Lippert components ???

willutfid wrote:
Regardless of where the components are made, they are basically junk. I'd read for years about all the problems/issues with Lippert frames and other components (just do a search on the forum). But I'd never been a Lippert basher until troubles we experienced on a recent trip. First, the door handle/latch/lock malfunctioned and we were literally locked inside our 5th wheel. Unfortunately, we had no choice but to damage the door in order to get out.

Our second little misadventure occurred when our Lippert stairs fell apart as we were driving down the road. The stairs dropped down, drug on pavement and resulted in quite a bit of damage to the 5th wheel. And no, the stairs were not out or partially out. We'd driven a number of miles since our last stop - and I've RVed for many years so habitually check my mirrors. Only thing I can figure is something gave way in the stair assembly. One of the people I spoke to at Lippert actually said to me "well they worked OK for nearly a year-and-half" I guess Lippert considers this an accomplishment.

In any event, the components were installed on a 5th wheel with a two year bumper-to-bumper warranty and the problems occurred when we'd owned the RV for less than a year and a half (or right in that area). When I contacted the RV manufacturer, whom for certain reasons, I don't want to name at this point, they said they'd have to submit the multiple pictures I'd taken to the manufacturer for their review. At that point I didn't know the supplier was Lippert. A few days later, I received an email indicating my warranty claim was being denied due to the reply the RV manufacturer received from Lippert - which was attached to the email. Lippert said and I quote "we are unable to determine a manufacturing defect occurred". What? Give me a break.

I later called Lippert and can say their customer service is equally as poor as their products. They basically said "tough".

So, I am now on the long, long list of Lippert bashers. I honestly don't know how a company like this stays in business.

They stay in business because they are behind so many parts that go into an RV that without them you couldn't build one. Lippert either makes the parts, subs out parts manufacturing or owns a company that makes the parts. I'm sure their price points are reason enough. Even if a part doesn't say Lippert on it doesn't mean Lippert isn't behind it.