ComplaintsforLippert Components Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  08/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Purchased a Forest River Salem FSX 178BHSK on August 15 2022. We just realized that the Lippert awning was starting to separate along the welded seam closest to the trailer the entire length of the awning. As it is less than a year old we contacted Lippert as it is still during the warranty period. They are refusing to honor the warranty saying that the ripping was caused by excessive forceThis is impossible. We have only used our camper three times and have NEVER left it out during rain or wind. In addition we never over extended it. There has never been any force used with it and our barely used camper is not even a year old. Poor workmanship and now Lippert is not honoring their warranty.

  Business response

  08/14/2023

  Good Morning 

  Sorry to hear about your concern. I have found your case in our system and escalated it for review. I would like to see a few additional photos of the awning and will send an email from the case requesting those. The additional photos will allow us to make the correct determination on the concern and be able to tell better what may have caused the issue. 

   

  ***********************
  Consumer Affairs Specialist
  www.lippert.com

  Customer response

  08/22/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I am going to send the requested pictures today. Will upload to BBB as well. 

  Business response

  08/22/2023

  Thank you, *****. We look forward to reviewing these with you. We'll review and respond back to the email we have already going back and forth about this this. Much appreciated and we'll talk again soon. :-)

  Customer response

  08/28/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  They have offered to send a replacement part. I believe labor should be covered as well in honoring their warranty.  They stated damage could be caused by puncture or a stick yet tears are linear following the welded seam the entire length of the awning horizontally.  Discussing with Lippert via email. 

  Business response

  08/29/2023

  Good morning. I want to add here that this is not a defect of the material, and it is technically damage to the material. We are willing and have already offered, to supply you with a goodwilled fabric and shipping on us regardless. If you would like the fabric let us know that you agree to having the fabric only sent. If not, we will consider the matter closed and you are denying our assistance. Tearing in fabric happens in a linear fashion and the images shared with me are not, which can be a result from small twigs or branches from trees falling and then becoming pinched when the roll tube fully closes and then a small puncture can occur. Please let me know what you decide.

• Initial Complaint

  07/31/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a Libppert/Solera awning fabric from ****** Manufacturing that is on their site and Lippert's site says that it would fit my Dometic **** awning. After installing the fabric the awing projects too far out where the awning arm is supposed to point up now points down. But by my measurement, it projects about 3" too long. I have contacted Lippert many times for a refund or a solution with no help at all. They are now telling me "Unfortunately there is not much we can do as our fabric is not defective it is the correct measurement and we cannot issue a refund." I contacted a youtuber who showed putting the Lippert/Solera fabric on a Dometic **** awing. He said that his projects out about 5" too far. I sent pictures to Dometic to see what may be wrong, and their reply was "I am not sure what is causing the issue, other than the fabric must be projecting further than ours does." I now have two others that agree that the Lippert/Solera awning fabric is not made correctly to Dometic **** awning and they will not do anything about it. I am uploading pictures to show the problem. One shows how far the awing arm now bends down and my original awing and the Lippert/Solera awing on top of each other showing the difference

  Business response

  07/31/2023

  Good afternoon, *******. I'm sorry to hear that you're having a bad experience with a fabric replacement from us on your Dometic awning. These typically don't have an issue with supplying them onto competitor awnings. Regardless, sometimes there could be potential things that could arise generally when mating two separately companies' items together. We want to help you and this afternoon a representative will be contacting you via phone to talk through this more. 

