CT51
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Re: Sprinter Repair
Thanks for the tip on the Riordan Turbo resonator. We've had the resonator fail, alternator ($1,100 for part alone), leaking fuel fittings, failed idler pulleys (2),transmission leak, two failed A/C/heat blower switches, brake pad warning sensor, EGR valve, even the antenna fell off ($200 for part). This vehicle is parked under cover each night, and has 54,000 miles. I realize the OP wasn't looking for opinions on Sprinters, but I just cringe thinking someone is considering buying another one. Here in the Atlanta area, biggest problem is dealers. They are mostly concerned with getting you a manicure, or a massage, or signing you up for yoga or hitting balls on their driving range, or tasting their gourmet coffee-anything but fixing your vehicle. You can only talk to your service advisor at a scheduled appointment, and don't even think of talking to a technician! OK, thru ranting. I predict that three years from now virtually every class B and B plus that's on a Sprinter chassis now will be on a Transit chassis, and you'll be able to get them worked on at every town in America. CT51455Views0likes0CommentsRe: Sprinter Repair
My daughter has a mobile grooming van built on a 2006 Sprinter 2500. It is similar to an RV in that it has fresh water tank, gray water tank, 2500 watt invertor, shore batteries (six 6 volt), two water pumps, plumbing, electrical etc. While we have it mostly sorted out, it has been the most unreliable and expensive vehicle to service that I have ever owned. I just purchased a 2016 Pleasure Way Lexor TS. I did not consider any class B built on a Sprinter chassis. It sounds like you are thinking of buying a new class B? If you don't like the RAM Promaster, why not wait until a class B you like is built on a Ford Transit? For every other type of conversion, they are rapidly overtaking Mercedes in sales. I believe it would prove to be considerably more trouble free, and far easier and less expensive to maintain. JMHO. CT51455Views0likes0CommentsRe: How to Keep Bathroom Floor Clean
I cut a rubber backed bath mat to the dimensions of the shower pan (20 x 14.5) in my Lexor TS. The mat is always on the shower floor, keeping the pan clean. If I take a shower, the mat is placed just outside the bath door, where it is the first thing stepped on getting out of the shower. Am never stepping on shower floor except when taking a shower, and I wipe the floor along with anything else remaining wet. Floor stays shiny clean. Looked at hard products (like teak grate), but thought they would scratch floor, and wouldn't serve as bath mat to step on getting out of shower. CT51448Views0likes0CommentsRe: Pleasure Way Lexor, older vs new, and vs Excel
I had an Excel a few years back. Very well made, and very comfortable. The sway was an issue. If you're happy going under 60MPH, then no problem. If you like to cruise at 70 or more, which is one reason for owning a B, then you probably would not like it. It's not dangerous, just tiring to constantly be correcting the steering. CT51884Views0likes0CommentsRe: Travato or Roadtrek
Thanks for the comments so far. I'm in total agreement with not liking hotels, but after 39 years of marriage, and 20 years of RVing with me being the most enthused, that's just what it is. Also, this is for some particular trips that involve a great deal of driving, so while we may sleep in it some, the driving ease is the priority for me. Still leaning towards the Travato 59K for the openness, and the twin beds. Looked at the Zion, but didn't like the bathroom in the front, or the bath arrangement. Might look at it again though. Plan to order something in the next 30 days, have all winter to get it right, and then head out late spring. CT51921Views0likes0CommentsRe: Travato or Roadtrek
Eric 1514, I'm leaning towards the Travato. The simple holding tank arrangement of the 59K appeals to me. Black tank is directly under the toilet, and gravity drains like most RV's. Also, sleeping arrangement is much more convenient (for me and the dog). I think the fridge is a compressor type, meaning it only works on 120 or 12 volt. That is why all 59K's you see have the solar panel. Also, I'm not familiar with the new heat and hot water system, but it sounds like a positive. How does yours drive? Wind noise, rattles etc? I've had class A's and class C's, and the rattles, squeaks, creaks, etc are a problem for me. Hoping a simple van with no slides or added body structure will not generate so many offensive noises. Thanks, CT51921Views0likes0CommentsTravato or Roadtrek
Planning to buy either a Travato 59K, or a Roadtrek 170 Versatile. I will use it with my wife to do some traveling out west to see all the stuff, national parks etc, that we have never seen. (we are retired). I have owned several RV's, but my wife has never been as enthusiastic as me. Plan is to stay in hotels, and have the van just for the toilet, fridge, and a place to take a quick nap while driving. I will still use the RV by myself, to go camping with the dog from time to time. I do that in state parks near our home in the Atlanta area. The bath arrangement in the Travato is obviously more roomy, and doesn't require anything special to use. Also twin beds are convenient and comfy. Roadtrek is two feet shorter, and has somewhere to sit for a passenger other than the front passenger seat. Also, the Roadtrek looks more like a conversion van than an RV. If anyone owns either one, what have you liked best about it, and what are the shortcomings? Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences with these RVs CT516.7KViews0likes12CommentsRe: wind
A tailwind can exacerbate sway, especially when going downhill and coasting. If you stay under 50 MPH, you're probably fine, just avoid the temptation to speed up. When you hear people complaining about sway problems with their rigs, it's never below 50 MPH, always above. CT51306Views0likes0CommentsRe: Quality with Thor Products vs Loving the Floorplan?
I've had several Thor products, and several Forrest River products. In my opinion, they are about the same. Every RV I have ever owned had some really dumb mistakes in it's manufacture. Most I easily fixed, but I'm handy. If you aren't comfortable caulking, reinforcing, packing bearing etc, then RV ownership can be very stressful. I've had 13 RV's in my lifetime, and have never had one back in a dealership for repairs. It's my experience the dealer will not fix a problem as well as I can, and will cause some other damage while attempting repairs. I live in a large city, and there are several respected mobile RV repair individuals. If I were not comfortable making repairs, I would establish a relationship with one of these folks. Sealing roofs must be checked and done properly yearly if your RV is parked outdoors. This could be done by one of these guys in one day, vs leaving it at a dealer for weeks and then having the trainee give it a shot. Same for wheel bearings, unsupported shower floors, plumbing leaks etc. You didn't mention any other problems with your Thor other than the roof leak, which could happen to any trailer. I would advise buying the trailer you like, and finding someone you trust to check the roof when you take delivery, and yearly thereafter.611Views0likes0CommentsRe: Coachman Freedom Express Questions
I have a 2015 Freedom Express 246RK. Pros are: tows extremely well. Axles are wide spaced, and set back farther than most. Gives good tonque weight and very little effected by crosswinds. Best shower enclosure available in a small trailer. 80" queen bed, with no wall at foot. Small slide doesn't affect campsite selection, and doesn't include wheel openings. Drawer for utensils, plenty of storage with the cabinets on both sides of the couch. No carpet, alloy wheels, spare tire up front under A frame, Non-cranking TV antenna, looks great. I replaced stock toilet with ceramic upgrade, and replaced swiveling TV bracket with much sturdier tilting only bracket, with additional support in cabinet, and added Blu Ray player in cabinet. Does have wheel well box under dinette, but there's just two of us so it doesn't come into play. Quality has been excellent. Huge electric awning with LED lights and a whole lot more. Easily the best RV I have had (it is the 13th RV!) CT51375Views0likes0Comments
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