Aluminum Camper Forum

Any update on how this worked out long term?

I ordered the Dexter 2 5/8" lift kit but noticed they had a disclaimer that it couldn't be used with axles with the 3" high bracket (mine and the op's seem to have the high profile bracket).  I'm not sure if it really matters structurally, or if they are just covering themselves. 

Does anyone know of a good source for replacement hardware for the seitz windows found in camp-lites (specifically, a 2011 built in 2010).  We picked up a CL13 this weekend that needs a few of latches and one arm replaced.  I also need to replace the trim around the blinds, but I think I can work something up myself unless replacement parts happen to be available cheaply.

The previous owners apparently had a family member that was sensitive/allergic to plastic off-gassing, so they removed anything plastic that wasn't absolutely necessary.

I'm sure this came up in the old forum, but I can't get the link to work right now. 

Just a quick update after the drive home with the camper.  Based on the return trip, which was longer than any normal camping trip we will take for a while, I don't think any sort of WDH or anti-sway device will be necessary. 

The return trip from picking it up will be a good test to see if I need to add an Andersen wdh.  I'd like to avoid it as they're fairly pricey and my minivan won't be in service for too much longer as a tow vehicle.

As I'll eventually replace the van with a 1/2 ton, at that point I should be able to handle this size camper without even knowing it's there.

The flip side of that is, if the Andersen wdh allows me to comfortably pull the camper with a minivan, I could stay with a minivan for my next car (cheaper and often more versatile).

Thanks everone.  I'm going to try it without either first and see how it handles.

It is only adding roughly another 100 pounds over our current pop-up so it shouldn't be that much of a difference in terms of towing.  The nature of pop-up campers(no storage space) led us to loading down the back of the van on every trip, so we may come out better just by shifting some of our clothes/gear to the camper. 

Is there anything that would stop you from using a more traditional WDH assuming the bars are long enough to reach the y section of the frame?  The Andersen  hitch is quite a step up in price over some of the other WDH's.

I'm getting ready to go pick up a 2011 CL13RDB this weekend.  I know normally, a weight distribution hitch wouldn't be needed for a camper of this size, but I will be pulling it with a minivan and would like to at least install a sway control kit.  I currently pull a pop up that is pretty similar in weight, it just doesn't have the surface area to get sway from wind/trucks.

After looking at pictures of the specific model, I began wondering if either a WDH or sway control would even mount due to the frame configuration.

I have attached a picture ( not the camper I'm buying, just the same frame), but basically, the A-frame doesn't extend all the way to the hitch, it stops what looks to be a foot or so short.  I'm wondering if the bars or sway control arm would even reach.

Anyone have this frame configuration and have either a WDH or sway control kit installed?