Aluminum Camper Forum

Good Morning,
I am no longer looking.  I found a 2015 Lance 2295 in Excellent condition and purchased from the original owner.  Layout is very similar to a LL 23RLS.  It may not be all aluminum but it is very well built and this one was well cared for.

Thank you to all of you that sent leads and provided insight throughout the search.

Cheers

Djsmanuel,
Thanks for the info.  I have a 2018 Ram and was contemplating the need to purchase towing mirrors.  I am in the market for a 21 RBS so I will be towing the same length with the same vehicle.  I'll hold off and see how it works without them.

Ahhhh.  Peace and tranquility has been restored in the Beans' travel trailer.  Well Done! 

Gotcha.  I'm sure it can be done but the key will be to ensure the anchors in the side walls are secured into the metal framing.  You saw the reinforcing plates with what looks like pop rivets.  There may be something in the forum in the mods section.  Good luck with the search.

Very Impressive.  Did you find the mystery leak?

Patience is a virtue.  They are out there.  Believe it or not there was one on FB Marketplace two months ago just outside of Nashville, TN that sold pretty quickly.  keep looking.  Use searchtempest.com to search craigslist nationwide.  Tip you have to do three keyword searches on searchtempest.  "livin lite"  "livinlite" (no space) and "Camplite"  Craigslist is funny about how it searches.  I've seen some on one keyword and not on another.   Keep searching on RVtrader.com and RVT.com two websites that a lot of RV dealers post to.

Don't think it is something you can retrofit with a tip out.  Too much structural integrity would be compromised.

Good Luck.

bump

Quote from: Powder Hounds on November 28, 2020, 01:14:36 PM
Unfortunately this is an ongoing issue with our aluminum frames, but do not let it dissuade your purchase. This situation has been covered numerous times on this forum and it can be resolved. It is frustrating  and time consuming but the end result is worth it. The slide side of the trailer will develop more frame cracks than the passenger side, it is just heavier and is subject to more stress. It took some due diligence on my part to finally resolve my 2015 RBS frame cracks but now the trailer is solid. Having numerous gussets welded in problem areas corrected this problem. The cost was about $3000.00 CAD and took a few weeks to complete. We use our rig alot, year round, it defiantly takes a battering, regular maintenance and tinkering is always ongoing but the enjoyment of being on the road is worth it. Those cracks look pretty mild, I had about a dozen or so that went pretty deep into the welds. Negotiate the price and go for it! You throw enough money at something and the problem goes away.

We are loading our trailer now for a ski getaway this week!

Enjoy!

Good point about increased stresses due to slide weight.  I didn't state it on my drawing but the drawing is a top view so the two cracked welds are on the slide side.  Thanks for the input.  Gives me piece of mind.  That being said, I'm still going to pass on this one.  There will be others.

Quote from: nhlakes on November 28, 2020, 01:52:07 PM
Rolled around and inspected mine for the first time in a very long time.  All looks good and also came away with appreciation for how well these things are made.

Glad to hear all is good.  Agreed.  Very well built. 

Quote from: nhlakes on November 28, 2020, 12:15:19 PM
Awsome - that helps! Thanks!

Let us know what you find. (hopefully nothing)

Here is a 2013 16 DB in Arizona
https://tucson.craigslist.org/rvs/d/tucson-2013-camplite-travel-trailer/7236937452.html

Actually the frame has changed since that iteration.  Here is my very crude sketch.  Notice how the "main" member extends back further from the A Frame.  Other cross braces have been left out for clarity.

I spent close to 45 minutes on my back yesterday inspecting the underside of a 2015 21 RBS as part of my PPI (welds, tanks, plumbing, propane lines, etc.) and found some cracked welds. 

I'll try to explain without the aid of a drawing.  Anyhow, visualize the main 2"x4" (?) rectangular tube that runs down the centerline of the trailer from the tongue back to a cross member.  I see this fore and aft member (front to back for the land lubbers in the room  ) as the back bone of the trailer or at least a VERY integral part of the structure.  This main fore and aft member is welded to a cross member forming a "T" that, in turn, is welded to the outer frame members that also run fore and aft.  I found cracks on 3 of the 4 welds that secure the cross member to the outer frame members on both sides of the trailer.  There are gusset plates under these points where all the members tie-in to the intersecting member.  I'm sure it can be repaired by a qualified aluminum welder.  Am I ready to take on the responsibility after purchasing, then coordinating the repair?  No.  So unfortunately this was a deal killer for me. 

I honestly believe that the owner had no idea these cracks existed.  I am sharing this with the forum so they can inspect their travel trailer underside.  Cracked welds were suppose to be an issue in the latter year models in the A Fame, not this early. (This LL had a manufacture date of 9/2014).

It was a great learning experience for me as this was the first time I've seen a Livin' Lite in person.  This event does not change my opinion of Livin' Lite one iota.  If anything, my observations during the rest of my inspection confirm my opinion that these trailers are extremely well built.  The fit, finish, and quality of components are great.  It also makes me think that Thor bought out Livin' Lite just to shut them down.  Similar to what the major auto manufacturers did with Preston Tucker in the late 40's.  I've digressed. 

My search continues.
Cheers

Actually in Lexus Alberta.  Sorry

Saw a 2012 "boxy" for sale in Utah on Facebook marketplace.  Sorry don't have the link.  Good Luck