• Initial Complaint

  07/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a One Control Hotspot for my new Cherokee Alpha Wolf travel trailer. It is a device that helps provide wifi in your RV while camping.I purchased the device on June 30, 2023 and paid $465. It was delivered on July 7. According to the company's own return policy listed on their website, it clearly states.... "If you decide you don't want the item, you must notify us in writing within 10 days of receipt, arrange for return shipping within 30 days, and are responsible for a 20% restocking fee".I notified them via email on the 10th day, which customer service acknowledges having received the return request.I have decided not to keep the unit because it is far too costly to keep. Streaming 1 movie on a small TV costs approximately $75 for 2 hrs of usage!!! I spent over $250 purchasing data to watch less than 2 full movies during our camping trip. No warning on their product description page, no information, no pricing, no average use fees, nothing. To me, the item is faulty and doesn't work as intended and I decided to return it.After reiterating all this to their customer service team on the 10th day, they came back and said they won't accept the return because the item was used. THAT'S NOT WHAT THEIR RETURN POLICY STATES ONLINE!! It's written clear as crystal.I feel as though this company is scamming and defrauding people into purchasing items under false pretenses, not honoring their return policies, and stealing people's hard earned money.I followed all their rules, I did everything I was supposed to do as a consumer and now they won't hold true to their own written policies on their own website. I would like you to get involved to help stop this scammer behavior. I'd like to return the item purchased, pay the return shipping, pay the 20% restocking fee, and have the remaining balance of $372 returned to my debit card immediately, as their own website states. There is nothing written in policy saying an item can't be returned if used.

  Business response

  07/27/2023

  Hello *******. Were very sorry that you were not happy with our product. When one of these items are purchased, the data plan options are shared before signing up for data plans and we have a data plan usage guideline on our website within the support documentation section. This may not have been understood before you purchased this. Aside from that we are willing to reimburse you for your remaining balance after the shipping charge and the restocking fee. We truly appreciate your business and patience in this matter and hope that you can look to us for any future camping needs. The next thing that well do, is the team on our side, will email you the details for the reimbursement, so please check your inbox for instructions on returning your product and then the information on the reimbursement. I hope that we can do business again someday together.
  -*****.

  Customer response

  07/27/2023

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  
  

  Thank you.

   

  All I wanted was for you, Lippert, to stand by your own written return policy information. If you don't want to accept returns because an item is "used" then your policy should state so. It clearly does not. It says "if you decide you don't want it". 

   

  Also, most consumers, such as myself, don't meander through websites page after page searching every little line for little tidbits of information that should be up front and center on the product description page! Data plans are available, but a warning to consumers on the average data consumption of a typical ** or cell phone would be helpful. I would have never purchased this knowing the exorbitant costs associated with using it. I was aware of needing to purchase a data plan, I wasn't aware of, nor prepared to pay $75 for 2hrs of use on 1 **. Reality speaking, our 10 day road trip would have cost us nearly $1000 to use the ** for 1 or 2 hrs every night to watch a movie. You really need to do better. This felt like a complete bait and switch, especially after hearing that my return was rejected. Unbelievable.

  Please send me an email to ******************** with all instructions for return and I will have it shipped back as soon as I can. I do not have the original box, but all other components, screws, etc are ready to ship.

  Thank you for a prompt response to this matter.

  Also, needless to say, I'd also like to cancel my monthly data purchase of $47/month. Please cancel my subscription. Thank you again.

• Initial Complaint

  05/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  6 month old camper, was parked wheels on solid relatively level ground, chocks under all jacks, went to prepare it to move. ******** self level, system went crazy pushed it way up in the air, then a Jack ******** Warranty replacement being denied due to random reasons that make no sense to me, but putting the blame on me doing something wrong. I did NOTHING but hit a self level button on a 6 month old camper.

  Business response

  05/15/2023

  Good afternoon, ***********

  We'd love to look into this case more for you, but we'll need some additional information to be able to properly help you. Can you please provide us with your unit's make, model and floor plan, please provide pictures of all four sides of the trailer full view. Front to back and top to bottom. Also, were you setup at a seasonal campground, or was this just a weekend trip sort of trip that you were on? Once we have these items, we'll be able to investigate this further for you. 

  Customer response

  05/18/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Hello, 
  
  The website is not letting me respond to BBB claim. Please help. 
  
  My camper was set at a seasonal site, its currently with ******* ***** for repair. I do not have the pictures desired. Its a 202 sandpiper 388BHRD.
  
  Here are pictures I had taken prior.
  

  
  

  
  Thank you! 
  

  Business response

  05/18/2023

  Good afternoon, thanks for your response.

