Help! Water damage roof supports damaged

[Mdeardoff]

Hello all!
Got a 1999 Towlite that we are gutting the top half due to water damage from a neglected and leaking roof. The metal supports in the roof are rusted out and badly damaged. There is a crack in two of them. What are some options to fix this? Has anyone else had this problem?
I was thinking I saw on here before where someone had reinforced the beams with like 1x1’s on each side of the beam. I would like to avoid having to weld a piece in if possible.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Treeclimber]

Mdeardoff, sorry to say, but if your roof is that far gone, welding in new beams is the only real option. "Sistering" in smaller pieces won't really help, the existing rust problem will continue. My two cents.
Tree

 

[Mdeardoff]

I saw a guy on YouTube weld in angle iron since the steel is hard to find. What do you suggest using?

It was so disappointing to get in there and see that. We originally thought it wouldn’t be that bad, but with the weather we’ve had it covered and waiting to tear into to. It was soaked in there even being covered. I’m not sure the rust happened that quick but it probably didn’t help.
Thanks for your input.

 

[Treeclimber]

Mdeardoff, I just acquired a 34 year old Hi Lo that I knew was going to be a rebuild. I too, found the steel in really bad shape. I'll be replacing the bad stuff with 1 x 2" (free) and also installing gussets at each intersection. Time consuming, but longer lasting. The 1 x 2 allows for better purchase for the panels. Whatever happens to this unit after I'm finished, it'll be better than new, for sure.
Best of luck with yours, your in the right place for assistance.
Tree

 

[Mdeardoff]

Wow sound like a great project you’ve got going. Maybe I will scrounge around and see what I can find. I always worry about having too much weight with the remodel. I’m excited to get the base stuff done so we can start on the cosmetic parts. Then the best part of course! Getting out doors in it! Thanks for your input!

 

[tcongdon]

I had to replace 4 of the metal supports on my HiLo roof. I cut the old ones out. I then had a friend weld me a new frame. Instead of welding directly to the old hilo frame, I had him weld tabs on each piece then I bolted the it to the frame.