Fallen in love with a Carri-lite

This is our second Carri-Lite, and no they are not lite... But they are but to last, haven't had any of the issues of the lippert frame rv's, and have held their value even with the company gone. Our 36max1 tips the scales at 17.5k- set up for fulltiming.

veebyres... I remembered you did something to your electronic dump valves... We've been having an issue with our black tank. It might be the rocker switch.. but often we have to change out the fuse to make it open. What did you do?

Simple, plunked down the money for a new valve. When I had it in hand I beat the old one a few more times, but HARDER, since I had the new one if I broke it.

Well, nothing likes to be hit. It freed up. Been fine ever since. Still have the spare.

Yes, I love the carriage... but do I love it enough to go into more debt? Probably not. Rather use that money to travel. And we'd need to get a newer tow vehicle. DH still wants to take his firewood. We do really like the basic design of our Alpie.. even with its issues. Would change the L galley design (look out if there's more than one cook in the kitchen) And we had the frame welded at the axles due to spider cracks (Lippert did it free)...
But it's got great for boondocking which we do often. Big tanks, lots (6) batteries, solar, and an inverter...
So at least for the time being... the carriage is only a dream I guess.
On a side note... we've looked at all the new brands - Redwood, Lifestyle, Trilogy, something called a solitude..
They all had wonderful bling and some great ideas. Construction itself wasn't that much improved.

veebyres... I remembered you did something to your electronic dump valves... We've been having an issue with our black tank. It might be the rocker switch.. but often we have to change out the fuse to make it open. What did you do?

The carriage has a great rear storage with enty from the back and both sides. I think it was the best fifth on the market before it went south.
chevman

Me Again wrote:
Two misnomers is one post.



1. Aplen-Lite!
2. Carri-Lite!

Very true. All loaded up, 100gal water, fridge loaded to bursting point, most dry goods enough for 4 month trip, we are not too far away from 14,000# starting from a dry weight getting close to 12,000#.

We travel in confidence, even with a Lippert frame, now that all of the spring hanger areas have been re engineered & beefed up to stronger than seen anywhere except on maybe a pre 2006 Alpenlite.

Since getting our late 2007 Alpenlite, never titled, in early summer 2009 we have spun wheels in every state, many multiple times, & been to Alaska. No serious issues that I have not been able to deal with myself.

Now, if I had to replace & looking for something only a couple years old, Carriage & Mobile Suite would be at the top of my list.

Not going to address the weight of that unit, our 05 32RS3 has a factory gross limitr of 14.4k and tips the scales at 13.1 when loaded for a months travel.

Love the quality and features. Yes, Carriage is history but not a concern once unit has been through initial shakedown period.

We did 13 states in 3 weeks last summer, in comfort and reliability.

Two misnomers is one post.



1. Aplen-Lite!
2. Carri-Lite!

kennethwooster wrote:
That would be a great unit. We didn't know what quality was until we bought a 2011 Cameo. Ours is shorter, but the design still gives us plenty of room. They are heavy, but for a lot of traveling they are great. Very well made, and no Lippert frame.

X2! Great unit. I think you will be happy with it and there is still support from the Lifestyle factory. Phillip

That would be a great unit. We didn't know what quality was until we bought a 2011 Cameo. Ours is shorter, but the design still gives us plenty of room. They are heavy, but for a lot of traveling they are great. Very well made, and no Lippert frame.

Oh, now look where you are going!!! 4 slides vs 3, 2' longer, heavier, 2 fireplaces!!!!, Who needs 1?

I'll have to have a look at that 36SBQ. Since getting our first 34RLR ltd, now a 34RLR with most of the LTD options, we have looked at alot of other 5ers. None of them, within a foot of our length, have stirred the itch to replace the 34RLR.

Oh sure, we have seen some very nice larger units, MS 36Tk3 for example, that are very nice but the trade off in weight & just too big to get into too many state parks make them unsuitable for our needs.

I wonder how many other Alpenlite 34RLRs are out there. It is nice having something unusual.