Lance frames

These types of BAL/Norco frames had issues with flexing and breaking years ago in Kodiak, Aerolite, Jayco, as discussed on this forum. But IIRC that was with trailers longer than 28'. Since then some manufacturers no longer use them (Kodiak) or just use them on trailers 28' or less (Jayco).

We looked at the largest Lance trailer which is about 28' long and has a very wide slide-out. I was concerned that the flexing especially with that big a cut-out in the shell.

But I think the shorter Lance's would be fine. Jayco still uses these frames in their lighter, shorter trailers and I haven't heard of any problems recently.

It's also possible that BAL/Norco has modified their design since the earlier failures, I dunno.

I think it is a good frame. There is almost zero welding on it and it uses huck bolts instead. You can't weld anything to it. I seem to recall some restrictions or cautions to do with installing a WDH.

Bal/Norco Ultraframe

Jayco is using the frame but it does not have openings in the beams like the Lance ones do. It has been used on a few other makes and models in the past but I've only seen it on Lance and Jayco TTs at RV shows in the past couple of years.

There were problems with this frame about 10 years ago but I can't find any more recent reports of issues. You might want to go to the Lance forum and either search or ask. Perhaps looking at the Jayco frames to see how they differ would help.

Properly designed and built cutouts in the webs of structural members are not an issue if the members were adequately designed for the loads the manufacturer decides to specify. Aircraft structural sections are full of lightening holes and they work just fine.

You should also note that the box of an RV provides strenght to the unit as a whole and reduces the flexure in the frame. It is the flexure that causes failure.

I do not own now and never have owned a Lance. But if I wanted to go lighter and they had the floorplan I liked, they would be on my short list. Where is Wood Glue on this one?