  Reviewing your email, we want to understand more on this issue you are having. I'm glad that it is in process of being repaired. If you don't mind, can you please pass along the ******* ***** facility information that your unit is being repaired at as I'd like to speak with them on this matter to help us understand more specifics of what could have caused this. 

  Customer response

  05/18/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  The ******* ***** is in ****************. 
  
  I am paying out of pocket to get it fixed, I just want reimbursement of the cost of repair.
  
  Thank you! 
  **********************;
  

  
  

  
  

  Business response

  05/18/2023

  Thank you for the fast response. 

  We were able to get in touch with the dealership and we have a Lippert support tech that has made a connection with who will be performing the repair work. Once the repair is complete, then we'll know more after work validation testing to determine the next steps and we'll be back in touch. 

  Customer response

  05/24/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  From: *********************** <*********************************> 
  Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 2:53 PM
  To: Info@ mailbox <***********************************************>
  Subject: Re: Bbb claim 
  
  Good afternoon, 
  
  I just wanted to check in to see about the warranty claim. 
  
  I have paid for the fixes to be performed at ******* *****. I am just seeking some kind of reimbursement for lippert on those repairs. 
  
  At this point, I dont even care if its not 100% reimbursement, I just want some kind of reimbursement.
  
  Thank you! 
  **********************;
  

  
  

  
  

  Business response

  05/24/2023

  Thank you, sir, for reaching back out.

  Could you please attach and send the invoice and repair order back to here for review? Looking for the documentation on what was performed at the dealer. 

   

  Thank you and have a great day. 

  Customer response

  05/31/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Good evening, 
  
  See the bottom part of the email, between labor/part/shipping I paid ******* ***** $1,208.75 to repair the Jack. 
  
  Again sorry, I do not know how to respond to the claim itself online.
  

  
  

  
  

  Business response

  05/31/2023

  Good afternoon, sir. **** issue is under review. However,until we receive additional information from the dealership on the needed repairs, we will not be able to offer assistance until such time. 

  Customer response

  06/08/2023

  Please reopen the claim. 
  
  I have paid for repairs to the company, lippert denied the warranty claim initially so I paid for repairs and bbb supposed to be helping with reimbursement. 
  
  I have heard from no one and out $1500+ still.
  Thank you! 
  **********;
  

  
  

  Business response

  06/08/2023

  Good morning, *****. Thanks for reaching out. I just spoke with the dealership this morning. They have not yet performed any work on the unit's **** issue. Once they begin work, they will reach out to me for diagnostics on the issue. Then we'll be back in touch on your request. 

  Customer response

  06/15/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  From: *********************** <*********************************> 
  Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 12:35 PM
  To: ************************* <***********************************************************>
  Subject: Re: 20059725
  
  Hi ******, 
  
  I have already paid for the repair and they havent gotten in touch with me since the last response, which said they havent talked to the dealer yet. 
  
  I reject their response and request reimbursement of the $1,500 I paid . 
  
  Thank you
  **********************;
  

  
  

  
  

  Business response

  06/15/2023

  Good Afternoon 
  
  I just spoke to the dealer who informed us that the ** has been sold back to the dealership and that the cost of repairs was deducted from from the price they paid for the **. 

  The dealership has not made the repairs and since they are now the owners of the ** the repairs are on their time table. In order to determine root cause of this concern, the jack *** will need to be replaced and the system tested.  Until such time, it's undetermined if manufacturing related. Lippert only supplies components, wiring and installation of the components is performed by the ** manufacture.  If the concern relates to installation, this would not be a matter that Lippert would be responsible for.
  
  It was also made mention that information was requested to file an insurance claim. Have you made an insurance claim on this repair in addition to requesting reimbursement from Lippert? 

  Customer response

  06/15/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  I was told prior to selling I would be invoiced for the repair and the work would be performed. I paid $1,500 to the dealer for the repair to performed. Because I owned the camper at the time and lippert denied coverage based on it being something I did, (which was nothing more than hitting the self level button), I am requesting the cost I incurred for this issue, I reject the response. 
  
