Aluminum Camper Forum

Sale this for sale on RV Trader: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2017-Livin+Lite-CampLite+21RBS-5037098630?fbclid=IwY2xjawNlxplleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpX0juRrdz8pahalo2AK5F2uel6WqkSihpwSJq3ZLHMCnqau3DXQfIPoGquu_aem_LHuVXpHZ6WcUixD0HlxR9Q#sid=194687

Not mine but saw this in RV Trader: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2016-Livin%27+Lite-CAMP+LITE+21RBS-5037734296?cmp=email_rv_search-alert

Love the windows on the Livin Lites. They do not do a good job of shading the sun. We would have to roll the curtains up to keep the sun out but that blocked the breeze. Saw an earlier post on the Livin Lite Facebook page about the "Tab" covers and at their price point I decided to make my own.

Added running and brake lights along with turn lights to the top of the camper.  The ebikes need a rain cover and that partially blocked the running lights on the rear bumper and really do not want to get run into.   

Had to replace the Dometic awning on our camper.  It was tired and starting to rip at the top seam.  It was a power awning with LED lights.  The linked YouTube video IMHO is the best technique for swapping out your power awning.

The challenge we had was the LED lights were sown into the awning and this required cutting off the plastic light track that was preventing the awning to slide out of the track.  Otherwise, the awning brackets would have had to be unscrewed from the camper to allow an easy slide out.  Once I found the right place to cut the plastic for the lights it slid right out of the track.  I will use the existing LED light power supply and install some LED lights later.

We purchased a ShadePro awning through Amazon.  ShadePro has good instructions on how to measure the awning size you need.  We had no issues installing the new awning.  Very pleased with the ShadePro product.  Well one issue my 30 year old pop rivet tool stopped working.  A quick trip to the hardware store got us back to replacement.

It is very important to mark your awning tube for valance, awning and motor position along with pining the spring retraction side of the tube too.  The gas struts also have to be secured too.  The video does a great job of pointing all this out.

https://youtu.be/J9RQiX5_Jpo?si=6spiugoSzWkhR_vJ

Not mine.  Just sharing the information.  2014 so it is pre-Thor. 

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2014-Livin%27+Lite-Camp+Lite+21RBS-5036885364#sid=261405

I made the conversion from lead acid to Lithium Ion Phosphate battery with our 21 RBS.  After dry camping in the Florida Keys for 5 weeks this summer with 8+ year old golf cart batteries it was time to replace them or upgrade to li-ion battery. The old batteries, two 6 VT, did fine running the camper but could not keep the Starlink and TV going in the evening without a taking the batteries below 50%.  Both TV and Starlink are 12VT. 

Went with the "LiTime 12V 280Ah Plus Deep Cycle Lithium Battery with Low-Temp Protection" that fit in the existing battery box.  Upgraded the converter-inverter with the "Progressive Dynamics Replacement Converter Inteli-Power 4000 Series 45 Amp Power Center" vs. replacing the entire inverter-converter. This is only five wires to change out.  Then added a "Victron Energy SmartShunt Battery Monitor (Bluetooth) - 6.5V-70V, 500 amp" with "Victron Energy Temperature Sensor BMV-702/712" to monitor the battery status on the phone app.

I have not had the chance to give it a good shakedown because I got FHUs the last two weeks in the Keys where we did the conversion.

I am told we increased by battery capacity by three times and lightened the tongue weight by 40 lbs. 

I will give an undated report later on how it goes.

 

A pre-Thor 16 TBS for sale in Florida.  https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2015-Livin+Lite-CAMP+LITE+CL16TBS-5034183418?cmp=email_rv_search-alert

A very interesting review of the tow capabilities of the Tesla Cyber Truck vs Ford F-150: https://youtu.be/PK_EJ3DyiiA?si=s2R8b9RAIZ2IrAaU & https://youtu.be/ETcpQRjefQ8?si=ysIqOiiKhrL3wvsp

Currently 21 Livin Lite trailers for sale on RV Trader:  https://www.rvtrader.com/Livin-Lite-Travel-Trailer/rvs-for-sale?type=Travel%20Trailer%7C198073&make=Livin%27%20Lite%7C183324084&lat=24.579718&long=-81.778366&radius=10000

Stu Beans is selling his 21 RBS on RV Trader.  What did you buy?  https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2016-Livin%27+Lite-CAMP+LITE+21RBS-5027662848?cmp=email_rv_search-alert

Anyone looking to replace their Camplite decals I bumped into this on the one of the LL Facebook pages: https://www.replacementdecals.com/camp-lite-by-livin-lite-rv-decals-set-of-2.aspx

Pre Thor 21 RBS for sale on RV Trader in Florida (not mine-just passing this along):  https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2014-Livin+Lite-CampLite+21RBS-5026564630

Looking at this option for our Dometic AC to lighten the demand load when starting the AC:  https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/rv-and-van/rv-air-conditioners/air-conditioner-accessories/dometic-smartstart-for-freshjet-341758

While running the rear camera cable wire for our Garmin back up camera I stumbled upon a huge, the term being relative, void. 

