Well our new to us 2017 camper just got it’s first real trip of its life. (PO used it for one weekend and a few sleepovers in 4 years.)Objectively, the camper worked like a champ. AC running 12+ hrs a day for about 10 days straight. All the appliances and everything else worked great. Pounded out about 1000miles of freeway and back roads. Love the stout springs and 16” wheels!Also love the open back of the toyhauler. Once we were in the mountains we could open up the back, I made it into a deck before we left, and use the canvas back door so it was like a big open tent. Few minor annoyances. 1. The batteries 2 new 6v GCs don’t seem to last as long as they should. Knowing how we were conserving on DC power when dry camped, it would only make it about a day with a few hours of genny charging. 2. The usb plugs on 12V overheated and fried, charging 2 phones at the same time. 3. I greased the wheels and all the spring shackles. But the springs are noisy as he!! Not sure if it’s the shackles or the leafs but I expected it to be quiet with wet bolts ?Overall it was far more luxurious than we were used to!I’ll try to drop a few pics later.

Forgot to mention, 100gal of water onboard is super luxurious. We spent 4 days in the mountains, 4 people, dry camping and didn’t even come close to using up all the water. Although about half the bathing was off he back of the boat in the lake!

Noisy springs, it could be 5h3 OEM bushings! Most are plastic. I would suggest bronze replacements an HD shackles. Should do the trick. I also up graded the equalizer to a Dexter EZ-Flex (you could go with others like Mor-Ride) to soften the ride.P.S. I found suspension upgrades lessens sway.

Grit dog wrote:Well our new to us 2017 camper ..... Love the stout springs and 16” wheels!I thought this was a post about a truck camper, until I saw the mention of springs and wheels. LOLSounds like you have a trailer.

Grit dog wrote: 1. The batteries 2 new 6v GCs don’t seem to last as long as they should. Knowing how we were conserving on DC power when dry camped, it would only make it about a day with a few hours of genny chargingTime for an amp hour meter, which is a fuel gauge for the battery bank. Victron BMV-712 or the Victron Smart Shunt are the best there is.I have the BMV 712Grit dog wrote:2. The usb plugs on 12V overheated and fried, charging 2 phones at the same time. Since they are fried, it's obvious they need replaced, so replace them with quality parts from Marinco or Blue Sea Systems.Here's some I added in my TT a few years agoHere's some I added in my newer TT last year with a big faceplate I found on AmazonGrit dog wrote:3. I greased the wheels I'm lost there. What does "greased the wheels" really mean? Is there a missing word in that phrase?

What were you using for the 12 volt chargers? I use these which are hard wired into the battery bank. Link Yes they are more expensive than other USB ports out there. But they were the only non illuminated ones I could find. I tapped into an overhead light to provide power so the circuit was already fused. A link to my post about the plugs. Link

Sit rep on “new” camper after first trip. | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

Grit_dog
Navigator
Jul 27, 2021
^Yes thank you. They get locked up.
deltabravo
Nomad
Jul 27, 2021
Don't leave the bikes unlocked, even if you are inside the rig. They might vanish quick!

Like happened to this couple north of Spokane a few weeks ago.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jul 26, 2021
Ha funny, I need to go through the wife’s phone. She took about 6000 pics and videos I’m sure.
The fire pics are hers. iPhone no bueno at night.
That camper pic was at a NF campground in MT. Great place on Cabinet Gorge.
jetboater454
Explorer
Jul 26, 2021
dedmiston wrote:
You might need to delegate the picture taking to the wife & kids. :B

Maybe. He is doing what he likes. Relaxing & camping,picture taking is the last thing on his mind. Rather have a beer or coffee in my hand than a cellphone.:B
MFL
Nomad II
Jul 26, 2021
dedmiston wrote:
You might need to delegate the picture taking to the wife & kids. :B

Agree...the guy with a beer in his hand, is normally not the best photographer!

Anyhow, pic post is fulfilled, thanks Grit! Looks like boondocking in tight quarters. I wish I had closer boondocking opportunities. That looks to be a remote spot, that I would enjoy, even if I could not extend my awning.

Glad to hear that Grit is happy with his new rig!

Jerry
dedmiston
Moderator
Jul 26, 2021
You might need to delegate the picture taking to the wife & kids. :B
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jul 26, 2021
Watched a fire in MT. Cool and scary at the same time.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jul 26, 2021

Lol. This is the only pic of the camper that isn’t in a parking lot behind the truck!
MFL
Nomad II
Jul 26, 2021
Grit Dog wrote:
I’ll try to drop a few pics later.

While I understand GDs terminology, my question is, where are the efn pics? How much later, days, weeks, forgot about it??

Jerry
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jul 25, 2021
"sit rep" is military shorthand for "situation report". Basically, how did thing go on your last "mission". What went right, what went wrong, how could things be done better.