jimmyfred wrote: ............And so we have proof positive that campers are worth the extra $$$$$$ because of superior construction techniques ! Maybe the quality control has become better , but wouldn't it be nice IF the mfger would take clear photo's of all major area's as the camper is being constructed and present a Photo Albumn to the new owner for future warranty claims . , jf
I'm sure they would take pics of the one special prototype model, being built all correctly. Once the design goes into production, all bets are off and taking pictures would only expose their lack of quality manufacturing and open them up to liability from the customer.
DiscoChicken wrote: That is crazy! I cannot believe those welds. Doesn't lok like they cleaned the Al before they welded. I don't think there is a good quality Rv out there anymore.
There were several posts which seem to imply that all camper manufacturers are doing shoddy work. That is not a reasonable conclusion from this example. Clearly one or more manufacturers seem to have some quality issues. My camper seems to be well made and I recently visited the factory and verified that the current level of workmanship is sound.
If you bought from a vendor and don't like the quality, don't blame the whole industry as an excuse for your decision. Blame the manufacturer of your camper.
I'm little bit afraid when I see that ! When I will receive my Lance 815, it will be the first thing that I will control !
Thanks for the pictures, very informative post and comments.
FORD F250 LARIAT 4X4 DIESEL 2008
Lance 815 2007
France, Normandy
See why TC mfr's tell us to support the bottom when off the truck. Maybe at some time it had water in the tank and was off the truck. Just a thought....
2012 Winnebago Vista, Triple Slide Ford F53.
Blue Ox Tiger Trak track bar, RoadMaster Reflex Steering,&
"Cheep Handling Fix"
Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar w/Patriot Brake System
Chevy HHR toad.
When are we going to see you tent bed lift system?
Gman
I'm going to a video demo of the tent lift
i was hopping to use one of my nice prototypes I made but the company that was going to buy the idea from me is screwing me around,
since i hold two patent pending's on it, I am going to use my very first test model and show it off and let anyone who wants one, build one for themselves.
jimmyfred wrote: ............And so we have proof positive that campers are worth the extra $$$$$$ because of superior construction techniques ! Maybe the quality control has become better , but wouldn't it be nice IF the mfger would take clear photo's of all major area's as the camper is being constructed and present a Photo Albumn to the new owner for future warranty claims . , jf
Truthfully from what i know now, i would suggest to anyone who is out buying, have the sales company open the bottom for your inspection.
we don’t drive a car off the lot with out looking under the hood first.
Dave, thanks for this post. You did a terrific job on the repairs but it's such a shame it was necessary. It does make me now wonder what surprises could be lurking below the skin of my AF. Mine is too new to begin taking apart but it does get me thinking.
Did you think about submitting your pictures to Lance? I'd be curious if they would respond to your findings.
"The Journey is the Destination"
2004 Chevy Silverado 3500 LT Duramax/Allison DRW 4X4
Banks Powerpack, Sprayed-In Bed Liner,
TorkLift Tiedowns, StableLoads, FastGuns with Locks and RideRite Air Bags
In Lance's defense, the original poster's camper is a 2007 model, so about 5 years old. I believe Lance started using the aluminum framing not too long before that, maybe 2005-ish? Anyone remember? Anyways, it is quite possible they have learned along the way and improved the process since then, though I wouldn't bank on it.
...My guess is the original design plans for Lance's aluminum frame probably called for correct weld procedure and more complete welding of the joints, but then management got in there and did cost cutting and said, hey we can save xx amount of time by only welding one side of the joint so let's do that instead...
Or maybe the management just looked at how long the overall construction was taking and assuming the welders (who may have been inexperienced) were slacking, started cracking the whip, and the welders just responded by welding what they could in the time allotted. Law of unintended consequences .
Steve.
'07 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab diesel + '91 Shadow Cruiser - Sky Cruiser 1
'92 Suzuki Samurai 4x4 1.6
'09 Fiat Panda 1.2
'10 Citroen DS3 1.6 turbo
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