As stated on the Mobile Suite Forum.... "Even Rolls Royce has a service department"

 

Forest River is still using Lippert frames. Just dumped my 2011 Blue Ridge because of suspect frame issues. Granted Cedar Creek is a step up from the Blue Ridge, but after reading about the problems with Lippert frames on several Mfg's 5er's decided to buy a non-Lippert frame trailer.

 

Until you start paying "big bucks" for trailer, they are all going to be built to about the same quality. Different ones have different features that stand out from others, but they all have issues. Most of the bad brands have been weeded out over the last 5-10 yrs or so just because the others stepped up their game. Forest River is a huge company with a ton of resources. I am on my second trailer built by Forest River and my friend is on his second. Quality is fine other than the lightweight way that they are built, bit you get that no matter what trailer you buy. You can't get a 35' 10,000lb mobil home without giving up somethingIf it looks good and you get a nice "warm and fuzzy" then I say go for it.

 

Mine had the tel-tale signs of frame stress mainly all of the screws that mounted the fiberglass to the front frame were broke. Pulled the fiberglass off this weekend to inspect the frame and it is not broke but it is flexing. Pulled a 4.5" I beam out of the scrap pile and called a friend that is a certified welder. Once it is properly braced there should be no more flex or frame issuies while pulling.

 

I bought a 2010 FR Surveyor in June 2010. As with all trailers, problems vary on all of them but after about 5000 miles of use I'd say it's a better than average product. Other than Carson RV going out of business since my purchase (despite their promises that all was well) and a warranty claim for the LP space heater not functioning properly, I'm fairly happy with the unit. I feel the Lippert axles are smooth and allows for a good towing experience. I think over the last couple years FR has improved their production and is now a decent manufacturer. Still I view the purchase of a trailer/RV on a par with buying a used car or getting root canal work...a hateful experience no matter how you go about it.