Man oh man, houses and TTs are such polar opposites (sigh).
The residential construction industry is highly regulated (structural, plumbing, electrical, etc.) by codes, standards and regulations that must be followed. There are various gov't inspectors that check the work and sometimes engineers. If something doesn't comply, work can be rejected, there is an AHJ to file a complaint with and there can be consequences to tradespersons and contractors. The smallest of details are covered like length & size of nails, where & how many nails and nailing pattern. Most of the materials must meet various standards and regulations. When you buy a house, you know someone has your back and you have the weight of the gov't behind you.
In comparison, a problem with the TT industry is the lack of codes and standards, there are no inspections done by gov't inspectors and there is no agency to file a complaint with if construction or materials are non-compliant. One example is the total lack of codes and standards for the construction of frames & suspensions. No SAE, ASTM, ASME, CSA, etc. No independent certification. Nothing. A frame manufacturer can build a frame however they want, and they do. How would you know if the frame you have really is adequately rated to carry the load of the superstructure sitting on it? Just because the TT manufacturer assigns a GVWR makes it perfectly okay for the intended use, weight and length? How would you know if the welding complies with any codes & standards? How can they get away with the frames made from 3 pieces of 1/8" mild steel welded together and the excessive flex they have?
There are a few codes and standards that are supposed to be followed like electrical work for example. It is *supposed* to comply with the NEC. I have found many things that don't or the workmanship is simply bad. There are many reports of grounding and safety issues out there. Who ever inspects the work to ensure it complies with the NEC? If you find issues, minor or major, is there an AHJ that you, an owner can report it to? Not as far as I know. I recently found an electrical issue that could potentially have been deadly if I hadn't come across it.
I spent my entire career as an engineer in building construction. I am aghast at many of the things I have found in the 3 TTs we've owned and continue to find. Many things would never, ever be accepted in the building construction industry and probably not in the automotive world either. I probably have a higher expectation on how to build things properly. Some TT owners are perfectly willing to accept the substandard quality & issues they have (like some friends we have). Someone commented that a TT should only last 7 years. Really? Maybe some brands/models...
There is just no will or interest by TT manufacturers in improving construction quality and in some cases, safety. It's like an industry culture created and run by an old boy's network. What will it take to improve things? Dunno. We know some folks that were the victims of a very serious problem with a TT that ended up with getting the whole TT replaced under warranty. I've heard of a number of cases of that. Should never be possible to be that bad to start with. Am too old now to care much anymore and will just resign myself to keep on fixing things as they break or I come across them. At least our truck is dependable and durable.
