Community Forums

gottoys? · 09-20-2009, 10:41 AM

We have a 2001 Wanderer 30' Toy Hauler, which we have enjoyed for many years (we are 2nd owners) and have traveled many of miles, with very few minor problems. I recently did some maintenance to it and replaced all of the sealant around all side seams, windows, ect. On the next trip out, when loading the rig onto my truck, I noticed about a half inch gap between the left side siding and the trim on the front of the camper while attached to my truck. As soon as we got the camper unloaded from the vehicle, like magic, the gap disappeared when the weight went back onto the camper jacks. I do not know alot about the structure of these things, but my mechanical mind leaves me feeling that I may have a structural problem (possible frame failure?). Has anyone had a similar problem or have any advice before I start tearing this thing apart to observe the frame? Due to the age, I assume there would be no warranty in place, and from my experience with R.V. manufactureres, I am sure that I am on my own to repair it, if there is a problem with the structure. Any help would be most appreciated.

Sparky1 · 09-20-2009, 11:14 AM

by any chance is your frame made by Lippert?
there were 1,ooo's of them that have failed --almost all brand's of campers tt's and 5th wheel ones. cracked welds ,twisted framing, etc-a lady friend "had" a Sunline---it failed really bad---had it redone as per Lippert-did it again---she traded it off.
rich in Va.

gottoys? · 09-20-2009, 11:46 AM

Rich in Va,

Thanks for the response, I have no idea who made the frame, I dont even know where to look to find this information. But I do plan to take the front apart and take a look as soon as I get a chance. Do you know if your friend was able to get any recourse from "Lippert" to assist with the repairs? Thanks again.

Ray,IN · 09-20-2009, 08:20 PM

Here is contact information for Lippert: http://www.lci1.com/LIP/0112.pdf.
They are a subsidiary of Zieman Industries: Warranty Information
Which in turn, is owned by Davis Industries Inc. The Zieman warranty reads the same as the Lippert warranty, but Lippert removed their warranty from their websites. After reading, you will understand why. My interpretation of the warranty seems to place all warranty claims on the RV manufacturer.
Best of luck with your RV.

whyman · 10-27-2009, 09:24 AM

"LIPPERT" don't get me started. Ordered a new Coachmen Chaparral 5th wheel with one slide out. Coming back from Mt Rushmore with 3 grand kids, I noticed that the trailer was leaning to one side, but I did not see the problem. By the time I got home, 650 miles, the kitchen counter and cabinets were starting to pull away from the wall. Took it to a Coachmen dealer and got well under it with him and found that the frame had ripped 2/3's of the way through on the drivers side. The man that travels for Coachmen/Lippert and fixes the welds could not fix it, (they have a man that does nothing but follow the trailers to repair them???) he welded several large pieces of steel to the frame and had it towed back to the Coachmen plant, this was the week of Memorial Day. I did not get it back until 3 days before Labor day and my main vacation. To start with I was told that they have never had that problem with a frame before, but later the manager at Coachmen said "We haven't had very many problems". The plant manager was talked to by the wife and she was told he would check into the problem and get back to her the next day. No call. She called him and he said he had never spoken to her and knew nothing about the frame problems. They ended up welding reinforcements to the frame, reattached the cabinets and counter, and they even replaced the roof because it torqued and air got under it, plus to many other things to mention. Last Sept. in the Mt Rushmore area I noticed that the wheels on one side were almost touching and the other side was spreading, this time it was a the shackle hanger on the driver side (again) was completely broken free and on the other side it only had a half of one side holding. (Maybe I need to stay away from that area) This might not have been a pretty sight if I had been rolling down the road. It might have looked like one of those action movies where the axle comes lose and catapults the trailer over the truck, (cool in the movies, not in real life).