viking 17BH

[36onslow]

Hello everyone!
I am a new member to the fourm and just recently bought a 2016 Viking BH.
I just took it for its maiden voyage yesterday after installing the weight distribution hitch. Tows well with our 2013 santa fe 2.0 turbo rated at 3500 lbs with trailer brakes. The trailer dry is 2850.
Does anyone else have one of these TT? One problem I have noticed so far is condensation building up on the freezer door inside the fridge. We are taking it out camping the weekend of the 26th for the first time so it will be a good time to test it before I put it away for the winter.

[lgarcia]

We tow a Shasta 18BH with a half ton Ram. First trip in August was a success. 5 hour round trip to Yatesville Lake in Kentucky, and mostly Interstate. Decent on gas even on WV hills, but have a new tow vehicle that is awesome. Both did well.

No excess moisture in the fridge. Also love the auto switch between propane and electric, which is an upgrade for us from the previous TT's fridge which wore out one's thumb when switching.

I am a fan of the tub for preventing splashes. Previous TT's was more of a stall, and was hard to not get water on the floor. I also really like that the tub has lower faucet as well as the shower wand.

Just love my Shasta, and hope you are all enjoying your ones as well.

[DesertFront]

I have a Viking 14R that I tow with my Nissan Frontier. I like mine and the Frontier is way more than I need to tow it.

[36onslow]

I just took the camper on its first real voyage this weekend. About 250 km round trip ... Used the full tank of gas in the Santa fe ! We just set it up in a buddy's yard as he was having a house warming party and we wanted to try it out. It's tows pretty good. Keep it at 100 kmh on the highway .. stays in 5th gear and revs about 2600 rpm. I think I may add a stablizaion arm. I wouldn't want to go on long hauls with it but fine within a few hours of us.

[danimal53]

36onslow wrote:
The tub was a big feature for us as we have a 3 yr old. I've read that some screws on different things come loose and some water lines (hopefully not ours !) I've yet to use it so I can't say anything about the outdoor shower. I believe mine does have the premium package but not sure all that comes with it ?
Does the propane last you awhile ? Does the freezer condensation bead and run down the cover or just signs of it ? Mine run down the front and drips into the fridge part.

no issues with water lines so far. premium package has outdoor shower, aluminum wheels, bathtub surround...i think different blinds maybe?

it has dripped into the fridge a little bit, but not too concerning or much of an issue.

propane has lasted quite a while, obviously depends on how much you cook off it. we've been about 15 days or so on the same tank, us it to run the fridge during travel, heat water for showers, and a few meals (usually cook on charcoal grill). we were also plugged into a standard outlet (15amp) for much of the time, so we would switch the fridge to gas only when using the A/C, to prevent any breaker tripping. so a lot of nights the fridge was on propane also and still have some left.

seems the fridge and water heater on propane is very efficient, but how long the tank lasts would depend mostly on how much cooking and furnace use (we have yet to use the furnace)

[36onslow]

danimal53 wrote:

36onslow wrote:

danimal53 wrote:
congrats on the new TT! we got a similar (or identical?) 2016 Clipper 17BH back in June. looks to be the same trailer with different stickers. have gone about 5,000 miles already, and we're very happy so far.

I've also noticed the condensation in the fridge, dont think anything is faulty, just normal depending on the humidity outside. there's a drip tray that pretty much does its job.

im curious how well your Santa Fe tows? I thought we had one of the smaller setups (2010 Jeep Liberty, rated 5,000lbs) but I guess I'm not alone now!

Yes they are actually the identical TT. So your freezer does the same thing ... ideally it shouldn't. Did you tub come with a plug so you can fill water in the bath? Any things you can think of that I should keep an eye on?

