โMar-23-2015 01:57 PM
โMar-29-2015 04:15 PM
myredracer wrote:
If they really have improved welding in recent years, I hate to think what Lippert's welding was like before that. I know that problems with Lippert frames are still occurring and the TT manufacturers and Lippert have not changed anything.Unfortunately, Lippert frames are on something like 95% or more of TTs.
โMar-26-2015 06:05 AM
wibigfoot wrote:
The Apex 239RBS has the floor plan we like so it's at the top of the list. My dealer doesn't stock this model so it's buying sight unseen and factory order.
โMar-26-2015 03:26 AM
JBarca wrote:wibigfoot wrote:
Through reading a number of topics here I find more people not a fan of Lippert frames than those that are.
We narrowed down the RV to a Coachmen Apex and the sales rep stated they use a Lippert frame on them.
All that's going through my head is to stay away from them but I have no reason to why other then what people say here.
So run away or don't worry about it?
I do not know your Apex model, if you can post some pics of the spring hanger arrangement and the frame construction we can see if you have the problem frames.
I myself have a Lippert frame who built them to Sunline specs. I know the good and bad about it. I corrected the bad myself and now have no worries.
I know we throw out the "I beam" term but I'll tell you, the RV I shape is nothing like a true ANSI I beam. The RV I shape has very little support of the flanges on the ends of the web. A true I beam has structure to strengthen the flange to the web. That said, if they made a camper out of true I beam the weight is considerable.
So, extra reinforcement is needed to keep the spring hanger from twisting the lower flange from fatigue and cracking the frame over time. Those with heavier campers have it worse as the same thin spring hangers are used on a 5,000# GVWR camper as on a 10,000# camper. (my case) It's the turns of tandem wheels that play havoc on twisting the hangers.
Need to know more about what you have to help better
John
โMar-26-2015 03:22 AM
myredracer wrote:wibigfoot wrote:
wow thanks everyone for the feedback. I know Jayco brags about their frames and was surprised to learn their frames were Lippert as well. I didn't know that.
It turns out Apex frames are designed for each unit. They are not stacked and built to Apex specs.
I guess there is no getting away from Lippert since most mfg use them.
Lippert is not used on all Jayco TTs. Jay Feather and Whitehawk models have a Norco frame that Jayco calls Nextgen and it's made by BAL/Norco not Lippert. Jayco info. here. This is what is basically the BAL Ultraframe and it has no welding on it whatsoever and uses huck bolts to fasten pieces together. It's a very interesting looking frame.
โMar-25-2015 07:12 PM
wibigfoot wrote:
wow thanks everyone for the feedback. I know Jayco brags about their frames and was surprised to learn their frames were Lippert as well. I didn't know that.
It turns out Apex frames are designed for each unit. They are not stacked and built to Apex specs.
I guess there is no getting away from Lippert since most mfg use them.
โMar-25-2015 07:08 PM
wibigfoot wrote:
Through reading a number of topics here I find more people not a fan of Lippert frames than those that are.
We narrowed down the RV to a Coachmen Apex and the sales rep stated they use a Lippert frame on them.
All that's going through my head is to stay away from them but I have no reason to why other then what people say here.
So run away or don't worry about it?
โMar-25-2015 06:59 PM
jonmad wrote:mosseater wrote:
Mine is actually I-beam. I tried to drill it once for a screw and it's hard like woodpecker lips. Not complaining about that. The spring hanger locations and the welds are the source of my complaints. It doesn't take anymore time to do it wrong than to do it right, that's all. Most of the welds are iffy. Anybody who knows even a little bit about welding will look at them and just shake their head. Seriously, with a MIG? A three year old can run nice bead with a MIG as long as the set up is even close. There's just no excuse for it. Period.
Have you had weld failures?
โMar-25-2015 05:03 PM
mosseater wrote:
Mine is actually I-beam. I tried to drill it once for a screw and it's hard like woodpecker lips. Not complaining about that. The spring hanger locations and the welds are the source of my complaints. It doesn't take anymore time to do it wrong than to do it right, that's all. Most of the welds are iffy. Anybody who knows even a little bit about welding will look at them and just shake their head. Seriously, with a MIG? A three year old can run nice bead with a MIG as long as the set up is even close. There's just no excuse for it. Period.
โMar-25-2015 04:58 PM
โMar-25-2015 04:32 PM
โMar-25-2015 04:16 PM
wincrasher65 wrote:
Don't worry, with a Coachman Apex, the frame will be the least of your troubles. LOL.
โMar-25-2015 04:15 PM
โMar-25-2015 03:50 PM
โMar-25-2015 08:53 AM
wincrasher65 wrote:
Don't worry, with a Coachman Apex, the frame will be the least of your troubles. LOL.