Aluminum Camper Forum

Livin Lite Forum => Livin Lite General Discussion => Topic started by: Davidb on December 29, 2016, 08:39:05 AM

Title: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Davidb on December 29, 2016, 08:39:05 AM
I  also encountered a large amount of chips when I removed the access panel behind the inverter, this area is vulnerable to damage from chips since the rear of the inverter is open for cooling.

The ceiling light fixture lenses seem to always have chips fall into them, and I am constantly removing chips from the front storage compartment after each trip.


(http://i.imgur.com/AHr2SwK.jpg)
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: thudd3r on January 04, 2017, 12:28:12 AM
happens to everyone.  took about 3 seasons to get them all out of our vrv.  when cleaning after each trip we would find more that had worked their way out of the cracks

int he beginning they were so bad that they would short the ceiling lights causing them to come on for no reason

Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Fatdog2 on January 22, 2017, 12:35:04 PM
On my 21BHS I've removed all speakers, overhead lights and any access panels to vacuumed out as much of the metal shavings that I could. The speakers were pretty bad and had to use a acid brush to brush out the chips between the cone and magnet. I also found over the refrigerator the slide control box just floating around and not secured to anything. I used stick on Velcro to mount the slide control box to frame work, as I had to do a reset once to get the slide to retract evenly. I also found the antenna wire splice connection loose, and also miss wired at the amplifier for radio. I haven't figured out how to clean up behind the fuse panel area under refrigerator. It's worth the effort in cleaning up the metal shavings no more flickering lights. The lenses slide off and then 4 screws.
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Paul on January 22, 2017, 09:50:04 PM
I did cleaned all my lights because I had light flickering problem, but I never though about the speakers! I will check them
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: pjcd on January 23, 2017, 12:06:35 AM
They were / are in every nook and cranny of the trailer.
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: doore75 on February 01, 2017, 01:21:02 PM
I'm looking into buying a 16BHB......is this problem significant enough that it would deter any of you from purchasing another livin' lite trailer?

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Paul on February 01, 2017, 01:42:40 PM
Hi doore, this is a problem that you would find in wood trailer too except that it's wood chips so it doesn't short the lights or other electronic like metal would do. Once you clean it the problem goes away. I had that problem with my light blinking, I cleaned them once and the problem is gone since
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: pjcd on February 01, 2017, 03:49:26 PM
Quote from: Paul on February 01, 2017, 01:42:40 PM
Hi doore, this is a problem that you would find in wood trailer too except that it's wood chips so it doesn't short the lights or other electronic like metal would do. Once you clean it the problem goes away. I had that problem with my light blinking, I cleaned them once and the problem is gone since


I have to disagree, I've owned three TT's, and three pop ups over the course of 35 years. I can't really recall ever having  this much debris in a unit.  That being said, it wouldn't deter me from purchasing one.
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Merlin on February 01, 2017, 05:44:05 PM
Quote from: doore75 on February 01, 2017, 01:21:02 PM
I'm looking into buying a 16BHB......is this problem significant enough that it would deter any of you from purchasing another livin' lite trailer?

Thanks in advance

I would not deter me, but if I had known about it up front, I would have done a lot more preventative vacuuming! You're a big step ahead of the issue, just from knowing the information on this forum. Good work! If you need any other help pre or post purchase, you know where to come. If someone on this forum doesn't know the answer to a question you may have, they'll give you an answer anyway.  ;D
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Paul on February 02, 2017, 11:08:43 AM
Quote from: pjcd on February 01, 2017, 03:49:26 PM
Quote from: Paul on February 01, 2017, 01:42:40 PM
Hi doore, this is a problem that you would find in wood trailer too except that it's wood chips so it doesn't short the lights or other electronic like metal would do. Once you clean it the problem goes away. I had that problem with my light blinking, I cleaned them once and the problem is gone since


I have to disagree, I've owned three TT's, and three pop ups over the course of 35 years. I can't really recall ever having  this much debris in a unit.  That being said, it wouldn't deter me from purchasing one.

I never experienced it myself either on a regular TT but heard about people that did. But you are right they are probably doing a better job at cleaning it than what LL did
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: pjcd on February 02, 2017, 11:15:56 AM
I can't say anything good about the QC of LL, they outright suck, I wouldn't buy a new one, (thor) because of the materials being used in the construction. If I were looking for one, I would definitely look for one that was constructed with the aluminum floor and roof, even with their poor QC, (pre-thor) I think they'll out last a TT using wood. Just my opinion.
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Chappy133 on February 05, 2017, 05:30:27 PM
Was up checking the ole 16 TBS in storage lot yesterday and found aluminum shavings on top of the mattress.  I guess the wind knocked them down.  Any how I am happy with my purchase.  The last of the aluminum roofs off the line in January 2016.  Now if I get that winning lottery ticket I will be on the Bowlus web page!
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Silverfox on February 25, 2017, 07:22:27 PM
I agree with Paul, I'd rather be removing aluminum chips than sawdust any day!   :)
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: mojospeople on February 25, 2017, 08:09:14 PM
Well the other day I finally got into the water heater/water pump area and was pleased to find....no shavings. So now I can say that our 2017 16TBS was very clean. I don't know if it came clean from the factory or if the dealer cleaned it up.
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: craigd on April 11, 2017, 03:22:47 PM
Just had to drop and clean out my light above the bed for a second time in 2 years. It appears shavings are still working their way thru the wiring duct into the top of the light.
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Merlin on April 11, 2017, 11:29:18 PM
Quote from: craigd on April 11, 2017, 03:22:47 PM
Just had to drop and clean out my light above the bed for a second time in 2 years. It appears shavings are still working their way thru the wiring duct into the top of the light.

If you have to do any more of those multiple times, put a small bunch of fiberglass insulation in the wire hole leading to the fixture. That will permanently keep the shavings at bay.
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: craigd on April 12, 2017, 03:48:39 PM
Great idea thanks Merlin!
Title: Re: aluminum shavings in trailers
Post by: Tiger Rag on April 28, 2017, 04:08:36 PM
Those that had light flickering issues, did it end with a clean up or did you have to replace fixtures?  I have a "new to me" unit that had issues shortly after buying it, however, I also had a battery issue.  That said, I have a new lifeline battery on order - but the lights didn't work either when plugged into shore power.  Labeled fuse was good, however, I'll go through other fuses after I get the battery and start a full on trouble shooting mission.