I took it on a 40km haul yesterday after I hhad the brake controller installed. I've never towed anything other then a 4 wheeler with it before and it tows that like it's not even there. You can definitely notice the TT but I wouldn't say it's working real hard. I was easy on the throttle the whole time and it didn't seem to be struggling at all. I had it on the highway and set the cruise at 100 kmh and it stayed in 5th gear and felt good. Some people may say it's too much for the Santa fe but I'm within the specs. It's a strong turbo motor with 270hp and something like 260 ft pounds of torque.

maybe the condensation is more excessive on yours, for me it hasn't been too crazy.

highway, tows great, no issues at all and everything feels great. if your going up on down steep roads, its a bit of a struggle but gets it done. i guess people have different comfort levels (and bankrolls) and get bigger trucks but as long as you're safe within specs and comfortable, your decision. thats the way i see it. i was told same thing, going to want a bigger TV etc, but I've been pretty happy with quite a bit of towing in these first 3 months of ownership.

i dont think the tub came with a plug. i'd actually prefer just a walk in shower, tub seems useless for me (but then again, no kids...yet)

one thing to watch for, after long trips the screws holding the cover on the furnace seem to rattle loose. i haven't changed anything yet (other than re-tighten/re-install). One screw came out completely, causing the cover to sort of hang and scratch the cabinet pretty good. just watch for that.

do you have the premium package? wondering if you use the exterior shower? i'm considering adding one, for dogs, rinsing off sand, etc.

The tub was a big feature for us as we have a 3 yr old. I've read that some screws on different things come loose and some water lines (hopefully not ours !) I've yet to use it so I can't say anything about the outdoor shower. I believe mine does have the premium package but not sure all that comes with it ?
Does the propane last you awhile ? Does the freezer condensation bead and run down the cover or just signs of it ? Mine run down the front and drips into the fridge part.

[danimal53]

36onslow wrote:

danimal53 wrote:
congrats on the new TT! we got a similar (or identical?) 2016 Clipper 17BH back in June. looks to be the same trailer with different stickers. have gone about 5,000 miles already, and we're very happy so far.

I've also noticed the condensation in the fridge, dont think anything is faulty, just normal depending on the humidity outside. there's a drip tray that pretty much does its job.

im curious how well your Santa Fe tows? I thought we had one of the smaller setups (2010 Jeep Liberty, rated 5,000lbs) but I guess I'm not alone now!

Yes they are actually the identical TT. So your freezer does the same thing ... ideally it shouldn't. Did you tub come with a plug so you can fill water in the bath? Any things you can think of that I should keep an eye on?

I took it on a 40km haul yesterday after I hhad the brake controller installed. I've never towed anything other then a 4 wheeler with it before and it tows that like it's not even there. You can definitely notice the TT but I wouldn't say it's working real hard. I was easy on the throttle the whole time and it didn't seem to be struggling at all. I had it on the highway and set the cruise at 100 kmh and it stayed in 5th gear and felt good. Some people may say it's too much for the Santa fe but I'm within the specs. It's a strong turbo motor with 270hp and something like 260 ft pounds of torque.

maybe the condensation is more excessive on yours, for me it hasn't been too crazy.

highway, tows great, no issues at all and everything feels great. if your going up on down steep roads, its a bit of a struggle but gets it done. i guess people have different comfort levels (and bankrolls) and get bigger trucks but as long as you're safe within specs and comfortable, your decision. thats the way i see it. i was told same thing, going to want a bigger TV etc, but I've been pretty happy with quite a bit of towing in these first 3 months of ownership.

i dont think the tub came with a plug. i'd actually prefer just a walk in shower, tub seems useless for me (but then again, no kids...yet)

one thing to watch for, after long trips the screws holding the cover on the furnace seem to rattle loose. i haven't changed anything yet (other than re-tighten/re-install). One screw came out completely, causing the cover to sort of hang and scratch the cabinet pretty good. just watch for that.

do you have the premium package? wondering if you use the exterior shower? i'm considering adding one, for dogs, rinsing off sand, etc.

[36onslow]

coolmom42 wrote:
You will get some freezer door condensation regardless of how good the seal is on the freezer, because outside air gets in it every time you open. And the air gets inside the main door the same way. Only way to stop it is not to open either door, which obviously isn't going to happen.

Here in the humid southeast US the freezer has to be defrosted pretty often.

I totally agree with you ! However I turned on the fridge for the first time and didn't open the door once until it was cooled down and it was covered. Not a big deal just have to wipe it off every once in awhile I guess !

[36onslow]

danimal53 wrote:

Dream Girl wrote:
I have a similar model/floor plan: Jayco 185BH.

On these small trailers and 3500lb towing capacity you need to watch for your REAL tongue wight closely!!!

