Impressions of 2018 Camplite 21RBS

[charliem]

A few days ago I got a closeup look at a brand new 2018 Camplite 21RBS thanks to Bill and Robinette from Utah. The build date was late 2017 so it was close to, but not the last, build run. With all the things Thor has done to the LL product I felt it only fair to summarize what I saw. 
   
Things I liked: 
   
Five inch frame members.

HD coupler with side bolts.

Two step entrance step.

Better storage under dinette.

Kitchen drawers.

Double pane windows similar to original Dometics.

Screen shade combo similar, but need to be inverted for better privacy.

Better placement of interior controls and exterior hookups.

Installed battery disconnect switch.

Much better counter top.

Composite floor looks good, feels warmer, longevity unknown.
 
Things I didn't like:   
Tiny wobbly table, needs work.
Double hanging lockers at head of bed. More hanging storage but limits shoulder room and hinders bed makeup.
Same small sinks; need upgrading. 
Rubber roof. Looks nice but ? ? 
Leaf spring axles ?? 
Mood lighting, illuminated outside speakers ehh? 
Interior wood cabinet facing looks nice but aircraft latches gone. 
 
 
I didn't get to check where the shower drained or other issues recently reported by @Gary M .   
Overall my impression was surprisingly positive. The aluminum cabinet option is (was) available so my major negative issues remain the roof and possibly the floor, I don't know what to think about the leaf spring axles.

[Gary M]

I actually like the blue LED mood lighting a lot. Mine are on all the time, and work great as a nightlite to see around in. I think it's worth having the double storage wards also. Adds a lot more storage, and isn't difficult for us to make the bed.

I agree that the dinette table is a small wobbly piece of junk, and the sink is definitely too small.

My biggest complaint is how small the bathroom is, and how narrow the door opening is. Also the small water tanks are a pain for longer trips. Really have to conserve/monitor.

Wasn't happy to hear that they switched from torflex to leafsprings when I bought mine. I hear the moryde system is easier to fix/replace, but I'm leery of the leaf springs and hardware rusting. This has been an issue for me in the past.

As for the rubber roof... yea it's not too stable to walk around on, but I get good cell service inside my camper I hear that the 6 sided aluminum trailers are like being inside a faraday cage when it comes to getting a cellular signal.

Overall I'm happy with my 2018 21BHS now that I've worked out the big issues. I'm currently on day 18 of a month long trip, and have had 0 issues on this trip. Seems pretty solid, and reliable now

[Paul]

@charliem

I do have the aluminum cabinet option in my 2018 21BHS and I found it's way better than the azdel cabinet I had in my 2015 13QBB. It's more solid than the Azdel. The aluminum option also use the aircraft style latches.

I like those latches because our daugther can't open any of the cabinet but she is able to open the drawers.

@Gary M

I also like the double storage wards we used to share one in our 13QBB and it was too small for us since we live almost full time in it during the summer. For the cell phone reception this is true, in our 2015 13QBB we barely could get cell phone reception and with our 2018 21BHS it's great

[Gary M]

My only complaint on the storage wards, are the sharp corners on them. I've bumped into them more than once, and it hurts! Anyone found a solution for this? I've thought about adding some sort of rubber or foam to the corners but I think it would just stand out and look too gawdy. I may end up just rounding them off with a file. Ideas?

[nhlakes]

... I hear that the 6 sided aluminum trailers are like being inside a faraday cage when it comes to getting a cellular signal. ...

Yep.  A Weboost with external pole omni antenna suction cupped to the side of the slide is on our list.

[rmwaltermyer]

We bought our new 2018 21RBS (build date 12/17) before Memorial Day and have camped in it for a total of about 6 weeks so far. Although we generally are pretty pleased with it, I'm really disappointed in the fit and finish and the lack of quality of some of the items. For example, vinyl peeling off the trim, trim along floor and beside bed falling off, frame around window being held by only 3 screws, cowl around ceiling fan only held by 3 screws, large window shade in slideout won't stay up without screen deployed, temp/pressure relief valve leaked and had to be replaced while on a one-month trip, hot water outlet line from water heater leaked and had to be tightened, water leaking into both storage areas under bed, one bolt sheared off tongue jack, and just generally shoddy workmanship throughout! It's still under warranty and has yet to be returned to the dealer for repairs (dealer waiting on parts for 4 months now). I already upgraded the one-speed noisy vent fans and have a new digital thermostat on order. Maybe if I sink another couple thousand dollars into it, it will be up to par!

Mike...


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[JazzyPigsGA]

Mike what digital thermostat did you buy? If our 2018 RBS isn't totaled we will replace ours


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[rmwaltermyer]

LuxPRO PSD010BF Heating Only with Fan Digital Thermostat




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[charliem]

That's the same one I installed 5 years ago and it's still working fine. Note that, although the thermostat includes a fan switch, the fan is totally under the control of the furnace. The thermostat fan switch is not used.

[rmwaltermyer]

charliem, if you're the one who posted this earlier, I ordered this one from your recommendation. I just couldn't find your original post to reference. Thanks! Also thanks for the info on the fan switch not operating the fan. I'm sure I would have thought that was an installation problem and would have, no doubt, spent hours trying to figure it out!

Mike...


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[charliem]

When you remove the old stat you will find only two wires. Hook them up to the furnace terminals on the new stat. It doesn't make any difference which way. The stat contacts are an isolated relay.

[Firetruck41]

I just installed the thermostat, I would advise to make sure you don't let go of the wires when you remove them from the old thermostat, as they almost fell back in the wall while I was unboxing the new thermostat

I just connected the two wires to the two terminals that are adjacent to each other on the new thermostat. There is only one other terminal at the bottom and I did not use it.  Works as expected!