Lippert frames

[LVJJJ]

Been towing for 30 years, but never heard of a Lippert frame. Seems like most of the comments are negative.

So, what is a Lippert frame?

[SoundGuy]

SoundGuy wrote:
My 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express has a pressed together Lippert frame that has cracked near the rear tires on each side. :M

As to the OP's question, my understanding is that newer models now use a different frame that shouldn't exhibit this frame cracking problem that have plagued so many Freedom Express owners.

GrandpaKip wrote:
If you truly believe this, then why in the world do you keep recommending this trailer?

Surely this is self explanatory! :S

[gmw_photos]

GrandpaKip wrote:


....snip...

If you truly believe this, then why in the world do you keep recommending this trailer?

Because some people have to try to convince others they are never wrong ?

"Listen to me, I am the truth, the light, and others will lead you astray"

Kip, a certain poster here has stated that yours truly is trying to lead others astray into dangerous territory. Oh my.

[GrandpaKip]

SoundGuy wrote:
My 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express has a pressed together Lippert frame that has cracked near the rear tires on each side. :M The parent company Forest River has been forced by NHSTA to issue a RECALL for specific models lacking required frame stiffeners. Unfortunately, even though my trailer was built during the time period covered by this recall my particular model is not on the list because it does have these frame stiffeners - yet the frame still cracked. :M For this reason both Coachmen and Lippert denied a claim made by my dealer on my behalf to have this frame repaired ... he's since gone back at them repeatedly and in a recent email says that Lippert has finally now agreed to cover the cost of repair. I'm certainly not happy this Lippert frame has failed and the reasons don't really matter to me but I am now satisfied I'm not being left holding the hook on this. As to the OP's question, my understanding is that newer models now use a different frame that shouldn't exhibit this frame cracking problem that have plagued so many Freedom Express owners. Whether this same improvement has been made to other Coachmen models or other manufacturers' models I couldn't say but if I were in the market for any trailer that had a Lippert frame I'd want to know that it was up to the task.

If you truly believe this, then why in the world do you keep recommending this trailer?

[rbpru]

Lippert is a major supplier to the RV industry. As with roofs, Windows and TTs in general, there are well made ones, a few shoddy ones, and a few well made but not suitable for the application. The vast majority of the flames outlive the TT they are under.

[amxpress]

I visited the Sabre factory and watched them weld additional corner braces to many of the frame’s 90 Degree sections to provide rigidity to the frame. They were Lippert frames.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

Wild Card wrote:

Mine is not a welded 10" I beam as well. Can't post pics...don't do the host deal.

You can pics by using this. No need to host.

[ScottG]

Our last TT (Wildcat) Lippert frame was fine after a minor weld touch up to the battery tray. No other problems in 13 years of heavy use.
Even the stories of fifth wheel frame issues have all but dried up.
Just not a problem like it once was.

[gmw_photos]

hard to get a picture under there, but my Lippert frame under my funfinder by cruiser has rolled I-beams.

This frame also has gussets in places where it should have such as where the shackle perches are welded on etc. Has out-riggers no more that 24" apart and some as close as 18".

I'm no engineer but I have stuck a few pieces of metal together with a welder over the years, and it looks ok to me. Six years old now, still rolls down the road the way it's supposed to.

I'm neither a fan of nor a detractor of LCI. To me it's just another supplier of stuff. As another poster pointed out, if you are gonna avoid LCI stuff, you probably won't be buying a RV in the USA.

EDIT" 6" beam, 1/8" thick

[Huntindog]

goducks10 wrote:

Huntindog wrote:
My present TT has a Lippert frame. It is by far the best frame I have had under any of my TTs.
10" tall real I beam (not welded) 1/4" thick.
The welds are top notch, and the frame is powder coated.

Lippert gets a bad rap here, but my frame is proof that they can put a good frame under a TT, if the manufacturer is willing to pay for it.

I had a out of warranty problem with the Lippert sealed bearing axles my TT came with. Lippert had discontinued those axles, but made me a very fair offer to get both axles replaced.

They could have easily weaseled on me, but they stood up and did the right thing.

I know I may be a rare bird here.... But I am a Lippert fan

I highly doubt the web is 1/4" thick. If so that TT would weigh way too much.
The flanges would be 1/4" where they meet the web.
Just curious what TT do you have?

2010 Palomino Sabre. 30BHDS

The web and flanges measure 1/4 thick.
I am not set up to post pics. I do have pics of my frame on the factory floor. from when I toured the factory after picking it up.

Jbarca has seen them.

I don't BS about this sort of thing.

[Huntindog]

Lynnmor wrote:

Ralph Cramden wrote:

Huntindog wrote:
My present TT has a Lippert frame. It is by far the best frame I have had under any of my TTs.
10" tall real I beam (not welded) 1/4" thick.

Please post a picture. I have yet to see Lippert using a rolled beam as opposed to a manufactured / welded main rail on anything they produce.

I believe that they made various kinds of frames, but I would like to put a micrometer on that 1/4" part.

I already did. Actually it was a dial caliper:B

[goducks10]

Huntindog wrote:
My present TT has a Lippert frame. It is by far the best frame I have had under any of my TTs.
10" tall real I beam (not welded) 1/4" thick.
The welds are top notch, and the frame is powder coated.

Lippert gets a bad rap here, but my frame is proof that they can put a good frame under a TT, if the manufacturer is willing to pay for it.

I had a out of warranty problem with the Lippert sealed bearing axles my TT came with. Lippert had discontinued those axles, but made me a very fair offer to get both axles replaced.

They could have easily weaseled on me, but they stood up and did the right thing.

I know I may be a rare bird here.... But I am a Lippert fan

I highly doubt the web is 1/4" thick. If so that TT would weigh way too much.
The flanges would be 1/4" where they meet the web.
Just curious what TT do you have?

[Wild_Card]

Ralph Cramden wrote:

Huntindog wrote:
My present TT has a Lippert frame. It is by far the best frame I have had under any of my TTs.
10" tall real I beam (not welded) 1/4" thick.

Please post a picture. I have yet to see Lippert using a rolled beam as opposed to a manufactured / welded main rail on anything they produce.

Mine is not a welded 10" I beam as well. Can't post pics...don't do the host deal.

[Lynnmor]

Ralph Cramden wrote:

Huntindog wrote:
My present TT has a Lippert frame. It is by far the best frame I have had under any of my TTs.
10" tall real I beam (not welded) 1/4" thick.

Please post a picture. I have yet to see Lippert using a rolled beam as opposed to a manufactured / welded main rail on anything they produce.

I believe that they made various kinds of frames, but I would like to put a micrometer on that 1/4" part.

[bobndot]

When I'm out on the lake fishing and dinner is ready my DW bangs on our Lippert frame like a dinner gong. Those frames are good for a 3 mile radius. 🙂

[Ralph_Cramden]

Huntindog wrote:
My present TT has a Lippert frame. It is by far the best frame I have had under any of my TTs.
10" tall real I beam (not welded) 1/4" thick.

Please post a picture. I have yet to see Lippert using a rolled beam as opposed to a manufactured / welded main rail on anything they produce.