WileyCoyote214
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Re: Bent frame and suspension issue
John&Joey wrote: Lippert says the frame has no damage and that the "frame flexing" is "normal". IMO, there is a huge difference in flex and bend. A flex returns to it's original shape. A bend does not and was not in the original engineered design specs. Absolutely correct! Both the Forensic Engineer hired by the Insurance Co in 2012 as well as the LCI tech who was responsible for the repair at the dealer said the same. They also agreed that the cracks in the welds were mostly likely caused by the frame being "not true" (bent) above the suspension- which induced the slight but repetitive damaging sway while in motion. That sway was what eventually cracked the welds as well as damaged the tires. Eventually it led to the blowout...652Views0likes0CommentsRe: Bent frame and suspension issue
Apologies for the delayed response, but I just now came across this old link in my browser... As mentioned in the OP, Lippert checked and spec'd the unit and put a single stiffener between the axle hangers, but did nothing to the frame. I got the unit back in late 2013 and used it normally until I suffered a rear curbside tire blowout in October of 2014. The blowout caused additional $12k worth of damage to the surrounding wheel well and sidewall. The repair facility(dealership) agreement with the insurance company was to guarantee their repair to the degree that it should not happen again. Fortunately the shop correctly identified the cause of the damage as stemming from the bent frame (frame issue>layed up suspension>tire blowout>additional damage) and added the cost of a new frame (excess of $40k with labor) to the insurance claim. The insurance company had no choice on the "covered loss" and totaled the unit. It was not a short process, however it was inevitable and much easier than going legal against Lippert. I am glad that the blowout was relatively benign and did not pose a safety hazard while on the road. I am also glad that I don't have to deal with the inferior product anymore.652Views0likes0CommentsBent frame and suspension issue
Long story short... I have a Cyclone 5w Toy Hauler (1 year old and 11k mileage) that had a tire wear issue. Took it to the local authorized dealer/service shop for alignment who determined the suspension hangers were layed-over in different directions and binding. Also they noted the right frame I-beam was "bent" above both rear axles, in addition to having a cracked weld on the opposite side cross member. In their opinion it was a manufacturer defect and they also would be unable to repair the suspension due to the frame bending (description below). I took it up with Lippert and their reaction was to deny a problem. After consulting 2 more QUALIFIED shops in the area and hiring a forensic engineering firm (Insurance Company)... the consensus was the same: Manufacturing Defect leading to suspension failure, leading to tire damage. Now Lippert agrees to look at it and they transport the coach to their factory. HERE IS THE KICKER... Lippert says the frame has no damage and that the "frame flexing" is "normal". In my case, if one puts a straight edge to the frame I-beam above the tandem rear axles, there is a "wave/bend" in it that measures up to 1/2" from trough to apex. I have a hard time believing that they manufacture frames that are supposed to bend. In addition I have spoken with 2 authorized dealers, who have over 100 years combined experience in RV sales/service, only to hear that none of them know of any such "flex allowance" in the frame. There is a tolerance for a frame being out of square, however that is not the case with mine. I have religiously weighed the RV to make sure it's not overloaded and still have the scale receipts. The coach has also not been in any type of collision/road hazard incident, nor has it been turned in excess of 75-80 degrees. MY QUESTIONS TO YOU ALL: - Have you heard of such frame damage from NORMAL use? - Have you heard of an "allowance" for frames to bend/distort due to normal use? Thank you for your advice and experience in advance!9.7KViews0likes23Comments
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