Aluminum Camper Forum

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One I got was 3.3 cf.  They have other sizes too.

Other than removing the old fridge (which you basically have to take apart to get through the door), biggest challenge was sealing the two vents on rear of trailer. I tried a couple of things which failed before fiberglassing over them and that seems to have solved the problem.

.....David

I got frustrated with my OEM Dometic(after trying every imaginable fix to improve performance), ripped it out and replaced it with a 12volt fridge.



Gained some space for storage. Not a drain on my battery (with solar). Had to do some improvising and problem solving along the way but happy with result.

[Sorry, not sure why photo shows up twice.]

Quote from: ADR on July 20, 2018, 08:43:41 AMSo who has come up with a better way to mount the spare?

This was my solution.





To support the added weight, I reinforced the bumper with a flat piece the length of the bumper with gussets (welded) and a t-plate bolted on the corner for extra measure.





I did this in preparation for a trip to Alaska to carry a full-size spare for my tow vehicle. Since then, I've taken the spare holder off and reconfigured to hold some chairs.

.....David

I installed an older version of this SuperSonic TV a couple of years ago. It works fine off of 12 volt power plug.

It's not a 'smart' tv, but I use a Fire Stick to access various streaming services, which are only as good as speed of your wifi connection. Hardly ever use as traditional TV.

Quote from: Merlin on April 01, 2021, 09:24:24 PM...ditch the Honeywell and get a Lux Pro. Never had a problem with mine.

I also upgraded to a LuxPro 2 (just on/off - no auto fan) and have been quite pleased. Simple to install.  Earned five stars on last outing with temperatures in the 20's overnight it kept inside temp near setpoint of 55 all night. Learning my lithium battery could easily handle that power draw (about 30 amps) we bumped it up to 60 degrees on second night.

.......David

QuoteWell, at least you now know why it failed. I don't think LL or subsequent owners of LL should be allowed to get away with a serious safety defect like this. I hope you file a report with the NHTSA and also contact KZ RV. As far as I'm concerned they owe you an axle plus installation.  With a safety defect this serious, it's not a warranty issue, it's a potential recall issue.

I did file a report with the NHTSA on my problem because I too consider it a recall issue. I never heard back or know what became of it, but also never got a letter as a registered LL owner informing me of a problem. So, another similar report just might move the needle.

And I strongly second the recommendation to contact KZ-RV to report the problem and seek their "making it right" no matter the age or ownership of the trailer.  I'd do this before spending your own money on parts or repair as they will - once they accept responsibility - want the vehicle inspected and repaired at an approved dealership.  Took me about a week of back and forth to get their approval to take in for an inspection, which led to a warranty claim and repair.  And according to the dealer service rep, when he called KZ to report the undersize axle he's never gotten such a quick "approval" of a warranty repair. Which I interpret to mean that corporate understands this is a serious safety issue.

........David

I reinforced the rear bumper by welding full length piece of aluminum to the bumper and frame, with some gussets for additional strength.


I also added some corner bracing which (not shown in photo) was also welded.


Purpose of all this was to add a spare tire mount (for tow vehicle tire).  Mounting frame also used to hold some folding chairs.


Survived a 6,000 mile trip around Alaska a couple of years ago without any evidence of stress. 

.....David

I bit the bullet and purchased a 100 AH Battle Born LiFeP04 a couple of years ago. Coupled with 200 watts of solar, by far the best upgrade I could ever make on my trailer.

I just returned from a camping trip where we ran the fridge on DC while driving 2.5 hours, leaving the battery at 60% when we arrived at camp.  A couple hours of low Sun brought the battery back to about 70% before sundown.

Overnight temperatures were in the 20's and we ran the heater all  night. Battery was at 30% the next morning and within one hour after sun reached 30-45 degree angle the battery was back at 100%.   Next night I turned the heat up higher and went from 95% at sundown to 60% the next morning.

