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Old 03-27-2024, 04:19 PM   #15
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Yeah
The fiberglass caps look like a better quality Rv overall.
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Old 03-28-2024, 07:43 AM   #16
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If only the stuff they are turning out now was worth half of what they charge. Quality has eroded terribly. We had a 2011 Carriage and and 2014 Lifestyle which was a Carriage carry-over. Both were great quality with a great frame and running gear.
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Old 03-28-2024, 10:44 AM   #17
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5th Wheels are built from composite materials on a steel frame. The "walls" are NOT structural. It is the box frame that they attach to that makes for structural integrity. Front and rear fibreglass caps add enormous strength to the "box" sides by ensuring the square shape is retained. Using wall material for the rear makes for a very weak structure unless you add large amounts of "frame" to make sure the square rear panel can support the side panels/walls. The cost of this extra framing might not be the same as a rear fibreglass cap but it will be significant. Some manufactures are still using wood framing in the walls and the roof. One little leak and its game over.
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Old 03-28-2024, 02:06 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by Nice One View Post
5th Wheels are built from composite materials on a steel frame. The "walls" are NOT structural. It is the box frame that they attach to that makes for structural integrity. Front and rear fibreglass caps add enormous strength to the "box" sides by ensuring the square shape is retained. Using wall material for the rear makes for a very weak structure unless you add large amounts of "frame" to make sure the square rear panel can support the side panels/walls. The cost of this extra framing might not be the same as a rear fibreglass cap but it will be significant. Some manufactures are still using wood framing in the walls and the roof. One little leak and its game over.
Thats not totally true. There's several videos out about Lippert frame flex in 5er's. According to Lippert it's a joint venture regarding the front frame flex. Lippert builds the frame but also relies on the RV manufacturer to provide the correct attachment at the upper deck area.
Thats why you get the blame game when you have a sidewall crack or in the front interior things are starting to tweak.
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Old 04-03-2024, 11:53 AM   #19
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FRame flex

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Thats not totally true. There's several videos out about Lippert frame flex in 5er's. According to Lippert it's a joint venture regarding the front frame flex. Lippert builds the frame but also relies on the RV manufacturer to provide the correct attachment at the upper deck area.
Thats why you get the blame game when you have a sidewall crack or in the front interior things are starting to tweak.
You are right. I see Grand Design use the time honored wood insert in the square tube attaching the "walls" with lag bolts......unbelievable.....what is wrong with them? Would it be better to use some form of through bolted system say with weld nuts instead of using wood. Lag bolts into wood will not stand up to all that shaking driving down the road.......there must be a better way to make a secure mechanical connection between the frame and the walls. The wall to frame joint is responsible for about 50% of the 5th wheel frame rigidity at the front.
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Old 04-18-2024, 09:46 AM   #20
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I'm going to ruffle some feathers on this. I like the look of a flat backed trailer, to me it looks crisp and clean. Ours (43" GD w 5 slides ) also has a large compartment straight out the back with a roll out tray we use to store our e-bikes in. Our unit has full body paint so the back panel looks great. After numerous rigs with peeling and cracking decals I would never go back.
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Old 04-19-2024, 06:57 AM   #21
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To me, the rear fiberglass cap always seemed like the 5th wheel was trying to masquerade as a high end Diesel Pusher to observers approaching from the back.

It always seemed a bit fake to me. I mean, there’s no functional need in terms of hinged engine covers or panel integration like on the pusher. It’s all just for show.

*duck and run*
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Old 04-19-2024, 07:31 AM   #22
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5th wheel fiberglass rear caps

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Maybe it's just me, but these late-model 5th wheels with their slab-flat backsides look incredibly cheap from behind. I believe this "cheapening" started during the pandemic and it quickly spread to even some higher-priced models. What a lousy way to cut costs — kind of hard to take much pride in one of these rigs when compared to those with molded fiberglass rear caps. Just my two cents.
I agree. Not to mention how weak a capless rear end is. U Tubers Wild Ones managed to pull the back off their Denali 5th wheel
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Old 04-19-2024, 07:40 AM   #23
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5th wheel frame to wall joint

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You are right. I see Grand Design use the time honored wood insert in the square tube attaching the "walls" with lag bolts......unbelievable.....what is wrong with them? Would it be better to use some form of through bolted system say with weld nuts instead of using wood. Lag bolts into wood will not stand up to all that shaking driving down the road.......there must be a better way to make a secure mechanical connection between the frame and the walls. The wall to frame joint is responsible for about 50% of the 5th wheel frame rigidity at the front.
I own a fiberglass sailboat. The hull / wall is constructed with a lip that is through bolted to the deck/ frame. Why can’t the RV manufacturers construct the walls out of structurally strong laminated fiberglass panels that can be sealed and bolted to the whole RV frame perimeter. Also why not use aluminum in the roof bracing instead of heavy wood. With all the modern marine construction advancements I can only think RV builders only want to build “CHEAP CRAP” !
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Old 04-19-2024, 11:44 PM   #24
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cheap, quick, quality
pick 2
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Old 04-20-2024, 01:00 AM   #25
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The RV industry need to be regulated Certified frame construction, braking systems and adequate suspension systems for a start.
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Old 04-25-2024, 03:52 PM   #26
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Actually it's me too. I think they look cheap compared to a molded rear. I like how mine looks even if I'm just sitting there drinking a beer.
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