Aluminum Camper Forum

Stu Beans is selling his 21 RBS on RV Trader.  What did you buy?  https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2016-Livin%27+Lite-CAMP+LITE+21RBS-5027662848?cmp=email_rv_search-alert

Anyone looking to replace their Camplite decals I bumped into this on the one of the LL Facebook pages: https://www.replacementdecals.com/camp-lite-by-livin-lite-rv-decals-set-of-2.aspx

Pre Thor 21 RBS for sale on RV Trader in Florida (not mine-just passing this along):  https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2014-Livin+Lite-CampLite+21RBS-5026564630

Looking at this option for our Dometic AC to lighten the demand load when starting the AC:  https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/rv-and-van/rv-air-conditioners/air-conditioner-accessories/dometic-smartstart-for-freshjet-341758

While running the rear camera cable wire for our Garmin back up camera I stumbled upon a huge, the term being relative, void. 

Beneath the outside storage box next to the hot water heater was an open area (around the size of one of the those Home Depot red buckets).  This was just wasted space that I had to convert into usable storage. 

I cut the Azdel board and drilled a finger open hole.  Screwed in some plastic board to keep the cargo from traveling into the hot water heater. 

Nice use of closed off void.  We did something similar with the 16 TBS next to the furnace for shoe storage. 

When I am plugged into a 110VT power source and using the Jensen Radio head for sound (Bluetooth, USB & TV) I get static through the speakers.  When using 12VT only there is no static.  Any suggestions on how to stop this?  The converter/ inverter must be creating this situation.

SOLD: Listed at $23.9K.  Highly desirable last of the all aluminum LL 16 TBS built.  Single owner, we ordered at a local dealer and was factory built for us.  Over all condition is very good.  All systems (DC/AC/heat/Air conditioner/refrigerator/hot water/plumping) are in working order.   Comes with all the 2016 standard items plus the XL living package of Jensen 24" TV, off road riser, Trifold Sofa, 13.5K BTU Low profile Penguin AC, dual 20 LP tanks, Wood Plank Vinyl Flooring & 4" rear bumper added at the factory. 

Upgrades we added included in the sale: Progressive Industries Electrical Management System (EMS-HW30C), WeBoost Cellular Signal Booster, Bathroom Sink, Wireless Backup Camera, Back Up/Reverse lights, 2" Receiver Hitch on Rear Bumper & Bike Rack, 2nd Spare Tire, Sway Control & hardware, 2" Receiver Bar with 2 5/16th " Ball, Marine deep cycle 12VT battery, Blue Seas battery shut off switch, SOLAR PREP , 80 WT Solar Panel with extension cable , External Bluetooth Speaker/Light, Wired for External Sirius Radio Antenna, AC Inverter, Mounted Outside Fold Up table, Rear Bumper Storage for Waste Line Accessories, Blueboy Waste Tank Mounted to Rear Bumper, New sewer hose and connector, TMPS & receiver for camper tires & Slim Shade RV Door window (No frosted window).

Had a tire delaminate on the highway so the fenders do not match, old bike rack got loose and handle bar dents are in the rear.  Fresh water tank replaced last year due to road debris cracking it. Small cut in awning is repaired.

Contact me for more pictures









 

Got the word from my wife that the 16 TBS is a tad small for extending camping. Doing our research looking to replace it with a 21 RBS.  Prefer an all aluminum version.  Any hints for or sightings of one for sale is appreciated.  I will be then either selling our 16 TBS or trading it in.  All depends on what is offered.

I have made the Starlink RV purchase.  Heading to Florida later this month with reservations to camp at Key West Naval Air Station (NAS) for the month of February.  It is dry camping with limited cellular service and mostly non-existence wifi.  I did my inter-web research of Starlink reviews and decided to give it the plunge.  Some folks exclaim it is a game changer and others are not impressed. If not satisfied you can return it up to 30 days for a full refund. The RV package it is the same as the residential unit with portability and is 110VT powered.  SL does not have a 12VT power option as of yet. That sine wave inverter I previously purchased will be the solution.  The RV option does allow the ability to pause the service when not using which the residential with portability does not.  The unit is scheduled to arrive today and I will update you along the way how it works out.

Looking for some recommendations for must stay Florida campgrounds this winter.  Thumb nail sketch of my travels is arrive in Florida after 20 January traveling down I-95 & I-4.  Spending time with Mom in Sanford then off to Key West NAS, reservations already made, for the month of February.  Staying at the Long Pine Key Everglades campground the nights of 31 January and 1 March. Want to be headed back north to Pennsylvania by mid-March after visiting Mom again for a few days. 

I know Stu Beans will have a few suggestions.

