E
very one of Lippert Components’ recreational
vehicle and trailer axles boasts an impressive list of
standard features and is assembled in the United
States. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing
equipment and experienced axle professionals ensure that
every component meets high standards and customer
specifications.
Lippert Components (LCI) has developed a number of
key production processes for all of its spring, torsion
and heavy-duty 10-12k capacity axles. The manufacturing
process begins
at the drill and
camber machine,
which LCI’s expert
automation team
designed and built
in house. This
machine produces
premium product
precision and
increases efficiency utilizing state-of-the-art technology,
including servo control and precision drill units. The
intelligent drill and camber machine detects tube size,
centers each one for accuracy, and ensures that the camber
is within tolerance on each axle before it is permitted to
move on to the next step in the manufacturing process.
After each axle is precisely cambered, LCI robotically
performs critical welds to ensure consistent, fullypenetrated welds on all spindles, spring seats, torsion arms
and torsion brackets.
Lippert Components uses a one-piece integrated spindle
on all axles. The one-piece spindle prevents many alignment
issues, uneven bearing wear and potential failure that can
be caused by inaccurate welds. The one-piece spindle also
means end users are less likely to experience uneven or
premature tire wear, which could lead to chucking, poor
fuel economy, and towing difficulties.
Like the automotive industry, Lippert Components uses
a direct current nut runner to ensure the axle spring is
installed to the proper torque specifications, ensuring
proper torque on all four contact points. LCI records
torque readings for every axle.
After the axle beams are prepped, the axles are powder
coated. Superior to a typical wet coat process, the powdercoat finish ensures that axles will not prematurely corrode.
Powder-coated axles
are protected against
premature corrosion from
road salt and other harsh,
more aggressive road
chemicals.
Lippert Components is
the only RV and trailer
axle supplier to offer fully
waterproof silicone connectors standard on all brake
wires. Used by the marine industry, these connectors are
an added safety feature that prevent brake wire corrosion,
ensuring that the brakes work properly.
Lippert Components was the first in the RV industry to
use ultrasonic testing to ensure the weld integrity of every
axle it manufactures. First used in the railroad industry,
ultrasonic testing is highly accurate and permits a higher
frequency of weld penetration checks on axles. LCI also
runs magnet amp checks on all axles to ensure all the
wiring works properly, and every brake is adjusted for
optimal performance from the start.
From the precision robotic cambering machine and
integrated one-piece spindle to waterproof electrical