19QBS frame failure

[tdjmain]

Frame broke just behind door side suspension,folded the whole side out! Back door cracked wall !

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by tdjmain

Frame broke just behind door side suspension,folded the whole side out! Back door cracked wall !

The good news is that Lippert (probably the frame supplier) stands behind their products and will probably make it good, regardless of how long it's been in service.

Give them a call.

[DES-1]

Originally Posted by tdjmain

Frame broke just behind door side suspension,folded the whole side out! Back door cracked wall !

What year trailer and how many miles on it? The early model single axle NOBOs had a harsh ride and took a thrashing, so much so that a tech bulletin was issued to reduce tire pressure.

[Imagesoftheforgotten]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

The good news is that Lippert (probably the frame supplier) stands behind their products and will probably make it good, regardless of how long it's been in service.

Give them a call.

Ive seen video after video and numerous people posting about Lippert denying responsibility. Saying their frames are build to the specs of the Rv manufacturer and that it is the Rv manufacturers responsibility. Seen there were even class action law suits.

[Amartin453]

Originally Posted by tdjmain

Frame broke just behind door side suspension,folded the whole side out! Back door cracked wall !

Fortunately our 19QBS does not have this issue. I’ve attached a few photos of what ours looks like. Just curious have you been off road with the trailer on some tough uneven terrain?

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Imagesoftheforgotten

Ive seen video after video and numerous people posting about Lippert denying responsibility. Saying their frames are build to the specs of the Rv manufacturer and that it is the Rv manufacturers responsibility. Seen there were even class action law suits.

That's counter to what we read in this forum. We see posts where Lippert makes things good and even has been known to dispatch workmen to the poster's home.

[Imagesoftheforgotten]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

That's counter to what we read in this forum. We see posts where Lippert makes things good and even has been known to dispatch workmen to the poster's home.

That’s awesome, but a 10 second google search shows lawsuits against them and a quick YouTube search shows the same thing. Saying if you get off road(including road construction ) with a weight distribution hitch it voids warranty. And it’s on every brand of trailer . 5th wheels included.

[tdjmain]

These are the photos from today after I opened it up ,had to bolt 1/4" plates to both sides to get it home from NC to California no one would attempt a repair so I bolted it together and made it home

[DES-1]

Originally Posted by tdjmain

These are the photos from today after I opened it up

What's the long term plan, going to weld the plates on or see about a complete frame replacement? There's quite a bit of surface rust on that frame which makes me think it's seen more than it's share of use.

[tdjmain]

Never off road just to Utah and NC it truly was like the welds burned through and weakened it just past the suspension the other side looks fine ,I sent it in to Lippert but it's a 2021 I may just cut off bumper and slide a whole square tube inside and weld it in place.

[tdjmain]

After seeing the 2019 frames they all have rust so though is sliding new frame inside existing frame as far as it can go and welding it in place otherwise I'll have to open the frame where it tore and weld it inside to close it and then fold it down weld it then plate the side .

[DES-1]

Yeah, surface rust is just a cosmetic thing, not a worry, and probably depends on several factors. Sorry to hear Lippert won't step up, IMO they should.


Wish I had the fabrication skills you have - hope you start a thread and post pics.

[Larry-NC]

Trailer (and motorhome) frames are stored outdoors in open fields until used in assembled products. They all have surface rust.

Until the industry grows up and implements Just In Time (JIT, also kan-ban) production, this will continue. It doesn't affect the strength of good welds, so it's not an issue.

It looks like maybe they just completely forgot to weld one side of the OP's trailer.

[Imagesoftheforgotten]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Trailer (and motorhome) frames are stored outdoors in open fields until used in assembled products. They all have surface rust.

Until the industry grows up and implements Just In Time (JIT, also kan-ban) production, this will continue. It doesn't affect the strength of good welds, so it's not an issue.

It looks like maybe they just completely forgot to weld one side of the OP's trailer.

Except this is EXACTLY the cause of the supply issue. I work in the automotive industry and suppliers that had inventory kept going, those that didn’t suffered.

[tdjmain]

I don't think the rust had anything at all to do with this it seems that the weld was cold it shrank and cracked all around the welds so if it was freezing out when it was welded it just caused stress risers Ive finished welding it back together plated the inside and welding plates along both sides out of 1/4" x3 ½"

[cbgrab]

Am going through a claim with Lippert now. They definitely do stand behind their product. Got home from a recent trip and found both rear axle spring hangers were broken at the weld points. Called Lippert and opened a case. After sending in many photos they approved a repair. Will be taking to repair shop Monday. This is on a 2018 Prime Time Tracer Ultra Light. They are even paying for tire replacement. Great customer service.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Imagesoftheforgotten

Ive seen video after video and numerous people posting about Lippert denying responsibility. Saying their frames are build to the specs of the Rv manufacturer and that it is the Rv manufacturers responsibility. Seen there were even class action law suits.

Do you still think that? See Post #16 below.

I'm wondering if the YouTubers have really emotional tempers and insufficient communication skills to explain their issues to Lippert and give Lippert an opportunity to respond. Doesn't take much skill to put a rant on YouTube.

[Amartin453]

Originally Posted by cbgrab

Am going through a claim with Lippert now. They definitely do stand behind their product. Got home from a recent trip and found both rear axle spring hangers were broken at the weld points. Called Lippert and opened a case. After sending in many photos they approved a repair. Will be taking to repair shop Monday. This is on a 2018 Prime Time Tracer Ultra Light. They are even paying for tire replacement. Great customer service.

That’s great news, keep us posted on the final repair and warranty process!

[Amartin453]

Originally Posted by tdjmain

I don't think the rust had anything at all to do with this it seems that the weld was cold it shrank and cracked all around the welds so if it was freezing out when it was welded it just caused stress risers Ive finished welding it back together plated the inside and welding plates along both sides out of 1/4" x3 ½"

I echo DES 1’s comment about your fabricating skills. Let us know how it goes and send pictures of your repair. I suspect it will be stronger than before!

[GregoryL]

Similar happened to our 2010 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite. Because of age of trailer, and because the repair required lifting the frame up off the frame to weld it, the RV repair shop said it did not feel it was safe to do so without causing further damage to walls, floor etc., so they would not do repair.
Then Intact Insurance agreed it was a total loss write off and gave us market value for the unit.