Aluminum Camper Forum

Thanks so much to everyone for all the great info!  Lynn

Does anyone know what the specs are for the converter in the CL power panel?  I am thinking about swapping it out for a combination power converter/inverter. I currently do not have access to the CL to look for myself.

Thanks

Hi there,
My daughter is boondocking in our new 2018 CL14DB in Yosemite and having issues with battery life.  Trailer came with one battery.  I accidentally purchased a standard 12 volt battery that was not deep cycle and installed it.  The two are connected/parallel.  When leaving the unit for more than 2 days, the batteries are no longer working when she returns.  My past experience with Rving is that two 12 volt deep cycle batteries should hold up for 4-5 days of just having a fridge running and nothing else.  When recharging the batteries with a 2000 Sidekick inverter generator, the batteries return to about 12.4 only.  I am trying to understand why the batteries run down so quickly (phantom draws?) and why they are not charging more than 12.4 when plugged into the generator.  Being more than 2,000 miles away, this is a struggle. Also, the unit is new to us, and we are experienced in motor home systems, but not trailers.

The batteries are connected to a solar trickle charger at all times. Without wiring diagrams of documentation regarding how the converter and power management system works in the unit, it is tough to figure out what is doing on.  My daughter is no pursuing solar options, but we think a better understanding of how the systems in the CL are installed and connected is needed before we spend more money on solar panels and controllers. 

Would appreciate some thoughts from more knowledgeable and experienced CL owners regarding these issues.

We found a few issues with workmanship on the 2018, but were able to make the fixes ourselves.....poor fit and finish mostly on walls, trim and calking. for the most part, my daughter has loved her little trailer (has not experienced driving in heavy rain so no idea if wheel wells will leak, LOL).

Please comment on battery experience and solar ideas!

Thanks,

The Streets in Michigan

Hello. We just purchased a Camp Lite 14DB and it is due to arrive on July 7th.  We have been motor home travelers for 30 years but have never used a trailer.  This trailer is for my adult daughter who is leaving for a traveling nurse job and plans to combine her love of camping, climbing and hiking with her career in ER nursing.  Any advice on basic needs for towing.  We will have to purchase a hitch when it arrives, of course, and looking for economical but reliable/safe options for her.  Needless to say she is on a very tight budget!

We also belong to IRV2 and the Livin Lite Forum.  The more information the better when you start off on a new adventure such as this.  We will have about 7 days to prep before she will be leaving.  Her Dad will accompany her on the drive from Metro Detroit to Yosemite (first position in Mariposa).  We selected this trailer for durability, the right floor plan, size and clearance.  She will be using her 2012 F150 Ecoboost truck to tow the trailer.  We feel pretty confident in helping her prep based on our RVing experience, but will be grateful for any advice regarding trailer towing/living from the forums.  Thanks in advance!

The Street Family