Reordered our new Northern Lite

[Snowy_Bird]

Just an update, I reordered a Northern Lite camper again. As some of you may recall, mine was in the middle of the production line when the factory burnt down last winter.
I have been watching their progress on Facebook and I met with the factory regional sales rep, yesterday at my local RV NL dealer. I plunking the deposit back down, again.
I took my deposit back last April as I did not know what was happening and I did not want my money sitting in the dealers pockets for a year or so.

So, our new 10.2 RR EX (dry bath) should be here in Feb. 2015

Changes and info, I can pass along.

- the new models are going to be all 2016, even though they are released in 2015
- the 10.2 RR EX (dry bath) is now 11 inches longer, which means the camper is really 11'1" (it is still called the 10.2, but added EX after it)
- the base price went up about $2800, but now the acrylic windows and sliding propane tray are standard (they were an $1820 & $330 option in 2014), so I guess the price has really only gone up by about $500 ( a lot less than what I thought it would be)
- they have changed the option pkgs, standard pkgs and deleted the luxury pkg, which most of is now separate options ( I really liked that).
- with the extra 11", the dry bath is going to be rearranged and another pantry is added in the kitchen
- new thermostat (digital)
- newer, better TV antenna
- added a new fabric choice which l really like (mystic beige)
- there is also a new camo interior/exterior option (not my tastes, but I'm sure some will like that)
- new glass stove cover ( I've have never had one in any of our campers, but apparently the old metal covers are not the best, so hence the change)

The biggest reason we factory/custom ordered is that I do not like awnings and wet baths.
Most of the ones that are shipped from the factory and end up on the dealer lots are wet baths and have awnings.

So, now just more waiting.

[Stars101]

Wonderful news. please keep us informed about your build and NL's efforts to get back on line.

I've heard about their Customer Service and I see why - Wow, Keith answered you personally in the middle of getting the plant back up and running. Kuddos on the new purchase.

[Snowy_Bird]

Here is my response to some of my questions, directly copying from Keith, the owner of NL email to myself.
I was very happy that he took the time to answer me, as I'm sure he has a million other things to look after.


Hi Joanne

Yes your camper will be one of the first new 10-2EX series off the line. There will be re-enforced matting in the design for the longer overhang. We think approx 200 lbs will be added to this model with the additional length and pantry. Our counter tops are not changing at this time nor is the current stainless steel sink. There will be extra length put in to the actual bathroom as well the dinette will be longer with more head room up to the over dinette cabinets.Battery box will stay as one door and there will be no ac platform required. The AC units will mount on the built in structure in the new mold. I hope this helps.

Thanks Keith

[Snowy_Bird]

MikeJinCO wrote:
I would recheck with NL that they have reinforced the structure on these longer units. Bigfoot had similar clam shell ones way back when and many had structural problems due to the longer overhang. The fiberglass shell did not appear up to the overhanging weight of the 11.5 ft length where the 10.5' ones has seem to hold up forever.

I have had a similar problems with my 30C1002(full slide)but it is built in a different manner so it doesn't count.

BTW congrats on the new one, having owned 3 Bigfoot units I'm obviously a fan of the clam shell construction.

That is a good question that warrants an answer from the factory. I will try and find out if there is some type of reinforcement for the extra overhang.
I heard that there is no longer the need for the shroud plate or whatever it's called for the roof A/C as they have reinforced and beefed up that area now on the roof for support.
So, hopefully they have given the same thought into the longer overhang.

Still is comforting to know that they have a 6 year structural warranty.

[MikeJinCO]

I would recheck with NL that they have reinforced the structure on these longer units. Bigfoot had similar clam shell ones way back when and many had structural problems due to the longer overhang. The fiberglass shell did not appear up to the overhanging weight of the 11.5 ft length where the 10.5' ones has seem to hold up forever.

I have had a similar problems with my 30C1002(full slide)but it is built in a different manner so it doesn't count.

BTW congrats on the new one, having owned 3 Bigfoot units I'm obviously a fan of the clam shell construction.

[HarmsWay]

Truck Camper Magazine Northern Lite article

Yes, I think that means they are still planning to make the 10-2 CD but it doesn't say anything about building a new mold.

[Snowy_Bird]

HarmsWay wrote:
Congratulations! Are they still planning to continue with the old 10.2 CD (or RR) or does the longer EX replace that? Either way there will be a long lineup to get the new campers. You're lucky to get priority.

I guess they would not know yet what the finished dry weight for the EX will be. I would assume heavier but they may have found ways to keep it light.

From the interview with Keith from NL posted on TC magazine's site, I'm thinking there will be just the 10.2RR EX replacing the 10.2 RR (this is the only model they have that is a dry bath at NL), unless they are coming up with a totally new dry bath in a shorter length (I doubt that).
They are still doing the 10.2 CDSE (wet bath). I think that is their best seller.

There is a 2014, 10.2 RR for sale in BC. Dry weight listed at 2400 (approx), but NL weighs each unit OTD and post it somewhere inside the unit. It is fully loaded and after all optioned out, I think I remember this weighing in at 3200 (approx).

I would guess that the new base weight for the new 10.2 RR EX would be another 200#s (I'm guessing again).

The weight is not an issue for us as we have a 2012 F350 with duallies.
What will be an issue is getting a longer heavy duty, probably TL hitch. Not an issue, per say, but more money to set us up properly, as we tow a 22' enclosed bike trailer behind our unit.

[kerry4951]

Congratulations!! You deserve to be one of the first ones on the list...you certainly waited long enough.

[Stars101]

FYI - Truck Camper Magazine has an article about it that answers all these questions. I am sure some techie person (not me) can add a clicky link.

I am glad to see the NL rebuild went so quickly for them.

[HarmsWay]

Congratulations! Are they still planning to continue with the old 10.2 CD (or RR) or does the longer EX replace that? Either way there will be a long lineup to get the new campers. You're lucky to get priority.

I guess they would not know yet what the finished dry weight for the EX will be. I would assume heavier but they may have found ways to keep it light.

[Bigfootchevy]

Congratulations! Very nice camper.

Paul

[dakonthemountai]

How exciting!!! Congratulations! I don't know if I could wait until February though! Although, perhaps you may still be in snow at that time anyway?... Oh well, you can spend the entire winter planning your next years adventures!!

🙂

Dak

[Snowy_Bird]

jimh425 wrote:
Congrats! Based on measurements I made years ago, 11 extra inches would make the dry bath quite a bit better. Also, the other side of the camper would be better as well. Can't wait for pics!

Me too and can't wait for the actual camper...:)

[jimh406]

Congrats! Based on measurements I made years ago, 11 extra inches would make the dry bath quite a bit better. Also, the other side of the camper would be better as well. Can't wait for pics!

[Snowy_Bird]

bobman wrote:
did they say when it will be delivered?

Feb 2015, providing they can be operational by Nov.

I have priority for the 10.2 productions as mine had burnt in the fire ( at least I think I have priority).

I would guess for anyone ordering new, it could be quite a few months after Feb, but who knows? Apparently they are adding additional staff to catch up, so maybe they will be running longer hours or more shifts. I'm guessing at all this, except for the more staff hired.