  

  Customer response

  06/15/2023

  From: *********************** <*********************************> 
  Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:44 PM
  To: Info@ mailbox <***********************************************>
  Subject: ****** claim 
  
  Good afternoon, 
  
  I responded to the claim and hit reject. I owned the camper and paid for the repairs after lippert rejected my claim to cover the repair. I did not have any insurance claim put it on this issue. 
  
  This is why I am requesting reimbursement. Lippert denied for something that they claim was my fault due when all I did was hit a button. The ** manufacture denied coverage saying warranty on this issue falls on lippert the manufacturer of the Jack. 
  
  I just want the money back that I paid for the repair.
  
  Thank you! 
  **********************;
  

  
  

  Business response

  06/15/2023

  Good Afternoon 
  
  Again in order to reevaluate the denial for possible coverage we need to determine if this is was related to anything other than an operational error. In order to determine root cause of this concern, the **** *** will need to be replaced and the system tested.  Until such time, it's undetermined if manufacturing related. Lippert only supplies components, wiring and installation of the components is performed by the ** manufacture.  If the concern relates to installation or operator error, this would not be a matter that Lippert would be responsible for.

  There will be no decision on if Lippert will cover the **** until the dealer replaces the **** and can test the system. We have requested that the dealer contact use when the unit has been repaired to test. 

  You had mentioned that you were preparing to hook the unit up to move locations and hit the auto level button when the **** extended fully and bent. If you were preparing to move the unit and raise the ****s the button that should have been pressed was the retract button per the instructions in the manual. 

   

  ***********************
  Consumer Affairs Specialist
  LIPPERT
  
  
  

  Customer response

  06/16/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I understand about waiting for dealer. I hit the auto level button with everything on the ground, I was not yet hooked up to anything or moved anything, I simply hit the auto level button. Had I retracted everything, it would have done nothing but pull all the jacks up, which was not my intention since we were not attached to a truck for movement.

  Business response

  06/16/2023

  Good Morning 

  Here are the instructions for leveling the unit. If all the ****s were down and the unit level what were you trying to achieve by pressing the auto level button? 

  Auto Level Sequence Note: Prior to unhitching from the tow vehicle, make sure trailer is parked on a level surface and the tires are chocked. 1. After unhitching from tow vehicle, press AUTO LEVEL (Fig. 1F). Note: Pressing any button during an Auto Level sequence will abort the auto leveling cycle. Note: In order for the hitch recognition feature to function, the auto level sequence MUST be started with the front of the trailer above level. 2. Front landing gear will retract, lowering the front of the unit below level, stopping, then lifting the front end to level the unit front-to-back. 3. The left side leveling **** extends and raises the roadside of the unit. 4. The right side leveling **** extends and raises the curbside of the unit, beginning side-to-side leveling. 5. The front landing gear extend to complete the leveling cycle. 6. Additional left-to-right or front-to-back leveling may occur, if the controller deems necessary. Note: If the auto level sequence does not happen as stated above, check to ensure proper manual function in all zones.

  ***********************
  Consumer Affairs Specialist
  LIPPERT

  Customer response

  06/16/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  The unit was not perfectly level, it was level-ish, it had settled and all I did was hit the self leveling button thats it. The system did not work as it should have, forest river has denied responsibility, lippert has denied responsibility. I as a consumer, should not have to worry or pay for something that malfunctioned on a very expensive camper that didnt work less than 6 months into its life. 
  

  I now have an invoice from ******* ***** showing what I paid, parts and labor. I also spoke to them and they said because the **** doesnt work, they cant and wont be able to ever diagnose this jack.

  Business response

  06/16/2023

  Good afternoon. After reviewing this multiple times with the dealership service group and knowing that the buy-back has already happened and the cost deducted from that sale, without proper diagnostics performed and aforementioned items detailing improper usage, we will not be able to assist in this matter.