Also, get a good WDH + Sway control that is NOT heavy, like the "Andersen No Sway" (53 lb) that also will help you keep the tongue wight down.

agree, specifically the TV payload. i found that is the limit i'm closest too. wife and I and 2 dogs, maybe only 100lbs left. and thats with 5,000lb towing capacity. Unfortunately payload on yellow sticker is only 950lbs (though specs online say 1150, still not sure why the discrepancy)

With the weight distribution hitch it took off a lot of tongue weight. The rear squats 1/2 inch with the distribution hitch installed. I'm sure it would be on the ground without.
I don't see how a sway bar takes any load off the tongue but rather helps keep the trailer riding straight and actually does add weight to the tongue. Whatever the weight of the sway bar is going to be added to the tongue weight.

[36onslow]

danimal53 wrote:
congrats on the new TT! we got a similar (or identical?) 2016 Clipper 17BH back in June. looks to be the same trailer with different stickers. have gone about 5,000 miles already, and we're very happy so far.

I've also noticed the condensation in the fridge, dont think anything is faulty, just normal depending on the humidity outside. there's a drip tray that pretty much does its job.

im curious how well your Santa Fe tows? I thought we had one of the smaller setups (2010 Jeep Liberty, rated 5,000lbs) but I guess I'm not alone now!

Yes they are actually the identical TT. So your freezer does the same thing ... ideally it shouldn't. Did you tub come with a plug so you can fill water in the bath? Any things you can think of that I should keep an eye on?

I took it on a 40km haul yesterday after I hhad the brake controller installed. I've never towed anything other then a 4 wheeler with it before and it tows that like it's not even there. You can definitely notice the TT but I wouldn't say it's working real hard. I was easy on the throttle the whole time and it didn't seem to be struggling at all. I had it on the highway and set the cruise at 100 kmh and it stayed in 5th gear and felt good. Some people may say it's too much for the Santa fe but I'm within the specs. It's a strong turbo motor with 270hp and something like 260 ft pounds of torque.

[danimal53]

Dream Girl wrote:
I have a similar model/floor plan: Jayco 185BH.

On these small trailers and 3500lb towing capacity you need to watch for your REAL tongue wight closely!!!

Also, get a good WDH + Sway control that is NOT heavy, like the "Andersen No Sway" (53 lb) that also will help you keep the tongue wight down.

agree, specifically the TV payload. i found that is the limit i'm closest too. wife and I and 2 dogs, maybe only 100lbs left. and thats with 5,000lb towing capacity. Unfortunately payload on yellow sticker is only 950lbs (though specs online say 1150, still not sure why the discrepancy)

[Dream_Girl]

I have a similar model/floor plan: Jayco 185BH.

On these small trailers and 3500lb towing capacity you need to watch for your REAL tongue wight closely!!!

Also, get a good WDH + Sway control that is NOT heavy, like the "Andersen No Sway" (53 lb) that also will help you keep the tongue wight down.

[danimal53]

congrats on the new TT! we got a similar (or identical?) 2016 Clipper 17BH back in June. looks to be the same trailer with different stickers. have gone about 5,000 miles already, and we're very happy so far.

I've also noticed the condensation in the fridge, dont think anything is faulty, just normal depending on the humidity outside. there's a drip tray that pretty much does its job.

im curious how well your Santa Fe tows? I thought we had one of the smaller setups (2010 Jeep Liberty, rated 5,000lbs) but I guess I'm not alone now!

[coolmom42]

You will get some freezer door condensation regardless of how good the seal is on the freezer, because outside air gets in it every time you open. And the air gets inside the main door the same way. Only way to stop it is not to open either door, which obviously isn't going to happen.

Here in the humid southeast US the freezer has to be defrosted pretty often.

[36onslow]

Oasisbob wrote:
I am saving up for a similar trailer. Hope you like it. The freezer door condensation comes from the freezer door seal leaking. See if youcan adjust it prior to your next trip or go to the dealer. Happy Trails and welcome

I'm gonna take another look at it ... seems to be worse on the more humid days then not which tells me that it's the main door letting air in. That being said the main door looks to be sealing properly. If the main door is sealing properly the humidity outside should have no effect on the freezer door ?