piece, or just thru bolted. If welding, 
great care must be taken to not damage the aluminum, or set the trailer on 
fire. Aluminum is a fantastic fuel, rather easily ignited, and extremely 
easy to pock slag damage burning little holes. A piece of flashing or other 
material must be used as a shield protecting all areas near welding, or 
heat. The frame under the trailer can be short-arc welded instead of bolted 
or a combination of both if desired, but a temporary shield slipped between 
the frame member and floor must be used if welding.

Just stop the continuing destruction for now, dry the areas, and spray or 
slop aluminum paint with repeated coats to cease the deterioration. Hope 
this helps you.
-Eddie-
Houston, TX