Aluminum Camper Forum

Hello Livin' Liters! 

The following appears to be an OEM design problem that would affect all of us....

I have a 2016 CL16TBS trailer.  We have experienced issues with water leaks while driving in rainstorms over the years.  This past week while driving 9 hrs to Petoskey, MI we encountered heavy rain the entire way.  Upon arrival, we had dirty road rainwater inside the entire perimeter of our unit.  A lot.... Had a mobile RV tech look at the underside and indicated because of no underbelly "skin" that OEMs typically use (corrugated plastic) the water will enter the inside through the gaps where the aluminum understructure meets the frame.  Not to mention, water will also enter where screws are exposed - see pic.

Option A:  He said if it was his he would fab a piece of the corrugated plastic and secure it under the entire unit, except for freshwater holding tank,  and that would do the job.  All of the wiring of course is of course is currently exposed.  He would relocate the spare tire under the front of the frame under the propane tank to do this. 

Option B:  thoroughly pressure wash under the frame perimeter, let it thoroughly dry, and then use a sealant in every nook and cranny where the understructure meets the frame.

Has anyone done anything to mitigate this leak issue?  If so, how, and what were the results?  I can imagine the cost of option A will be very, very expensive and if I would ever need to access the wires that would be a big task.  I appreciate any thoughts on this.  My cell is 414-651-1518 if easier to discuss.  Thanks!



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The shower pan in our 2016 CL TBS16 is loose and cracked so water gets in when it rains when we are towing.  I am going to do a temp fix by putting Gorilla tape over the cracked section for our upcoming trip but will need to replace after, preferably with a thicker pvc.  Seems odd that it sinks when I push down like I did when taking the attached pics, since that should be aluminum framing underneath.  Thanks!   

Update- since I can't replace the acrylic pan with spending $1,500 on a heavy custom-fab hard surface (Corian-like) pan, I am in the process of repairing mine with an acrylic repair kit from Amazon.  Stay tuned.  Also, the plastic under the pan is not cracked but does not provide sufficient support.  Thus, the flexing will continue unless I replace that plastic with a plywood (urgh!!) or other material.  Any thoughts Merlin or others?








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The inside rubber wiper seal on our slide-out came off, as I opened the slide-out for the first time this season.  See attached pic.  Any suggestions on what to do about this?  We leave on Wednesday for our first outing so am a bit concerned about this.  Outside rubber seals are all in place so that is good.  Thanks!


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I would like to install a cabinet above the toilet in my 16TBS.  Has anyone done that and if so how did you attach it to the wall?


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I recently had my wheel bearings repacked.  When I checked the torque on the lug nuts thereafter I noticed one lug nut was rounded off.  I am buying an extractor socket to remove that lug nut.  Has anyone replaced their lug nuts?  Not sure how to determine what thread pitch mine are.  I believe the size is 1/2" (which requires a 3/4" socket) but what thread pitch are they?  Any info on that would be very helpful.  Thanks!


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I am looking to install the gutter spout extensions on my 16TBS trailer.  However, there isn't a typical drip rail on the unit.  There is of course the dowel opening for securing the awnings but that is it.  So, the question is, where to install those extensions.  The front passenger side was a no-brainer so I installed that one but what about the other 3?  I attached pics for reference.  Thanks!







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My diamond plate lower wrap on my 2016 CL16 TBS is detaching from the aluminum frame.  This is allowing water to splash up through the gap.  I talked to a sheet metal guy who suggested he could make a strip of aluminum to secure the diamond plate to the frame and thus close that gap as well but haven't been able to get a quote from him.  What have others done to remediate this issue? 



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Couple questions about the aluminum wrap on driver's side of camper. 

1) What is the purpose of this metal piece that is broken? 



2)  The whole tab piece is missing toward the front.  Not sure what it is for.

The whole black strip is unattached because the aluminum bracket around each screw is cracked.  Am thinking about putting a stainless steel washer and screw in there to hold it. Any thoughts?

Thanks.


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I have a Suburban Model SW6 DE water heater in my 2016 16TBS.  I noticed the flame pattern is "erratic" based on the manual.  However it is not clear from said manual how to DIY fix that issue other than calling a service tech which I prefer to avoid.  Any suggestions would be great!! Thanks!!







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Can someone please indicate the required steps for sanitizing the LL water system including the hot water heater? Thanks!


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Thought the tagline would get some attention.  So... I have always been intrigued by the rugged-looking Australian RVs and travel trailers over the years from my business trips there.  Well.... fast forward .... Black Series, a well-regarded trailer there, is now here in the US....

No, am not souring on LL and am still married to my 2016 16 CLTBS.  And my TV towing capacity is 5k lbs so am also constrained by that.  But... this beast is really cool and is aluminum.  Not to mention, check out the suspension!!!  Curious if anyone has checked these bad boys out.


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Have any others experienced problems with the entry door lock?  Arriving back late to our trailer a couple nights ago our lock did not work and we had to ruin our kitchen window shade to have a neighbor kid reach through it to open the door from inside....

If so, any recommendations for replacement locks (including electronic options)?  Most reviews show problems ;(

On a separate note we will have to figure out how to replace the shade.  Any info on that would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks.


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Looking for a best (simple) practice for descaling our water heater.  Any suggestions?  Not sure what the capacity is (3 gallons?)


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For the conceal / carry folks like me, I'd like any ideas for how / where you store your personal security device of choice (Glock 19x and S&W Shield Plus in my situation) for nighttime safety and daytime when it is not holstered to your hip.   

We typically stay at higher end luxury resorts (not trying to be a snob in any way - we just prefer the nicer places with paved site pads etc) which should be safer but of course that cuts both ways....  I have a few ideas but before I start drilling stuff I thought I would see if anyone has done anything already.


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Roughly how many miles would one expect to get out of the trailer brakes? (We have the tandem axle 16TBS). 

We have about 5k miles on the bearings since the repack.  I have not added any grease.  What brand / type of grease should I use for the top-off?  Or is it best to take it in for another repack?


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Has anyone upgraded the 4 ceiling speakers in their Livin' Lite trailer?  If so, any suggestions?  I have some new Infinity speakers pulled from my Honda Ridgeline that are the same size but they have only one mounting hole. 


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My propane regulator is not working.  I have one full 20 lb tank attached.  It is showing the red color in the clear window when I flip the lever to the side the tank is attached to.  Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.


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The vent covers are shot on my 2016 CL 16TBS.

I am cheap BUT time is money and I don't like to be penny-wise pound sand....  On that note, the premium replacement vent I found on ETrailer.com is $82 each. Ouch.  Has anyone found the polycarbonate type like these for less $ or had luck with a cheaper version?


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Has anyone replaced their awning on a 16 TBS?

If so, what did you buy and where did you buy it?  Where did you take it for the installation?

Thanks.


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Has anyone painted their Camp Lite camper?  My CL16TBS decals are a mess and am thinking about taking it in to get them removed plus a custom paint job. Sounds like it could be approx $5k for one color and no stripes etc. 

Would also like to upgrade cabinet fronts since they are rippling.  Probably from humidity. 




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