  Customer response

  06/16/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  The dealer told me its impossible to do any diagnostic on this specific ***** I wasnt going to keep the camper for months and months because lippert has already denied and stopped responding to me prior this complaint with BBB. I spent the **** to CW for repair. I just want a refund of that repair. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/03/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I called them on 3/27/2023 I explained what problem what problem I was having with the axle they made, was told to send pictures. Upon receiving the pictures I was told the axle was upside down and I told the that the bow in the axle was up regardless of the label. They did not believe me and was told that since there was still a bow in the axle it could be flipped and was still usable. I did what they said and then the bow was obviously the wrong way. Shortly after this they sent me an email Fri, Mar 31, 10:50?AM ****, Thank you for sending in the photos, upon review of everything we will not be able to cover this under LCI warranty due to improper install/modification. At Mar 31, 2023, 11:25?AM I asked Can you clarify what was improperly done so it is not done in the future and they did not responded unlike every conversation before. I was told in the beginning that I could get a replacement one and would be refunded after determination.

  Customer response

  04/03/2023

  Tell us why here...full vin ********
  date of manufacture Feb 11 1983
  make TRAI
  model UT Boat 
  manufacture TRAI

  As was told to Lippert this is the info on the title from the New Mexico MVD

  Business response

  04/12/2023

  **********************, 

  Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concern.  I am not familiar with this matter and would like to review and get back with you.  You should have from me soon.  Thanks,

  *********************
  Consumer Affairs Specialist
  LIPPERT 

  Customer response

  04/12/2023

   I am rejecting this response because: I'm not sure how to respond I understand this person needs to review the case.
  
  
  

  Business response

  04/13/2023

  **********************,

  I would like to look further into this matter for you.  In order to do so I'm going to need a little time and more information.  It's noted in our case noes that you purchased new axles for this trailer, can I get a copy of the paperwork showing the purchase of these axles?  Having this information would help with my review.  Thanks,

  *********************
  Consumer Affairs Specialist
  LIPPERT 

  Customer response

  04/13/2023

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  
  

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  04/20/2023

  From: ******************** <****************************> 
  Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:54 AM
  To: ************************* <***********************************************************>
  Subject: complaint ID ********
  
  Good morning,
  I need my complaint reopened, it was closed by mistake because the question asked by LCI. I have not heard back from Lippert thank you. 
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  

  
  

  Business response

  04/21/2023

  **********************, I see that you sent some information, invoice, to our axle/chassis team for handling.  Case notes show that a reimbursement has been submitted.  

  *********************
  Consumer Affairs Specialist
  LIPPERT
  **************

  Customer response

  04/27/2023

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  
  

  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  02/23/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On February !0, 2023 i purchased a replacement awning for my travel trailer, I received the fabric and paid to have it installed. The installer found out the fabric was cut crooked after completing the installation. He contacted the company, Lippert Components and informed them of the issue and received a case number (*******) . i contacted the company 33 times trying to get this resolved, All they will do is replace the fabric and only pay for 1/12 hours for labor to take the crooked fabric off and replace with a new fabric. my cost fro installation was $450.00 and Lippert is refusing to pay the full cost of replacement or reimburse me for my cost to have it done. I gave them the option to replace the fabric and pay installation charges or to just reimburse me for the cost of the fabric and what i paid for installation and i would go elsewhere.

  Business response

  03/10/2023

  Sir,

  I believe this matter has been resolved.  Please advise if not.  Thanks,

   

  *********************
  Consumer Affairs Specialist
  LIPPERT
  **************
  www.lippert.com

  Customer response

  03/10/2023

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  
  

  Thank you.

   

  yes it has been resolved by Lippert and am very happy with their response and resolution. 
  

  ************************;

• Initial Complaint

  01/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Ive been trying to get crucial replacement canvas for a forest river pop up they manufactured in 2015. In a period of 3 months I was able to speak with a human once. They never returned any of my messages. Never responded to emails and get the run around from Lippert on every call. These are terrible products that shouldnt be on the market. Now Im stuck with their rotten product in my yard.

  Customer response

  01/28/2023

  2015 Forest River Rockwood 2514G

  Vin # *****************

  Tell them Ill sale it back to them for free if they come get this trash out of my yard since theyre answering the phone for you! 

  Business response

  04/21/2023

  1/26/2023 *********** received a call from **************** describing he was looking for a replacement canvas for his 2015 Forest River pop-up. Our Lippert *********** made contact with **************** to help him find a source for his replacement canvas need.

