Lippert Frames

[CumminsPower98]

I haven't seen anything wrong with the frame other than the mentioned outriggers. I did have to remove the underbelly cover and fix the fresh water tank support system as it was sagging up to 2" when full and one cross member had a broken screw. I agree though that in general the trailer is quite good on build quality and I have been impressed (been living in it over a year now and no problems so far other than the mentioned). The outrigger and fresh water tank problems have been weak points for many of the earlier Cruisers. Hopefully they have correct these problems on the newer units. I considered getting a new set of bare 6k lb axles and the price wasn't too bad but I really don't need them right now as the trailer is home at this time and is stationary and skirted. If I ever need to drag it around much I will have to fix the axles for sure. My rough measurements show the wheels are towed out, which is why the left rear is bald on the inside now. Much of that rubber came off between OH where I bought it and UT where I live.

 

[ScottLewis]

After all these comments about Lippert frames, I thought I'd comment.

My 2008 Open Range 5th wheel has a Lippert frame. At least I assume so since there is a Lippert label on the pin box. I have less than 10K miles on it so far but without complaint, other than poor paint and a few tacky looking welds on the outriggers.

It does have Dexter axles that are well suited to the RV weight. Tire wear seems even so far and the trailer tows far smoother than my last fiver.



From the comments it appears that there are a great many Lippert frames out there and hopefully most will perform well despite my cosmetic complaints.



Dan

 

[HBarlow]

... ... My rough measurements show the wheels are towed out, which is why the left rear is bald on the inside now. Much of that rubber came off between OH where I bought it and UT where I live.

As a fellow former RV transporter I'll bet you've seen a lot of fairly new trailers as I have with bent axles. I've driven behind many of them and been dismayed to look up ahead and see that one or both of the axles was sagged enough that one or even both of the tires were canted inward at the top, outward at the bottom riding with most of their weight on the inner half of the tire. I think a lot of them use axles so weak that the spindle portion of the outer end of the axles bend upward outboard of the spring mount.

 

[HBarlow]

After all these comments about Lippert frames, I thought I'd comment.
My 2008 Open Range 5th wheel has a Lippert frame. At least I assume so since there is a Lippert label on the pin box. I have less than 10K miles on it so far but without complaint, other than poor paint and a few tacky looking welds on the outriggers.
It does have Dexter axles that are well suited to the RV weight. Tire wear seems even so far and the trailer tows far smoother than my last fiver.

From the comments it appears that there are a great many Lippert frames out there and hopefully most will perform well despite my cosmetic complaints.

Dan

One of the things to inspect and be watchful of is the way the spring perches are attached to the bottom of the frame rails on Lippert frames. If you look back at MGreer's excellent photos in his earlier post linked in this thread you'll see that on his Cardinal the spring mount brackets were simply tacked onto the bottom edge of the frame rails w/o gussets or braces. The flat bottom section of the frame rails are often thin and easily bent which will cause the spring perch to deflect out of line or separate from the frame if the trailer suspension and frame are stressed on a fuel stop driveway ramp or off road campground.

 

[ScottLewis]

When I first got the RV (even before I bought it) I checked out the welds on the spring hangers. After this thread, I checked them again. They are all welded all 4 sides to the box tubing and that is welded to the frame with about 6" beads spaced less than a foot apart. I've welded enough to know that's plenty as long as the weld penetrated properly. From the appearance, I'd conclude that is the case. I'm sure there are plenty of frames which were welded by inexperienced techs and agree that careful inspection by every owner is crucial.



Dan

 

[THoltz]

How can you tell who makes your frame and running gear?

 

[ScottLewis]

Labels on the pin box and axles usually give capacity ratings, manufacturer and, in my case, mfg. date.



Dan

 

[randys1972]

Had a03 montana by keystone had two cracks by the front and rear slides two broken rear spring hangers, the man from lippert said we have to keep the weight down, I said you get us kill over a few pounds in brief, keystone was very good to us, I wood recommend them to anyone. 4 5 th wheelers 5 dodge 3500 duallys 95 96 98 03 and now a07 pulling 42ft cyclone