platbr
Explorer
Joined 20 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: Camp Lite Livin' Lite question -- new fiberglass sides
djsamuel wrote: They are building the fiberglass side units as prototypes for a possible sub model. Not sure of the rationale behind it, but they continue to manufacture the aluminum sided trailers with no announced plans to switch to fiberglass only. I think they are looking to come out with a lower cost line that still has the benefits of no/minimal wood, without discontinuing the current line of aluminum sided models. Thanks. Here was an official response I got today: "Thank you for your inquiry. Livin Lite is adding the option of having Fbg. Exterior to their units. You can still get the trailers with the Aluminum skin, but there is an option now for the fbg." I'd wondered if there was some underlying issue. We had some nasty filiform corrosion issues with our Airstream Bambi 19, and I didn't want to wade back into those problems if there was some issue nobody was talking about. But it sounds like the aluminum is still the preferred option.332Views0likes0CommentsCamp Lite Livin' Lite question -- new fiberglass sides
We are looking at Camplite Livin' Lite trailers, and have liked the fact that they are all aluminum construction, including the outer skin. Tonight, I noticed that one of the 2018 Camplite 21BHS models I found had "new with Fiberglass sides!!" The window sticker lists "PROTO: GREY FIBERGLASS EXTERIOR." So does anyone know a reason for the change? Prior years were aluminum skin over Azdel. Any concerns buying "last year's model" with aluminum skin?2.8KViews0likes7CommentsRe: Picking a bunkhouse TT: outside size versus inside
IBcarguy wrote: You mentioned the Grand Design. They have a reputation of making a high quality rig but I'd be a little worried about the ability of your F150 to tow this size rig. Fair concern. Are all F-150s created equal? I think I'd not be too concerned with overheating, etc., given the tow rating at 11,100 lbs, but then again, I realize that's a big number for the F-150 even if you add the aux oil cooler, class IV hitch, WD hitch, etc. I will say the F-150 does fine towing our boat, which is 7,000+, and I don't even use WD on the boat.544Views0likes0CommentsRe: Picking a bunkhouse TT: outside size versus inside
theoldwizard1 wrote: First, I don't understand the question in your title "outside size versus inside" ? Bigger outside is typically bigger inside. Only you can decide if 3 or 4 more feet is worth the cost. Sorry, I was referencing the dilemma between bigger meaning more space when you're camping (good) versus more space on the road when you're driving (bad). djsamuel wrote: We have the Camplite 21BHS and it's been great over the last 4 years. The all aluminum construction with azdel interior walls has been great. The camper is extremely solid with everything, including the cabinets, constructed as integral welded parts of the frame. Tows great with our Ram 1500 and easily sleeps 5 if using the dinette as a bed. The two bunks easily handle two adults, and the queen bed is a full size queen. Camplite 21BHS Thanks for this. I've actually followed your very positive posts about the Camplite, and am definitely impressed. I'm a little bummed that we were in Portland last weekend and were unable to look at one, because the dealer was closed 4 days in a row... but oh well. After the Airstream which (love or hate) was good quality, I'm somewhat worried about a trailer falling apart on me. The story about the Lance 2185 falling apart and leaking was rather cautionary, especially given that it was one of my top contenders (and expensive, to boot). Is there anything you don't love about the Camplite? Anything you'd do differently? My wife doesn't love the storage to the left and right of the queen bed, as it hangs rather low. I'm also a big fan of their "aluminum" interior, which I think looks industrial and great (her, not so much), but it seems there are options. Would love to hear more thoughts on the 21BHS.544Views0likes0CommentsPicking a bunkhouse TT: outside size versus inside
My wife and I are in the process of selling our Class C and want to go back to a Travel Trailer. Our prior TT was an Airstream Bambi 19 (before the Class C) but with only one bed, we outgrew the trailer. Our tow vehicle is a Ford F-150 with the tow package, aux trans cooler, etc, which is rated (fwiw) at 11,100 lbs. We regularly tow our 23' Malibu which is 7,000 including trailer. In any event, we are looking at bunkhouse trailers for us and two kids. I'm really concerned with quality, and want a TT that will last, not leak, etc., but have a hard time telling which manufacturers are better or worse, and when it's worth spending the extra dollar. So we are considering a range starting with smaller, e.g., Kodiak Cub 175BH and the Micro Winnie 1700BH. Both have beds for four, which don't require making up or taking down. That's probably the smallest I'd want to go; I like the Kodiak for its simplicity, and the finish seems decent. Both are super light at ~3500 dry weight, and super cheap (~$16-18k). On the other end of the spectrum is a trailer we shouldn't even have looked at, the Grand Design Imagine 2400BH, which the family loves. Of course, it's huge inside and at 5,500 dry its going to weigh less than our Malibu. But it's a big trailer, and I have some worries about towing such a large trailer with our little F-150. A bit more money, too. In the middle (unfortunately couldn't see this one this weekend because American RV in Portland was closed four days in a row) is the Livin Lite Camplite 21BH. Seems like good construction, although probably more expensive than the above options. So how do you decide?!? How do you "test drive" a trailer before buying to see if the size is right for you? Any thoughts on these options and our tow vehicle?5.4KViews0likes15CommentsRe: Higher end brands?
ScottG wrote: I *think* you can add Grand Design to the list. Not as nicely built as Arctic Fox (I found some sneaky places where GD saves mmoney) but still much better than the avg. We were looking at a Grand Design this last week, and we were impressed by some of the things the designers came up with. I'd be very curious (as we consider the GD) what are the areas you found where they cheat and save money? For reference, we are looking for a mid-length bunkhouse model, considering the Grand Design 2400BH and also the Camplite CL21BHS.575Views0likes0CommentsRe: Alternatives to Lance 2185 Travel Trailer
Thanks for posting this. We were looking at similar trailers in this size and I'm curious where you end up, and also appreciate the input from others here. Lastly, we were seriously considering the Lance 2185 (were heading to see one tomorrow) but this is a sad and cautionary tale, and I'll hold off on Lance given your experiences. They should have stepped up to make it right, and not given you the run-around.1.1KViews0likes0Comments
Groups
Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jan 21, 202544,029 Posts
