spadoctor wrote:
We toured several plants last year. Many use Lippert standard designed frames and design their rigs around the frame. Companies like Jayco, KZ and Open Range on the other hand design the entire rig including the frame. Lippert builds to their design. We were told at both Jayco and KZ that the frames being built by Lippert are the same designs that were built by Leyland...no difference. And yes they do inspect the frames BEFORE using them. We saw a Lippert mobile service truck at KZ and Open Range rewelding joints and even adding or moving braces either not installed or slightly off. A lot depends on the RV manufacturer for the total quality. Anyone can and will make mistakes.
I am glad that some OEM's design a more robust frame, but a well designed frame with crappy welds and inferior QA/QC is no better than a poorly designed frame.
The RV OEM should hold Lippert more accountable, and the consumer should hold the OEM accountable by refusing to buy crappy products.
Those welds in the OP look horrible and would get the welder either fired or sent back to school in any respectable industry.
I am glad my KZ rolls on a Leland frame, but with Lippert's low priced frames under just about every trailer these days I will be very hesistant to "upgrade" our rig.
