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Messages - LANA/LARRY

#16
We resolved our flopping table option by building a larger (34" x42") top and installing it with 42" dimension running toward wall of slide out. We have the booth option (in place of standard jack knife sofa) and only two of us to seat, so we sit on ends of booth toward center of trailer. Would you believe the provided cushions stacked three high match exactly with height of stock mounting post, so we just rearrange cushions to support entire width of table under it's end toward wall of slide out. I bought a new top mounting ring (on Amazon) & installed under table top (end toward center of trailer) to line up with existing post and floor mount. This set up provides a much larger, more stable table. Note it wouldn't be acceptable if more than two need to eat at a time.

Also, I found by using a strap wrench (rubber strap) to tighten down center post really tight, this helped some with stock table... but still too shakey for us. Extra room on new table is great for games, computer work, etc. too.
#17
CampLite Travel Trailers / Re: Off road kit for 21BHS
September 09, 2017, 12:02:05 AM
We recently purchased a 2018 CL21RBS with Offroad Package Option. It has 15" tires VS standard 14". Not sure how much extra lift the kit provides VS standard trailer. The 2018's have leaf springs VS previously used torsion axles, so this may not be available for your application.

Tires have plenty of clearance, suspect shackles at leaf spring ends are a little taller than standard but not verified by actual measurement. Our unit tows very well with this package, no hint of being top heavy, trailer rides smooth. Suspect the higher profile may negatively impact fuel mileage slightly.
#18
CampLite Travel Trailers / Re: XL package
August 31, 2017, 07:04:41 PM
There are quite a few features added with the XL Package which I was lead to believe are upgrades over standard 21RBS. We recently bought and received a 2018 21RBS and opted for the XL option. In our scouting phase, we didn't see any units without XL Pkg added. I think the trailer would be pretty "Plain Jain" without it. It is an expensive option though with list price at $3498.60 (of course discounted significantly with dealing).

We opted for the 30 lb LP Tanks... very inexpensive option. We also went with dinette set up VS jackknife sofa... but will say our table is irritating with wobbling (we have a work around in progress on table, can pass along to you if your decice on this route).

We opted for the Offroad Pkg even though we don't expect to "rough it" that much. We like the extra ground clearance which allowed us to bolt on a few optional storage add on's without concern over dragging. Main feature I was after was 15" VS 14" tires - not sure but I think the tires are rated higher sidewall ply & fewer revolutions lead to less bearing wear, etc. A possible negative though is higher trailer profile may negatively impact fuel economy some.

We highly recommend the power awning with LED lighting.... we love this feature.

We got the Fantastic Fan... but question whether it's worth the premium... for us, we mostly use A/C and standard fans aren't bad (we have one Fantastic, one standard). Also, the exterior hoods for fans (allows use when raining) are much more expensive for Fantastic Fan. The standard covers fit Fantastic Fan, but restrict airflow to point it's not much better than standard fan.

Power tongue jack was worth it to us.

We went with Maple cabinetry which is pretty, but suggest you consider the aluminum door option. IMO they are not as attractive but should be very durable and have better closures to keep doors secure during towing. Not that the wooden cabinets are bad though. Not sure what list price is for aluminum doors.

Good luck, bargain hard, enjoy a really fine camper!  Larry
#19
Upgrades and Modifications / Re: Storage Ideas
August 22, 2017, 06:32:24 PM
We have a CL21RBS and installed two 4" diameter drainage pipes with screw on ends mounted side to side on our unit. The storage CL provided for sewer hose was a joke on our unit. These new installations easily fit 20 feet of sewer hose. One could actually place 4 or 5 more of these pipes on board to store water hoses, power cords, etc. Note that we have off road package on our trailer, so have more clearance to work with than some trailers. Check to be sure your clearance is adequate for type of places you take your trailer. We used universal strapping material across pipes and attached them with self tapping screws.
#20
New Members / Re: 21 RBS Just Purchased
August 12, 2017, 10:43:42 PM
Nice purchase! We also have a CL21RBS and tow with a 2016 Tundra 5.7L Tow Pkg. Ours tows like a dream. Trailer is "just right" for the two of us and our small dog Lily. I've done a few upgrades you may want to consider: hard wired Progressive surge / high-low voltage protector, 4" tubes mounted below frame across trailer for sewer hose storage, "bug screens" on all vents like refrig, hot water heater, furnace; hoods on fan roof outlets, Blue Ox load leveling / sway control hitch (probably didn't need but considered it good insurance for cross winds & interstate trucks (found near new one on Craig's List for half new cost). Be sure to inflate tires to max pressure and check frequently - have read tire blowouts can be a major trouble area if you don't take good care of them. Enjoy your new camper... I feel certain you will!  :)
#21
I am looking at two possibilities for an improved spare mounting system. Most promising is RAL"Hide-A-Spare" rack system (ttps://www.amazon.com/BAL-28217-Hide-Spare-Storage/product-reviews/B00KPQYZ6O/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=avp_only_reviews#reviews-filter-bar) which is a universal product made for travel trailers. It may need some modification to fit specific trailer.

A second alternative is a Dorman Spare Tire Hoist. These are typically used on pick up trucks which store spares under the the bed near rear. I have emailed Dorman for suggestions on our trailer application.

We may be able to mount spare below or above trailer tounge, but not my favorite... sort of ugly and tounge is already "busy" on my rig.

As time allows, I likely will try the RAL system & let forum know how it works out.
#22
Thanks for pointing out this engineering shortcoming. We only recently got our CL21RBS, so I haven't yet looked into a good solution but will keep you informed if I get something practical and safe to work. Seems to me the undermount spare on our trailer at best would be a nightmare to remove / replace if one had a flat, and at worst a very high potential for injury. At least the valve stem on mine does point downward and is accessible for checking pressure.

