The frame thing is one reason we have decided to keep ours for a while longer. Excel used a fully boxed, house made frame that so far has endured about 35 to 40k miles of abuse from some really rough roads without any problems. It costs more to do that which is why most don't so they can stay competitive price wise. I'm sure Lippert can make as good a frame as anyone if specified by the manufacturer, like Rob said about his Grand Design. Bottom line, shop wisely. Research, research and when you are done researching, research some more.