2013 Zinger ZT33BH First Impressions

4x4_luvr wrote:
We have a new ZT33BH for this year, too. We took our maiden camping trip about a month ago. Found out that the furnace sends most of the warm air into the bunkhouse, then main living area, then the least into the master bedroom. Solved this by partially covering the bunkhouse vent. We noticed some finicky but easily fixed issues with ours as far as "finishing" touches - some trim wasn't all the way nailed down, some drawer catches weren't screwed in, and the door to the outside kitchen latches only by the 2 swivels - the locked latch in the middle isn't close enough to the bottom to latch - this will have to be a dealer trip, the rest we took care of. Love the floor space. Somewhat disconcerting to not be able to see out of the kitchen area into the "campfire" area because the slideout for the stove and fridge doesn't have a window in it, whereas when the sink is there, you can look out the window. The view from the other side of the camper, though, is excellent. Might have to find some type of cover for the skylight in the bedroom and bunkhouse - I like to sleep in when camping. We had some TV / antenna issues, but had forgotten the TV remote so everything was very difficult to do as far as finding channels, etc. - will try again next time. Moved everything from the old camper, plus some other things, and still couldn't fill up all the inside storage space - not even close! So cool to have that much storage. Found out that when it is raining, it drips off the edge of the awning right onto the steps, which means you get wet going in and out in the rain. Bummer of an engineering/design job there. Son drove, and said it pulled REALLY well - of course he was also bragging up his 2500HD Chevy Duramax. :D I think there was one other not-set-up-right-from-the-factory issue, but can't think of it. All in all, this is a VERY comfortable camper, and it has a feel of a camper that is more expensive than what this cost. This is a lot of camper for the money. We can screw in a few screws and throw a cover over a register and get wet walking in and out for the benefit of the price and storage space and design layout (love the bathroom entrance from bedroom and from living area; love the massive amounts of storage).

We noticed that with the furnace as well. My solution was to buy a regular floor vent that can be closed. The problem is the furnace is 2' from that vent but 20' from the bedroom vent, and I seriously doubt they actually have HVAC techs designing their ducting. The same is true for the ducted air conditioning.

I considered replacing the window in the front door with clear glass instead of frosted for the reason you mention: no view to the campsite. Has anyone ever attempted that? What kind of material would you suggest? I've worked with Lexan, but I think it would be too easily damaged and end up looking terrible in a short period of time.

We used double sides tape velcro strips and affixed that to the skylight, and the other side to some blackout material, and velcro it up at night. They don't yet make a friction fit pillow for the skylights, so this works quite well and blocks about 95% of the light coming in there. The regular roof vents we have those friction fit insulating pillows you stuff up there that work well. I, too, like to sleep in while camping!

Agreed: this is a lot of camper at the price point, and all in all I'd recommend it (even with the issues I've had)

GaryWT wrote:
My guess is the metal chips came from the duct work with the heating or A/C units, they are usually pretty dirt when new.

If it took a couple hours for the pipe to start leaking then I can see that it would pass any checks at the factor or dealer, they are not testing one unit for hours.

I take it you do not camp with hook ups since you are using your pump and like the larger storage. That is great but I am ahook up person.

Glad everything else was good and good luck with the slide.

Our CG of choice is a 35km trip from my front door, and we've had a seasonal there the last two years. Sadly, there are no hookups other than power, so I am forced to cart my crap.

But, the nearest campground we'd consider otherwise is too far for a two day weekend trip, so we're fine with it.

I'm sure I'll get the slide issue sorted. I'm not in a mad rush, just want to get it working before the year of warranty is up.