Beneath the outside storage box next to the hot water heater was an open area (around the size of one of the those Home Depot red buckets).  This was just wasted space that I had to convert into usable storage. 

I cut the Azdel board and drilled a finger open hole.  Screwed in some plastic board to keep the cargo from traveling into the hot water heater. 

Nice use of closed off void.  We did something similar with the 16 TBS next to the furnace for shoe storage. 

When I am plugged into a 110VT power source and using the Jensen Radio head for sound (Bluetooth, USB & TV) I get static through the speakers.  When using 12VT only there is no static.  Any suggestions on how to stop this?  The converter/ inverter must be creating this situation.

SOLD: Listed at $23.9K.  Highly desirable last of the all aluminum LL 16 TBS built.  Single owner, we ordered at a local dealer and was factory built for us.  Over all condition is very good.  All systems (DC/AC/heat/Air conditioner/refrigerator/hot water/plumping) are in working order.   Comes with all the 2016 standard items plus the XL living package of Jensen 24" TV, off road riser, Trifold Sofa, 13.5K BTU Low profile Penguin AC, dual 20 LP tanks, Wood Plank Vinyl Flooring & 4" rear bumper added at the factory. 

Upgrades we added included in the sale: Progressive Industries Electrical Management System (EMS-HW30C), WeBoost Cellular Signal Booster, Bathroom Sink, Wireless Backup Camera, Back Up/Reverse lights, 2" Receiver Hitch on Rear Bumper & Bike Rack, 2nd Spare Tire, Sway Control & hardware, 2" Receiver Bar with 2 5/16th " Ball, Marine deep cycle 12VT battery, Blue Seas battery shut off switch, SOLAR PREP , 80 WT Solar Panel with extension cable , External Bluetooth Speaker/Light, Wired for External Sirius Radio Antenna, AC Inverter, Mounted Outside Fold Up table, Rear Bumper Storage for Waste Line Accessories, Blueboy Waste Tank Mounted to Rear Bumper, New sewer hose and connector, TMPS & receiver for camper tires & Slim Shade RV Door window (No frosted window).

Had a tire delaminate on the highway so the fenders do not match, old bike rack got loose and handle bar dents are in the rear.  Fresh water tank replaced last year due to road debris cracking it. Small cut in awning is repaired.

Contact me for more pictures









 

Got the word from my wife that the 16 TBS is a tad small for extending camping. Doing our research looking to replace it with a 21 RBS.  Prefer an all aluminum version.  Any hints for or sightings of one for sale is appreciated.  I will be then either selling our 16 TBS or trading it in.  All depends on what is offered.

I have made the Starlink RV purchase.  Heading to Florida later this month with reservations to camp at Key West Naval Air Station (NAS) for the month of February.  It is dry camping with limited cellular service and mostly non-existence wifi.  I did my inter-web research of Starlink reviews and decided to give it the plunge.  Some folks exclaim it is a game changer and others are not impressed. If not satisfied you can return it up to 30 days for a full refund. The RV package it is the same as the residential unit with portability and is 110VT powered.  SL does not have a 12VT power option as of yet. That sine wave inverter I previously purchased will be the solution.  The RV option does allow the ability to pause the service when not using which the residential with portability does not.  The unit is scheduled to arrive today and I will update you along the way how it works out.

Looking for some recommendations for must stay Florida campgrounds this winter.  Thumb nail sketch of my travels is arrive in Florida after 20 January traveling down I-95 & I-4.  Spending time with Mom in Sanford then off to Key West NAS, reservations already made, for the month of February.  Staying at the Long Pine Key Everglades campground the nights of 31 January and 1 March. Want to be headed back north to Pennsylvania by mid-March after visiting Mom again for a few days. 

I know Stu Beans will have a few suggestions.

I do not require FHUs, electric is a nice to have option.  Understand that SW Florida may be off the agenda this year due to Hurricane Ian and dislocated folks using the campgrounds along with contractors.

Anyone else going to be in Sunny Florida this Winter?

Thanks again!