........David

QuoteTo keep it from freezing next time, presumably if you are using the blow through approach, as the RV antifreeze approach will solve it automatically, is to disconnect the hoses, pull the valve out as if you were going to replace it, let the water in the hoses drain out and then blow out whatever water is trapped inside. Pouring a tablespoon full of antifreeze into the valve while depressing the actuator will make sure it can't freeze up.

I do a little different: I put a stick down the toilet to open the valve and a brick on the pedal which ensures the valve stays open and keeps air in the valve after blowing out the water.  Haven't had a problem since.

..........David

This is axle label on my 2016 CL 16TBS



I note it has same 2264248 number as yours, but not sure if that means yours has the same 2,500 capacity.  Also, there is a serial number stamped in the axle itself. From this number (also on my label) Dexter can give you all the specs on the axle.



On a road trip through Alaska a couple of years ago I experienced some tire issues which led me to discover my trailer was built with an undersized Dexter Torflex axle (2,500#). Should have been one rated at 4,500#.  Replaced under warranty, but such a hassle. Whole story here: https://www.livinlite.com/forum/index.php/topic,983.msg4298.html#msg4298

Two lessons learned from my experience.

• Don't believe the trailer stickers about maximum loaded weight.
  
• Crawl under and look at the sticker on the axle to confirm maximum load rating matches that of other stickers on trailer regarding load capacity.

Double check the weight rating labels on your trailer to confirm the trailer was built with the right size axle.

If you come to believe the axle was underrated for the trailer, you need to follow up with the folks that now own the brand: KZ-RV.com and pursue a warranty repair.  It took a few calls and emails to get them to accept that this was a manufacturing error that exposed me to significant risk and make good on replacing with a proper size axle (4,500# in my case) and new/bigger tires and rims.

Good Luck.......David

If you're looking at single-axle Camplite, WARNING.

I purchased a single axle 2016 Camplite TBS that I discovered last year was built with an undersized Dexter Torflex axle (2,500#). Should have been one rated at 4,500#.  Replaced under warranty, but such a hassle. Whole story here: https://www.livinlite.com/forum/index.php/topic,983.msg4298.html#msg4298

Two lessons learned.

• Don't believe the trailer stickers about maximum loaded weight.
• Crawl under and look at the sticker on the axle to confirm maximum load rating.

....David

Quote from: GrampaKilt on September 16, 2020, 02:49:23 PM
For a long time, venting thru the cabinet above the fridge and out the roof was on my list of mods, but thankfully that's no longer on the list.

My solution to this same issue was to use some Dollar Store cheap tin baking pans placed above and to the sides of the fins forcing air out the top wall vent.  This was in addition to adding fans below the fins drawing/forcing air up through them - and a thermostat.  I haven't had an opportunity to measure effectiveness yet, but I expect it will only be marginal at best. 

......David

I have no experience or advice regarding AGM batteries, but when facing a similar decision last year in preparation for a trip to Alaska, I bit the bullet and replaced two 6v batteries with a 12v Lithium Ion 100 AH battery.  I don't regret it one bit and consider it (and the 200 W of solar on the roof) as the most useful and cost-effective upgrade I've done to my 16 TBS.  Yes there is an upfront premium cost, but I don't expect to ever have to replace the battery as long as I hope to own the rig (10-15 years).  AND, they require basically no maintenance, which is my downfall leading to the failure of previous batteries. I don't even have to bring inside in the winter or leave plugged into a charger.

........David

I recently upgraded to a lithium Ion (Battle Born) battery (100AH) and after research and conversation with manufacturer, my advice for long term storage with LI battery is to totally charge the battery then disconnect battery and solar panels so it doesn't get any charging voltage (from panels or trailer inverter/charger). I connect to shore power when I need to do anything inside the trailer.  Supposedly won't lose charge due to cold (or hot) weather.  This is first winter with this setup so we'll see how this goes when I power up for first outing next month.

......David