myredracer wrote:
Well, I do know that some ultra-lite, super-lites, extra-lite or what they want to call them, have a frame that has an I-beam welded together from 3 pieces of mild steel instead of a forged I-beam. Have seen this frame on 6 different brands/models so far. These frames are very flexible and will lead to various problems down the road like frame cracks for example. The superstructure will take more of a beating from the vertical movement and can cause aluminum framing to be damaged like the failed weld in the photo (you won't find this unless you go looking). There can be hidden damage going on that won't manifest itself until way too late to do anything. Almost 100% of ultra-lites use a Lippert frame (no comment). If you are perusing the purchase of a TT with the welded-up I-beam, go look at some that don't instead.
Some ultra-lites have a very low CCC. By the time you have it all loaded up for camping, there is almost nothing left. With our TT, we have 200 lbs or so left and if we traveled with a full tank of fresh water, would be over the GVWR which is not good. You definitely cannot shop by dry weights as they are fairy tale numbers. At the least, look TTs that have higher CCC numbers relative to the GVWR, and allow from 1000 to 2000 lbs of cargo + extra weight depending on it's length and see what it looks like. Some ultra-lites have axles and tires that are barely rated for the weight they will carry when you are fully loaded, and there have been reports of some being over-loaded in some cases. Under rated-axles or axles loaded to or near the max are an invitation for becoming bent from hitting potholes, curbs, etc. and for tires, premature wear and/or failure. When looking at TT specs, they won't tell you the axle rating and you have to inquire or look yourself. They skimp on CCC and axles to reduce overall wt. (and cost of course).
As a general group, ultra-lites use materials and components that are thinner, light and the least substantial to do the job and with the least amount of fasteners throughout. They are cranked out in the factories as fast as possible with no quality control (Amish craftsmanship? - right!). Watch the Jayco youtube video on their build process in the factory.... If you want to have a shocking experience, go to one of the factories for a tour of the production floor. Some things in these TTs are poorly done, like insulation in the ceiling for example - not only are there voids and compressed insulation everywhere, there may be no insulation at all around the perimeter like in our TT (and you wonder why it won't heat or cool properly). The workmanship under TTs with an enclosed underbelly is atrocious and it's more like they enclose them to hide what they do.
Not in the ultra-lite category are Northwood and Lance products which are heavy compared to an ultra-lite because they don't cut corners simply to make a TT lighter so it can be towed by a 1/2 ton or SUV. Lance uses a BAL frame and Northwood uses their own in-house built frame on their brands which are both excellent. These brands have a good reputation for lasting. Even if you need to get a bigger TV and have the $$, I would get one of these TTs. If we ever happen to be in the market for a new TT again, it will be one of these.
JMHO, but it *is* based on personal experience, tragedy, perserverence and mixed success... (3 TTs in just 3 years)
"FORGED" I Beam, are you kidding??
