longhaul said:
Lippert has no idea what the trailer mfg is going to use the frame for. If I had a frame issue I'm falling down on the trailer manufacturer as their the ones responsible for seeing the frame is to their specs and is good to go for their customers.
Now if the frame builder has cut corners from the RV mfg specs then they become liable for repairs which Lippert has done in many cases.
Bad deal all around for the customer with Lippert and the RV mfg pointing fingers at each other in many cases.
I TOTALLY agree.
My story:
Had an 02, 29RL 5r. The upper front part of the [body] began to move up & down more than I thought it should, as seen from my rear view mirror, in relation to the Pin Box. Then I noticed the bedroom wall had scuff marks on it from moving up & down against the dresser structure.
Called the Maker. Told them the above. First question from them was: Do you carry any Bicycles on the back bumper ? I said Yes, 2 aluminum bikes. They then said: That's the cause of your problem.. the bikes weight had upset the center of balance and caused front of the frame to flex up and down, causing the issues. You are 3 months out of Warranty, so we can't help you with any repairs.
Expected That.
Called Lippert. Told them the above and what the Maker said. Lippert said: They supply and deliver the basic frame (Billet frame, if you will) to the RV manufacture, they then Weld and/or Bolt all the attachment points they need based on their engineering & design plans.
Lippert then asked if I was capable of dropping the Pin box belly pan to look for anything obvious, and call them back. I dropped the belly pan.
When I did, 6 of 8 lag screws fell out, and a piece of 1/8x 1.5" flat stock material sagged down on the Pass-side. Took a hard look at what had happened. Found that 10 of 16 spot welds (8 each side) didn't even penetrate, from the flat stock to the (LIPPERT) frame member.
Called Lippert back. They said the Flat Stock was what the [manufacture] used as a mounting platform for the front portion of the coach body. When the few spot welds that did penetrate.. failed.. everything was free to move, pulling the mounting screws loose.
QA & QC by the MAKER was the Down Fall . LIPPERT ? Not So Much.
Joe
OBTW.. I fixed it by doing a continuous weld w/1" Rossetts every 6".. the full length, using 3/16 x 2" flat stock. Pulled that 5r another 10 years.. No problems.