Our past travel trailers have had a 'straight' frame...by that I mean the coupler and its framework just continued straight from the main part of the frame...on this trailer, the A-frame ending with the coupler is mounted under the main frame rails...I can tell the frame on this unit sits considerably higher than what we've had in the past...ex. the front stabilizers on the last unit needed only 20-25 'cranks' to be firmly seated on the ground, whereas the ones on the new trailer need more than 50...the difference is also apparent visually...truth to tell, didn't even take notice of this until the trailer was bought and the paperwork done (i know, i know...should have realized)...It would seem to me that this configuration, with the coupler A-frame welded to the bottom of the frame rails, creates a potential failure point where the coupler frame meets the main frame rails...am I just paranoid?Are there any advantages to this sort of a frame, other than the obvious increase in ground clearance?

I don't have an answer. Could it be the manufacturer saved money doing it this way? Did they use less material?

IMO it is only about ground clearance. People wanting TT's generally tend to take them off pavement like boon-docking and want the ground clearance. People with 5ers general use them more for full timing and tend to stay more in camp grounds. Now don't beat me up I know both types are used for all scenarios my key word is "tend"Just my observations and why I stay with TT's.

IMO I think the mfg's are getting lazy and don't want to design floor plans around wheel wells!

When campers had no slides the frame could all be one straight line. With slides the main frame needs to be higher...in most cases...so the "a" frame s below the main frame

Many travel trailers are built upon a "deck-over" type frame construction. As the bare frame sits there, the entire length and width of the floor is totally flat, no "wheel wells" required.Not only simplifies construction, but allows for slide rooms to be "flush floor" design. If you build with wheel wells that rise up above the floors, you can have a lower frame, but your slide room now has to be built elevated to clear the wheel wells when retracted. This means you will have a step up into the slide out area inside. Some Jayco's and Lance are built this way.

What's the advantage of the frame design on our new TT?

45 Replies

gmw_photos
Explorer
Feb 01, 2016
Many travel trailers are built upon a "deck-over" type frame construction. As the bare frame sits there, the entire length and width of the floor is totally flat, no "wheel wells" required.
Not only simplifies construction, but allows for slide rooms to be "flush floor" design.
If you build with wheel wells that rise up above the floors, you can have a lower frame, but your slide room now has to be built elevated to clear the wheel wells when retracted. This means you will have a step up into the slide out area inside. Some Jayco's and Lance are built this way.
spadoctor
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2016
When campers had no slides the frame could all be one straight line. With slides the main frame needs to be higher...in most cases...so the "a" frame s below the main frame
WNYBob
Explorer
Feb 01, 2016
IMO I think the mfg's are getting lazy and don't want to design floor plans around wheel wells!
eichacsj
Explorer
Feb 01, 2016
IMO it is only about ground clearance. People wanting TT's generally tend to take them off pavement like boon-docking and want the ground clearance. People with 5ers general use them more for full timing and tend to stay more in camp grounds. Now don't beat me up I know both types are used for all scenarios my key word is "tend"

Just my observations and why I stay with TT's.
gbopp
Explorer
Feb 01, 2016
I don't have an answer.
Could it be the manufacturer saved money doing it this way? Did they use less material?

Forum Discussion

What's the advantage of the frame design on our new TT?

45 Replies

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