NHTSA Complaint #11451734 — 2021 GRAND DESIGN REFLECTION

While parked in an RV park I discovered that the right rear spring hanger on my fifth wheel RV had fractured and separated immediately adjacent to a weld line. I am unaware of any incident that can explain this damage, although I did hear a clunk while auto leveling the vehicle at our campsite. (Auto leveling is computer controlled and is a routine operation.) Inspection of the intact left rear spring hanger reveals what appears to be a small crack that may be the beginning of a similar problem on that side. An undetected failed spring hanger when traveling at highway speeds can obviously be a cause of severe property damage and death. Research of this problem in user groups and forums revealed that it is well known to vehicle owners. Anecdotes of broken hangers abound, as do user-invented fixes. Interestingly, Lippert (aka LCI, who is the manufacturer of the vehicle frame) reportedly has a repair for the problem that it has retrofitted to some vehicles and is apparently using in some newly manufactured vehicle frames. The fix is to add a 'V-brace' that is welded to the spring hangers and increases their strength. Example: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operation/suspension-amp-brakes/52915-spring-hanger-advice There are no recalls for my trailer suspension that I can find, so despite apparent knowledge of the issue the manufacturers of both the frame and the vehicle have failed to warn me or others of it. I am now working with both Grand Design and Lippert to solve this problem on my vehicle. I will press for confirmation that the 'V-brace' is a viable repair that won't violate my warranty and will press to have it implemented on my fifth wheel RV.