Brand new Travel Lite needs new roof
Hi folks,
I have been lurking here for a while gathering info for the purchase of a new truck camper. My wife and I started out in 8 year old Sunline 30 years ago and had lots of fond memories. I spent time researching google and this forum on the Travel Lite brand and not finding much in the way of negative info I pulled the trigger on a 2013 new Travel Lite 890sbrx. I have a 2013 Silverado HD with Torklift tie downs and XL turnbuckles also Timbren's installed. I was amazed how well the truck handled going home. After I returned home I was tinkering with my new camper a noticed some water had leaked inside the closet area, when looking the camper over at the dealership it was dark inside and it wasn't easy to see. I didn't freak... campers leak, it happens. I climbed up on the ladder and found water had gotten into the roof deck causing it to swell and split the rubber roof along the edge above the side trim. I put some silicone over the crack because it was 20 degrees out and I wanted to stop any more water from getting in (I realize this is not a fix). I called the dealer who will remain nameless for now (still in negotiations to get my money back). They agreed it sounded like a manufacturing defect and made an appointment for the repair. Upon further scrutiny I found the entire roof deck, except over the bathroom, had bloated and split along the edge. I called the dealer back and spoke to the General Manager and demanded my money back. I am blown away by the amount of damage on a brand new camper. We have been camping for 30+ years and have never seen this much water damage. I have lots of photos and will post some as soon as I figure out how.
Wanted to share my story to warn others, so buyer beware and never assume that a new camper is new.
Regards,
Ron
I have been lurking here for a while gathering info for the purchase of a new truck camper. My wife and I started out in 8 year old Sunline 30 years ago and had lots of fond memories. I spent time researching google and this forum on the Travel Lite brand and not finding much in the way of negative info I pulled the trigger on a 2013 new Travel Lite 890sbrx. I have a 2013 Silverado HD with Torklift tie downs and XL turnbuckles also Timbren's installed. I was amazed how well the truck handled going home. After I returned home I was tinkering with my new camper a noticed some water had leaked inside the closet area, when looking the camper over at the dealership it was dark inside and it wasn't easy to see. I didn't freak... campers leak, it happens. I climbed up on the ladder and found water had gotten into the roof deck causing it to swell and split the rubber roof along the edge above the side trim. I put some silicone over the crack because it was 20 degrees out and I wanted to stop any more water from getting in (I realize this is not a fix). I called the dealer who will remain nameless for now (still in negotiations to get my money back). They agreed it sounded like a manufacturing defect and made an appointment for the repair. Upon further scrutiny I found the entire roof deck, except over the bathroom, had bloated and split along the edge. I called the dealer back and spoke to the General Manager and demanded my money back. I am blown away by the amount of damage on a brand new camper. We have been camping for 30+ years and have never seen this much water damage. I have lots of photos and will post some as soon as I figure out how.
Wanted to share my story to warn others, so buyer beware and never assume that a new camper is new.
Regards,
Ron
