Post by ian10965 on Apr 23, 2018 17:35:49 GMT -5
I am considering the purchase of 2019 KZ Connect Lite C201QB. Unfortunately this will be a sight unseen purchase. The dealer told me that he would not hold me to continue with the purchase if I don’t like what I see after it arrives. Delivery will be mid June if I order now, well after the winter salt season.
If I decide not to take this trailer then the all too short Atlantic Canada summer season will be pretty well shot for ordering a different TT. Hopefully with the help of forum members I can at least resolve my biggest concern about this trailer before I order it.
None of these trailers ( KZ Connect Lite 2017-18 C201RB or C201QB) are available for me to look at anywhere close to me in Atlantic Canada. I did look over a Connect 261RB, photos below.
I have read a number of reports of various deficiencies in Lippert frames. I would not be surprised if one part of the Lite designation is reduced metal in the frame compared to the Connect or Spree Connect series.
What I really hope to be able to sort out is how much if any improvement there has been with this problem area for 2018 vintage trailers over earlier models. It would really help if someone could post pictures of the spring mount area of the frame of one of these (C201QB/RB).
I have read posts that suggest that the worst of the Lippert frame troubles may be in the past. Is this correct??
Damage to dual axle spring mounts as a result of the lateral stress during turns seems to be a pretty clear cause and effect. At least this area is easily visible, and I can keep a close eye on wheel alignment as a symptom. If and when the problem appears, I can get the reinforcement done. I have been DIY cutting and fitting steel for decades for hobby /home use. The only skill I don’t have in this area is the actual welding itself.
I do plan to keep this trailer for the long haul. I am 60+, and we plan to make this our only TT after 9 seasons with an 8ft popup. The need for DIY fixing and upgrading is part of my DNA anyway.
It’s the weakness in other less visible areas of the frame that concerns me more. By the time I see external effects of frame failure there may be widespread damage.
The yearly mileage for our trips would be at the short end of the spectrum. We will be sure to go under the GVWR, and never carry much water in the tanks. If not for this I probably wouldn’t even be considering this brand of trailer.
I did manage to get some pictures of a new Connect 261RB, not Lite, at a RV show. See below. Unfortunately this was before I knew about the frame problems so I didn’t get a clean close up of the flange/rail joint. Its covered with dirt, so I can’ t tell if its welded or rolled. For sure there doesn’t seem to be much if any reinforcement of the spring mounts for a 6800lb GVWR trailer. I tried to scale the metal thickness with a photo editor from the shot with the 14” wheel. Both the flange and the spring hanger look to be 3/16”. At least this would be an improvement over the 1/8” welded up “I-beams” that I have read about.
From the info here www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29547852.cfm
the narrow flanges look similar to the other welded up “I-beams” that are so problematic.
THESE PICTURES ARE NOT THE TRAILER I AM LOOKING AT. THEY ARE A DIFFERENT NEW CONNECT 261RB.
If I decide not to take this trailer then the all too short Atlantic Canada summer season will be pretty well shot for ordering a different TT. Hopefully with the help of forum members I can at least resolve my biggest concern about this trailer before I order it.
None of these trailers ( KZ Connect Lite 2017-18 C201RB or C201QB) are available for me to look at anywhere close to me in Atlantic Canada. I did look over a Connect 261RB, photos below.
I have read a number of reports of various deficiencies in Lippert frames. I would not be surprised if one part of the Lite designation is reduced metal in the frame compared to the Connect or Spree Connect series.
What I really hope to be able to sort out is how much if any improvement there has been with this problem area for 2018 vintage trailers over earlier models. It would really help if someone could post pictures of the spring mount area of the frame of one of these (C201QB/RB).
I have read posts that suggest that the worst of the Lippert frame troubles may be in the past. Is this correct??
Damage to dual axle spring mounts as a result of the lateral stress during turns seems to be a pretty clear cause and effect. At least this area is easily visible, and I can keep a close eye on wheel alignment as a symptom. If and when the problem appears, I can get the reinforcement done. I have been DIY cutting and fitting steel for decades for hobby /home use. The only skill I don’t have in this area is the actual welding itself.
I do plan to keep this trailer for the long haul. I am 60+, and we plan to make this our only TT after 9 seasons with an 8ft popup. The need for DIY fixing and upgrading is part of my DNA anyway.
It’s the weakness in other less visible areas of the frame that concerns me more. By the time I see external effects of frame failure there may be widespread damage.
The yearly mileage for our trips would be at the short end of the spectrum. We will be sure to go under the GVWR, and never carry much water in the tanks. If not for this I probably wouldn’t even be considering this brand of trailer.
I did manage to get some pictures of a new Connect 261RB, not Lite, at a RV show. See below. Unfortunately this was before I knew about the frame problems so I didn’t get a clean close up of the flange/rail joint. Its covered with dirt, so I can’ t tell if its welded or rolled. For sure there doesn’t seem to be much if any reinforcement of the spring mounts for a 6800lb GVWR trailer. I tried to scale the metal thickness with a photo editor from the shot with the 14” wheel. Both the flange and the spring hanger look to be 3/16”. At least this would be an improvement over the 1/8” welded up “I-beams” that I have read about.
From the info here www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29547852.cfm
the narrow flanges look similar to the other welded up “I-beams” that are so problematic.
THESE PICTURES ARE NOT THE TRAILER I AM LOOKING AT. THEY ARE A DIFFERENT NEW CONNECT 261RB.
