2025 Avenue frame crack after first trip

[Rick B.]

We just purchased our our first Alliance fifth wheel RV (2025 Avenue 32RLS) in February 2026 and we took it on a shakedown trip of 500 miles round trip. The trailer towed well and the trip was all highway/paved surfaces. It had a few little warranty issues as I have come to expect with any new RV, but I was surprised to discover a 10" long (visible) crack running along the radius of the frame at the center wheel hanger on the passenger side. It was about 1/8 wide and showing signs of corrosion (can't see it clearly in the pictures) so it must have happen before we purchased it. This is not very encouraging. When I took it to the dealership to make a warranty claim, they informed me that they had to take pictures to prove that I didn't use the factory installed tow hitch. Apparently even hanging a bike rack on this factory installed hitch will void your structural warranty. I didn't use the hitch, but that is a little alarming.

I am disappointed that the frame isn't reinforced like some others and the frame is cracked on the first outing.

 

[BryanValRox]

We just purchased our our first Alliance fifth wheel RV (2025 Avenue 32RLS) in February 2026 and we took it on a shakedown trip of 500 miles round trip. The trailer towed well and the trip was all highway/paved surfaces. It had a few little warranty issues as I have come to expect with any new RV, but I was surprised to discover a 10" long (visible) crack running along the radius of the frame at the center wheel hanger on the passenger side. It was about 1/8 wide and showing signs of corrosion (can't see it clearly in the pictures) so it must have happen before we purchased it. This is not very encouraging. When I took it to the dealership to make a warranty claim, they informed me that they had to take pictures to prove that I didn't use the factory installed tow hitch. Apparently even hanging a bike rack on this factory installed hitch will void your structural warranty. I didn't use the hitch, but that is a little alarming.

I am disappointed that the frame isn't reinforced like some others and the frame is cracked on the first outing.

So, why it the world would using a factory install hitch rated at 300/3000 lbs void your warranty if used. My BS meter is maxed out on that comment. If that were the case, they would need call that out specifically in some documentation within the owners manual.

Also, with all due respect to your observation, what is the porous looking material that is captured within your pictures on the frame rail.

The reason I ask, when I was changing out my front hitch, I came across what I thought were cracks in the pin box. I would have swore on a stack of Bibles that it was an obvious crack on each side. Got out the wire wheel and a coarse sanding disk and quickly realized it was the coating that they use on the pin box. Cleaned it down to bare metal and slept a whole lot easier that night.

I am in no way questioning your observation, just sharing my experience that it could be related to a coating and that is why I am wondering what that porous looking material is in your pictures.
Please keep us posted on your investigation.

 

[Rick B.]

I asked the same question about the trailer hitch. It makes no sense that it can tow and has a trailer hitch and harness from the factory but your warranty is voided if you do. They are saying that using the hitch puts stress on the frame.... no kidding, then don't put one there at all.

The frame has a bit of a rough texture to it and there's a little dust on the frame as well. It feels like it is imbedded in the powder coating, like it had surface rust when they coated it. The crack is pretty wide and I asked the dealership to pull down the underbelly covering and inspect both sides of the beam on each sides of the trailer since they need to repair it anyhow. You would not be able to see this crack if it was on the inside. It cracks down through the I-beam instead of through the sidewall like you typically see. The technician said they have been doing this for 20+ years and have never seen a crack in the radius like this before.

Here are some more pictures. At first glance it looks like a bad sealant or weld job but when you get closer, you can see the distorted steel and there is no sealant or welds. It is right in the radius near where the weld You can see deep into the crack I cannot get the camera in close enough to really show. You can stick a pick into it and it goes pretty deep.

I only looked under there because of all the chatter online about frame flex and other posts about 2025 Alliance Avenues with frame cracks.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

As Bryan said, it looks like there is someone ON the frame that is cracked. Making it hard to see if that continues into the steel frame.

 

[BryanValRox]

Thank you for sharing additional picture!
Please keep us posted, personally I am not convinced what you are showing is a crack. I would love to see that area after sandblasting, or cleaning the area with a wire wheel or sanding disc.
Normally, the radius area would be one of the strongest area of the beam and it would be unusual to have a failure there.

Hoping for the best possible outcome for you!

 

[George]

Flange and Web are the proper terms for I-beam parts. Two flanges/one web.
Are you saying that the crack is through the flange? That does seem unusual. It’s usually a flange that cracks a web.
Please update us on the outcome of repairs. Good Luck.

 

[Rick B.]

The tech confirmed it is a crack. They are working on the warranty claim.