Two quick thoughts, if I had to remove my spare, I would place some secure support under the tire before removing the mounting bolt so tire wouldn't fall clear to ground. Also, glad I have a Good Sam membership to tend to a flat while on the road!

#23
We now have our 2018 CL21RBS, really nice unit! We got the dinette and that fits our needs really well. We have not slept on the dinette bed, seems a bit small for 2 adults... but will be great for our grandkids. CL fixed the liscense plate mount issue on our unit. We pull with a 2016 Tundra 5.7L V8, plenty of power, easily handles Interstate speeds even on grades. Trailer tracks very true to the truck. Don't feel like we need trailer mirrors in our case (trailer not as wide as many out there), can see lanes on either side clearly with stock mirrors. Got about 10 MPG (down from average 15.5 MPG empty) doing mostly 65 / 70; should expect better if we can slow down to 60 MPD. Being  conservatives, we installed a Blue Ox leveling / sway control hitch system (found on Craig's List for 1/2 cost of a new one). Absolutely no sway, even with semi / bus interactions. We feel hitch is a good insurance investment considering potential of loosing control under possible additive cross wind / traffic conditions and subsequent consequences. Went through a major thunderstorm on our first camping adventure (@ Lake Lanier) with a few trees getting knocked over, etc. No leaks on camper during this "acid" test! Found trailer size to be great for the two of us... think 4 adults would be uncomfortable if weather forced everyone inside for an extended period. Going to the NC mountains in a couple weeks for Adventure #2.
#24
We just took delivery of a 2018 CL21RBS with Dining Nook in the slide out. A single center mounted post supports the table (sort of). The table flops around quite a bit with very little off center loading on it. We adjusted the post locking collar tight down to the floor mounting plate which helps a little, but table movement is still unacceptable.

We are considering installation of a second post along the long axis to at least help some of the length-wise up / down movement but of course this would be an obstruction for those seated at table.

Has anyone come up with a good practical solution to this issue you are willing to share?  Thanks.
#25
We just picked up a new CL21RBS towing it with a '16 Tundra 5.7L and using a Blue Ox load leveling sway control system. Mounted easily and tows like a dream, not even a bobble at interstate speeds going by semi trucks, bus, etc. Our truck didn't drop much putting trailer on the ball, so weight distribution probably not much of a need in our case anyway. Sway control is a big deal in my mind though. We have never towed our rig without sway control, so can't give comparison. We figured $300 for a high degree of certainty sway not likely to occur under widely varied conditions; especially considering what is at risk was a worthy insurance investment.

Found our year old Blue Ox on Craig's List for half of new price. Several brands were listed in our area when we were looking, may be worth checking this source near you. Good reviews on e-trailer.com for most any component you want including several brands of sway / load leveling devices.

Hope this helps.
#26
We just picked up our CL21RBS and camped out with it. Fridge freezer got cold very quickly, but fridge took some time. We had quite a bit of stuff in fridge, so cooling load was significant. After about 4 hours though, fridge was very cold as were contents. Give it several hours and see if temp is more satisfactory after that. We were running fridge on electricity, not propane. No experience yet with propane.
#27
We also are picking up our 2018 CL21RBS next week. We chose to get a Tundra 5.7 L V8 not so much for the brute torque and HP it offers, but for several other features the Tundra brings to the task. I suspect any of the Tacoma V6 engines would easily "pull"  the 21rbs, but that's not the end of the story.

One needs to consider total weight carrying capacity of rear axle, braking ability, sway control features, full load rating of loaded truck plus trailer, etc. and should you choose to go a bit larger RV in the future, will your truck handle that. All of the newer 5.7 L Tundra (2016 and up I think) have integrated factory equipped trailer brake systems, automated sway control, built in "tow mode" engine brake feature, Class IV hitch (far exceeds our case needs), optional rear stabilizer bar. The Devil''s in the details!

One considerableTundra down side (VS Tacoma) would be fuel economy while not towing. However while towing, there's no free lunch with any truck. I suspect towing mpg would be very similar for either vehicle.

Since I have not yet pulled our 21rbs with our Tundra, I cannot pass on any first hand experience until after next week. Feel free to contact me for our results if you are still undecided. Both Tacoma and Tundra are GREAT tough vehicles IMO, but felt a considerably improved safety edge with Tundra for our application. 

Great choice on your CL, and potential truck Brand! Enjoy & God Bless.
#28
Has anyone had any positive or negative experiences with RV Covers? Any you would recommend or stay away from? How well do they protect RV? Do they rub enough to damage Paint? Are roof protrusions much of a damage problem & if so, ideas to abate same? How hard are they to install & remove without damage to either RV or cover?
#29
Just wondering if anyone has experienced or heard of others having their entire trailer stolen; either from a camp ground or while stored? Does anyone have some good security suggestions we newbies may benefit from? After looking at Amazon reviews of locking systems for trailer tounge ball receiver, doesn't give me much confidence most will hold up to a determined thief...  :( Are some sort of wheel locks available that are secure?
#30
CampLite Travel Trailers / RV TIRE PROBLEMS?
June 18, 2017, 08:58:17 AM
I've heard some horror stories about the poor quality of RV OEM tires and resultant consequences such as body damage from shreds slapping wheel well, poor tire life, etc. What are forum experiences on this subject?

Are quality RV tires available (preferably USA made VS China) and if so, recommendations?

Why are tire covers recommended for RV's when not used on autos / trucks, etc.