B+ motorhomes
I just bought a Trail Lite B+ 211s with 8.1 Chevy engine. This is my fifth motorhome (others range from an old 20' Vagabond, and three Winnegagos, from 19 to 32'. This vehicle is fantastic. I am...
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Br-:
I believe that I received a package with Lemon Law requirements for Texas when I got my unit. The mildew odor has diminished somewhat, but still perisits. I found several areas around the skylight that were not waterproofed (the sealent was too thin on application, and essentially "split" opening the area to outside moisture. I am assuming that is the entry point for the moisture. I covered it with the "universal antidote" (duct tape), as a temporary fix until I take the unit back in for several loose items. The drawers in the back all need work some work, due to being thrown upen when driving over railroad tracks in downtown San Antonio (I avoid the tracks whenever possible now). Poor design for drawers to be that far behind the rear wheels without some positive latching device (they are notched, but when the back bounces off track, they happily open up, then get banged around until I can stop.
On the good side, I am getting better mileage (about 10-10.5)without altering my driving habits much, if any. Also, it looks like my oil consumption has dropped to less than half a quart per 3K miles.
I am developing a "love/hate" relationship with this unit. I suppose that the relative newness of the trail lite B+ models account for some of the engineering mistakes, but can see no excuse for poor workmanship. The cost to the manufacturer will far exceed any financial benefit of speedy assembly, with poor quality control. I doubt that the lack of quality is a deliberate choice anyway; more likely the results of plant management that doesn't have a good appreciation for strategic thinking in the pursuit of quantity at any cost.
They really have something special in this unit, but will ruin it if they don't think a little smarter. I deliberately bought the least expensive brand, that met my needs for room, appearence, and perfomance. I expect to pretty much use it up in my business over the next few years. I plan to "dog" the dealer to get everything fixed as well as the engineering will allow during the first year. I have over 10,000 miles already, so the problems I am having will show up in other units as they age. I will outline everything that needed fixing and detail the fix in a few months (probably in a new thread). For now updates.
One more thing. I spent about $350 on a different cd player and speakers. I bought a 180 watt Kenwood cd/stereo, a set of 6" Kenwood speakers for the front door speakers (not much better than the factory speakers, frankly), and some pretty good Kenwood 6X9" speakers to replace the 6" speakers in the back. I looked at the factory speakers in the back and they weren't much better than paper cups with a magnet - I was surprised that they worked as well as they did. Had to cut an oval out in the wood that the other speakers were mounted, but got them both in in a couple of hours, and they sound great. A much better choice than letting Rvision put in their optional radio.
I believe that I received a package with Lemon Law requirements for Texas when I got my unit. The mildew odor has diminished somewhat, but still perisits. I found several areas around the skylight that were not waterproofed (the sealent was too thin on application, and essentially "split" opening the area to outside moisture. I am assuming that is the entry point for the moisture. I covered it with the "universal antidote" (duct tape), as a temporary fix until I take the unit back in for several loose items. The drawers in the back all need work some work, due to being thrown upen when driving over railroad tracks in downtown San Antonio (I avoid the tracks whenever possible now). Poor design for drawers to be that far behind the rear wheels without some positive latching device (they are notched, but when the back bounces off track, they happily open up, then get banged around until I can stop.
On the good side, I am getting better mileage (about 10-10.5)without altering my driving habits much, if any. Also, it looks like my oil consumption has dropped to less than half a quart per 3K miles.
I am developing a "love/hate" relationship with this unit. I suppose that the relative newness of the trail lite B+ models account for some of the engineering mistakes, but can see no excuse for poor workmanship. The cost to the manufacturer will far exceed any financial benefit of speedy assembly, with poor quality control. I doubt that the lack of quality is a deliberate choice anyway; more likely the results of plant management that doesn't have a good appreciation for strategic thinking in the pursuit of quantity at any cost.
They really have something special in this unit, but will ruin it if they don't think a little smarter. I deliberately bought the least expensive brand, that met my needs for room, appearence, and perfomance. I expect to pretty much use it up in my business over the next few years. I plan to "dog" the dealer to get everything fixed as well as the engineering will allow during the first year. I have over 10,000 miles already, so the problems I am having will show up in other units as they age. I will outline everything that needed fixing and detail the fix in a few months (probably in a new thread). For now updates.
One more thing. I spent about $350 on a different cd player and speakers. I bought a 180 watt Kenwood cd/stereo, a set of 6" Kenwood speakers for the front door speakers (not much better than the factory speakers, frankly), and some pretty good Kenwood 6X9" speakers to replace the 6" speakers in the back. I looked at the factory speakers in the back and they weren't much better than paper cups with a magnet - I was surprised that they worked as well as they did. Had to cut an oval out in the wood that the other speakers were mounted, but got them both in in a couple of hours, and they sound great. A much better choice than letting Rvision put in their optional radio.
