Dick,
It sounds like the cross members that support the 5th wheel pin box assembly have broken. I have a 2008 Forest River 38' Sandpiper 5th wheel and it broke the supports when it was less than a year old. The manufacturer stood behind it but I had to deliver it to Dallas Oregon where it was built for the warranty repairs. If Big Don has a Forest River product they may pay some part of the repair cost. They were having problems with the welds breaking on the pin box supports and the side supports. The skin on the left front side of my trailer also had to be removed to repair and reinforce the side supports.
Since brand new my trailer has had a 5th Airborn (air bag) pin box that should have taken a lot of stress off of the supports and welds on the trailer. I hate to think what would have happened if I had not spent the extra money for the air bag pin box.
Let us know what your friend finds and what the fix is.
Good luck
John
*2006 Chevy, 3500, 4X4, DRW, (LBZ) D/A, CC, LT, 252K Miles, 19.5" Wheels, Mag Hytec Transmission Pan and Differential Cover, SS Grill Guard, Racor 2 micron aux fuel filter, 100 Gallon Aux Fuel Tank, using Edge Evolution, Predator Diablosport, Kennedy ECM tune, Fitch Fuel Catalyst.
*2006 Four Winds, Dutchman, 36', RV, D/A, 5500 Kodiak.
*1993 Harley Davidson, Turbo charged, Springer Softail.
*2007 Pontiac Solstice.
*2005 Jeep, Liberty, CRD (diesel).
*Full-timing in USA, see America first.
BUY AMERICAN or CANADIAN, NOTHING from CHINA .