• Initial Complaint

  08/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Unfortunately I placed an order #*********** and #*********** from ***************.com website. I got an email confirmation showing the item would take 2 weeks for delivery. The site stated otherwise during my order. I canceled the order because I needed the items much sooner. Well these people still decided to send out the sensor item. And have the evilness to state I have to pay for shipping to return a item I told them to cancel before they shipped the sensor. I called ***************/Lippert and spoke with *** and she stated she would have her manager call me back in regards of waving the shipping cost , due to my cancel request before item was shipped. Below is my email response for with ***************/ Lippert;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;This is my last attempt for a resolution. Lippert mentioned this refund was in a final stage and it would be process at no time. This is long considering Lippert stated it would be at no time to get my refund.This fiasco seems unreal as an **************** that Lippert represent. I canceled the following order of a charge for $92.22 before being shipped. I requested the full order to be canceled due to the other error the website advertised during my original purchase.Lippert need to make this right and refund all charges. This expectation was based off of the agent I spoke with through your company's phone support. I provided all the information that was required.

  Customer response

  08/12/2022

  Good day

  This was for fitness equipment. Which I purchased from the link below. This company appear to camouflage with many names. When you click the link you will see them selling fitness equipment as well. Here is the order numbers also Your Order #***********
  Your Order #***********
  

  https://www.lci1.com/brands/about-*****************

   

  Thanks

  Business response

  08/19/2022

  ******************,

  Thanks for sharing your concern.  I have reached out to **** *** and have been assured that someone will be reaching out to you soon to discuss your concern.  

  Sincerely,

  ********************* - Consumer Affairs, Lippert Components Inc, 

  Customer response

  08/19/2022

   I am rejecting this response because:

  I requested a refund. This matter is beyond communication. I have provided BBB with all the communication I have encountered with Aquatrainingbag.com/Aquabag/Lippert. They refused to resolve this matter. 

  
  

  Business response

  08/22/2022

  Mrs. ***************************, 

  Our records show 2 orders.  It's documented that on 7/11/2022 with an email  the one of the orders was canceled for which your were issued a refund.  The second order was placed over the July 4th holiday and was shipped immediately on 7/5/2022 when our offices opened for business.  Further review of the case does not show contact or communication to cancel this second order.  It is noted via an email that if the component in question from the second order were to be returned, you will receive a refund.  Our records indicate that the sensor has not been returned.  If your able to provide a tracking number showing the item has been returned, this will help to resolve this matter.  

  Sincerely,

  *********************
  Consumer Affairs
  LIPPERT
  **************
  www.lippert.com

   

  Customer response

  08/22/2022

   I am rejecting this response because:
  Again I was told on the phone I would get a call from management to ************* charges .

  I have an email stating the label was issued. However I never received a label. After many request to ************* reissued the company is silent. Which does not follow their company policy return rules of so called 60 days.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  purchased a 2022 highland ridge 26bhs from *************. I proceeded to drive my family on a cross country trip to ******* then ***. When we arrived in ******* ******* my father in law noticed that the rear right wheel was worn to the mesh. (We drove 8 hours a day for 5 days carrying approximately ****lbs using a 2018 f150 rated for ****lbs.) I contacted roadside assistance and they provided a service tech from #**************. The tech directed that I bring it to his shop for further inspection. Upon arrival it was determined that the rear axle was not installed properly by the manufacturer. I contacted ***** to discuss warranty and having the problem corrected. The trailer was difficult to tow because it constantly pulled to the left. I contacted **** because ***** is no help. **** had me take it to ********* in ****** ******* who found the same issue. ***** passed the problem to Lippert Axles. Someone is going to get hurt on the road if this issue is common to this series of trailers.

  Customer response

  07/19/2022

  Here is the *** of the unit, *****************
  
  Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
  
  ***************************

  Business response

  07/22/2022

  Mr ********,  

  
  

  I see that there is a case started for this concern and both Lippert and ***** are working together to address this matter.  I have asked our *********** Team to reach out to the dealership for an update.  If you should have any additional questions, please call our customer service team at ************, select the axle and chassis tech support prompt.  When connected, provide case number 3301705.  The tech you will be speaking with will be able to share with you the current status of your case.  

