Buying an RV with subpar components – especially the frame – can lead to future headaches and expensive repairs.
It is understandable to want to know if the manufacturer produces quality components. But how can you know which RVs use Lippert frames?
There is a high likelihood that an RV has a Lippert frame if it is a Forest River Roo or Shamrock, a Jayco, a Thor, a Keystone, or an Elkhart. These frames are very widely used in the RV industry.
Only a handful of companies make their own frames, and there are no other large-scale RV frame manufacturers in the United States.
Keep reading to learn more about the company that makes Lippert frames, the quality of their products, past difficulties, and which RV brands do not use Lippert frames.
Leading RV Brands Utilizing Lippert Frames
Of the top ten RV brands, Lippert frames are used in the construction of at least five. Brands known to use Lippert frames include:
- Forest River (aka Rockwood and Flagstaff)
- Jayco
- Thor
- Keystone
- Grand Design
Among other popular brands that use Lippert frames is Elkhart. However, there could be many more.
RV brands change their suppliers regularly and do not always advertise where their parts come from – if you are concerned, see the specific model and/or ask a sales representative.
Lippert frames are so common because Lippert faces little market competition in selling their frames and often outbids smaller manufacturers.
In addition, they have greater custom manufacturing capability than others in the industry. You can even say Lippert is like the Walmart of RV frames.
Forest River
Forest River, an RV industry titan, is upfront about using Lippert frames in their Roo and Shamrock series. These are extendable fifth-wheel models.
They have used Lippert frames for many years, and you shouldn’t expect to find a non-Lippert frame in their lineup (even during the 2014 to 2019 period).
Jayco
Jayco makes a big deal about designing custom frames for each of their RV builds, and while that might be true, they contract the building of those designs out to Lippert.
The two companies have gotten quite cozy in recent years, even doing a joint SEMA exhibition.
Notably, Jayco broke ties with Lippert during their trouble period in the late 2010s and only began doing business with them again after the quality overhaul.
Thor
Thor, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of RVs, relies on Lippert to meet its massive supply needs.
While it is tough to say whether Thor would consider an alternative supplier if given a chance, there simply are no other component manufacturers with a large enough production capacity.
Keystone
Keystone (a sub-company of Thor) is now a defunct company, having been shut down in 2022.
Their RVs, however, will remain in circulation for quite some time, as the remaining new models are still being sold, and used models are repurchased.
Just like their parent company, most (if not all) Keystone RVs use Lippert frames.
Grand Design
Grand Design RVs are newcomers to the scene but are popular with those who prioritize using innovative materials and layouts. Like most such manufacturers, they design a frame and subcontract to Lippert for the build.
Are Lippert Frames Good?
Lippert is still trying to recover their good reputation after a five-year problem period between 2014 and 2019, but prior to this and in recent years, their frames have not had significant issues.
The 2014 to 2019 Period
The reason for their damaged reputation was a higher number of component failures during a five-year span. Prior to this, the company was well-regarded.
According to the company, these failures were caused by poor designs by RV brands and insufficient training in some of their new staff.
This is most probably true, as the company grew very rapidly during this period (buying several mid-size companies), especially in overseas manufacturing.
The result was many new employees inherited from other operations in countries where wielding certification is laxer.
In 2019, the company announced a wielding recertification program and a rebranding to distance itself from this negative event.
Since then, frame failures have declined considerably, and big manufacturers like Jayco are slowly returning.
Things to Consider When Choosing an RV With a Lippert Frame
Choosing an RV with a Lippert frame can be great when considering your budget and needs. Lippert frames have several pros, including:
- They are very lightweight
- They have superior weather coatings compared to competitors.
- They are one of the most cost-efficient frames on the market
- All Lippert frames have a 1-year warranty and great customer support
- Lippert’s repair facilities are numerous and accessible due to the company’s size
Durability and Reliability
Durability and reliability vary slightly depending on which company the frame was sold to, as Lippert deals in custom frames designed by the final manufacturer of the vehicle.
It is also best to avoid RVs produced during their transitional 2014 to 2019 period, as these have a substantial risk of failure.
Which RV Brands Do Not Use Lippert Frames?
Since Lippert frames are so common, tracking which brands do not use them is sometimes easier.
In fact, casual estimates say that Lippert manufactures up to 70% of all RV components (something backed up by the plethora of LCI stickers seen on most new RVs).
There are three brands that manufacture (not just design) all their own frames as of 2023:
- Airstream
- Northwood
- Tiffin
Because they are vocal about self-manufacturing frames, you can be reasonably confident that no Lippert assets are used in the construction process.
Conclusion
If an RV does not readily say that its frame comes from another manufacturer, it is safe to assume it is a Lippert frame.
Lippert is very prevalent, which can be problematic for consumers when the company encounters production issues (like those between 2014 and 2019).
In recent years, the number of issues with Lippert frames has declined, and they appear to have resolved their problems.
Lippert frames do have several pros, like their weight, weather coating, and accessibility of repair. However, looking for Airstream, Northwood, or Tiffin RVs may be the best option if you are not ready to trust Lippert.
FAQ
Lippert has a massive operation with over sixty U.S. manufacturing locations. They also have locations in Canada, Mexico, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The company’s main office is located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, United States.
Lippert Components Incorporated is the company behind Lippert RV Frames.
After the rebrand, they dropped the ‘components’ portion of their name in the press material; however, they are the same company.
Lippert has had several recalls on frames and other products. Lippert takes recalls very seriously and works closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of their products.
When a potential issue is identified, Lippert initiates a recall in accordance with applicable regulations and works to notify affected customers.
If you own a product that is subject to a Lippert recall, you will typically be notified by mail or other means of communication.
The notification will provide instructions on how to get the problem addressed, such as contacting your local dealer or authorized repair facility. The repair or replacement will be performed at no cost to you.
Lippert also maintains a recall hotline that customers can call for information and assistance.
The hotline can be reached at 1-574-537-8900 or by email at
recall@lci1.com. Additionally, information about Lippert recalls can be found on the NHTSA website, as well as Lippert’s website.
Lippert is a company that manufactures and supplies a wide range of components and systems for various industries, including the RV, marine, residential, and commercial markets. Some of the products and services Lippert provides include:
RV components: Lippert is a leading supplier of RV components such as frames, axles, slide-outs, leveling systems, and awnings.
Marine products: Lippert offers a range of marine products such as pontoon furniture, boat seats, boat covers, and bimini tops.
Residential products: Lippert produces a variety of residential products including furniture, mattresses, and bedding.
Commercial solutions: Lippert also provides commercial solutions such as custom metal fabrication, powder coating, and electrical engineering.
In addition to these products, Lippert is also involved in various other industries, such as aerospace and defense, agriculture, and industrial automation, among others.