I do not require FHUs, electric is a nice to have option.  Understand that SW Florida may be off the agenda this year due to Hurricane Ian and dislocated folks using the campgrounds along with contractors.

Anyone else going to be in Sunny Florida this Winter?

Thanks again!

Question for those with those who have better 12 VT electrical knowledge than me (Dave, Merlin, & Pinstriper). 

I have a 12 VT inverter to 110 VT AC with two outlets. Plan is watch the TV in the evenings while charging the batteries on solar during the day.  It comes with a pig tail to cigarette plug.  I know this is not the best way to power the inverter and need to run 12 VT cables to the batteries and wire directly in.  What size cable do I need to run from the TV mount area on 16 TBS to the front battery?  Gather this is a 7-10' run.  Also think it would be wise to install a power kill switch to prevent accidental discharge of the battery. Looking for recommendations.

Then another thought is better to purchase a 12VT TV as it may be more efficient on converting 12VT to 110VT AC than the inverter?

I'd still keep the inverter but using it sparingly. 

Thanks

Amazon Woot, their clearance site, had Ford F 150 tow mirrors on sale for a clearance price of $120.00.  At that price didn't have much to lose.  They are not Ford OEM equipment but they are powered, heated, puddle lights and with turn indicators.  WOW wish I had bought tow mirrors years ago.  A lot less stress on clearing the side of the vehicle for lane changes, merges and backing. So if you have the standard mirrors and they are lacking for you I do recommend getting the tow mirrors upgrade. 

Headed to Vermont on Wednesday and was starting the the frig this morning.  It is going to be in the 90s for the next couple of days so it takes longer to cool down.  Had this trespasser on the back of the camper.

Tried posting this multiple times under my previous topic but it would not let me do so.  Ricketts Glen has updated the campground where now they have electric only, full hook ups and FHU drive through sites.  The sites with electricity are now open year round too.  Not sure if I want to camp there in February though. 

https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1753125&DocName=RICK_CampgroundMap.pdf

A David M. type question here:  I was able to successfully replace my flooded controller with a new Huine PWM controller from Amazon on our 80 watt suitcase solar charger.  This solar charger is at least 8 years old.  What I found interesting is the old controller had four wires on the battery connection cable. Two to the battery and two to into the controller. The new controller only had two wires for the battery connection I chose to only hook up the two that went directly to the batteries.  I was just wondering what the function of the two wires on the old controller?   

This is a military campground at NAS Key West.  Nice sight.  You have to be active duty, retired military, DOD civilian or disabled Veteran to use this facility.  Site for on line reservations is: https://hmsnvreservations.dodlodging.net/WBE/checkAvailability.do.

Yikes!  On our way to Florida today.  Filling up the water tank @ 1/4 for water to use while traveling once we got to above freezing temperatures
and when we stopped at a rest area in South Carolina noticed water running out from under the camper.  Turns out the front of the fresh water tank is cracked.  A rock or tire tread must of damaged the tank.  Cracked along the front facing vertical face. Tank was drain and the drain valve was left open until I closed it this morning to fill.  So is this a job I can do or take it to an RV repair shop?  Really messing up the plans of dry camping in Key West. We bought a brand new 21 gallon blue boy and the plan is snake a hose down to the fresh water blue boy using the existing water pump so we have water for everything but drinking and cooking.  The old improvise, adapt and overcome.

Will be leaving cold and snowy PA behind for the month of February.  The Navy has a campground at Key West*.  We got six nights booked at Sigbee Island MWR campground. It is dry camping but since it Key West with a temperature of 80s during the day and 60s at night we really do not need AC.  We are taking our time traveling to Florida and visiting my Mom in Central Florida while on this trip. Stopping at few other sites and a Harvest Host site too. 

No plans of yet to visit the Mouse.

This would be retirement trip #2. 

*If you are a veteran the DoD last year expanded eligibility for all veterans to utilize MWR facilities.  The veterans who do not have a DoD ID card will have to go to the visitors center for post access.  Veterans also are a lower priority then Active Duty and Retirees.

Found a lovely campground in the Black Hills of South Dakota at the City of Spearfish Campground right off I-90.  Great shady sites next to a fish hatchery and trout stream.  We want to go back and explore the area but did not have time this trip.  We were there during there Sturgis Bike week and the place was packed.  No issues with the bikers the place was quiet after 9 pm.   

Headed out on Sunday for a 6-8 week trip out west.  Visiting old Army buddies and friends. Staying at Yellowstone NP then friends in Eastern Washington then down the coast of Washington, Oregon, California then headed back east after a stay at Yosemite. 

First long trip with our Livin Lite. I recently retired on 30 June.

Happy Trails!