  
  

  Sincerely,

  
  

  ********************* - Consumer Affairs

• Initial Complaint

  06/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ***** 5th wheel trailers and Lippert (*** **********) RV Frames have a significant engineering flaw resulting in excessive flex in the front section incorporating the hitch/pinbox, which results in cracked frames, stress cracking in sidewalls and seam separation at joints causing further damage from water intrusion. It is also noted in their own report, that the bolts supporting the fiberglass sidewalls are not large enough to support those sidewalls. This flex and frame cracking cause potential safety hazards due to decreased structural integrity of the frame and structure, leading to a potential hazard on the highway.This has been an issue on 5th wheel trailers for some 20 years, as evidenced by NHTSA ID Number ********, in which Manufacturer communication Number ****** was released. This notice releases repair instructions on how to remedy the problem on all trailers manufactured before 2021. This notice applies to ***** Trailers but is common to all Lippert 5th wheel frames across various manufacturers.If you report the stress crack in sidewall before the end of warranty, ***** pays to have the unit returned to the factory to have major repairs accomplished and pay to return the unit to the customer. If you are out of warranty, as is my case when I reported it, by 1 yr 5 months, they refuse responsibility for any design flaws, and you are responsible for the enormous cost of the repair. I have the well-known stress crack in the sidewall, which continues to grow, exterior, as well as interior trim that will not stay in place after traveling which require constant resealing to prevent water intrusion, floor-to-frame bolts that pull through the frame and protrude through linoleum, front cap fiberglass spider webbing (repaired once under warranty, but has returned), and plastic edging on roof to protect EPDM material wrapping to sidewall is pulling the staples from the underlayment as the structure flexes, which will eventually will lead to a compromised roof

  Business response

  06/15/2022

  **********,

  Thank you for reaching out to share your concern.  I would like to more into this matter for you, however, in order to do so, additional information will be needed such as the full vin number off your trailer along with the make and model and date of purchase.  I also want to share that I have reached out to various departments to share your concern and have been advised that the concern you have *** have to do with how the trailer is manufactured.  With that being the case, you would need to reach out to ***** for further review.  Regarding the ***** ID number and the communication letter, I was not able to locate those and ask if you would provide a copy for further review.  I wait to hear from you, thanks.

  ********************* - Consumer Affairs

  Lippert Components Inc., 

   

  Customer response

  06/15/2022

  The unit is a 2017 ***** Pinnacle 38REFS purchased on April 18, 2017 with VIN *****************. I have attached the repair instructions and a screenshot of the ***** website which can be found here https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/*****/PINNACLE#manufacturerCommunications

  I understand that ***** was the manufacturer of the unit, but the unit was built on a Lippert manufactured frame, and the repair is to strengthen the frame due to frame flex and cracking. This is not limited to ***** trailers, it is a problem across all manufacturers, ***** has been the first I have found that has acknowledged a problem and designed an, apparently, effective repair. Nearly all manufacturers have attempted a relief cut under the front corner of the slide to allow sidewall flexing, the results are only so-so as to stopping the infamous stress crack from forming. A ****** search for "***** STRESS CRACK" OR "RV STRESS CRACK"will bring up lots of pages related to the problem, here is one such page relating to the pinnacle *******************************************************************************

  Let me know if you need any additional information.

  Thank you

  *******************
  
  

  Business response

  06/17/2022

  **********, 

  Thank you for the information.  What I'm being advised is that the repair instructions are referring to a potential structural concern within the wall (s) themselves.  What happens is this, if the wall were to experience any structure concerns, it will impact the upper deck, meaning it will flex.  This by no means indicates that there is a frame or chassis related concern unless the chassis/frame flex's to the point that it compromises the chassis/frame structure.  When the wall structure is compromised the chassis/frame will flex more when connected to your tow unit which could potentially cause the concern your experiencing now, being wall cracks.  After reviewing the information provided, this matter would need to be communicated with the trailer manufacture for further assistance.

  Sincerely,

  ********************* - Consumer Affairs

  Lippert Components Inc., 

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