Posted: 12/4/2023 8:04:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: thederrick106][Edited]
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Wife and I fell into an amazing deal this fall and got our first camper. 2018 Crossroads Sunset Trail Super Lite 200. In like new condition and used very little. Older couple used it as a bedroom while they had their camp rebuilt. Was only towed from the dealership to their property. water systems, gray water, black water had never been used. According to them it was winterized and unused while they had it... Well, me being me got it home and figured it best to pump some rv antifreeze into the system and I quickly found a few leaks which I have since fixed. New pump, new toilet valve, another external plug for air or wash hose and everything is fixed except the hot water heater. Going to tackle that in the spring, pull it out take it apart and hopefully have the aluminum tank welded. If that doesn't work, I will install a new one. Originally, I was a bit frustrated but even with the repairs I did, and have to do, we made out well. The sellers probably never even realized that when they bought it, it was not winterized and because they never used it, never realized their error. We have been ground tent or tent trailer campers and this is as big as I would ever want for our uses while we both still have to work full time. We will still tent camp several times a year but it's going to be nice to have our campground setup always ready to go. We are not looking to cross the country or live in it, just hit up local campgrounds in a 2 or 3 hour radius for extended weekends. My truck is a 2017 Nissan Titan. Towes very smooth and with ease. Attached File Attached File Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Attached File Attached File Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
| Get a weight distribution hitch and wash the roof twice a year. Check the sealant after every trip. Enjoy! |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
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This is our 2020 Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB with the outfitter and off grid packages. Attached File |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
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Originally Posted By Dopple: Get a weight distribution hitch and wash the roof twice a year. Check the sealant after every trip. Enjoy! While I have only towed it a little bit and on meandering / hilly back roads it seems to pull fine. I don't plan on any highway trips and if I do, I will consider one. I got a solid shank hitch to match height, so it sits level. Truck is rated at 9230. Trailers GVRW is 6800 and 3966 dry. While I know its apples and oranges, I grew up working excavation and towing mini excavators, tractors all behind various vehicles on equipment trailers. I am sure equipment trailers have a stiffer and lower stance to them, but I am used to taking my time. What do you use to wash the roof with? And more details on checking the sealant would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! I am not new to working on or fixing stuff and can probably repair any issue or problem on my own but am new to owning a real camper. I am comfortable working on plumbing, electrical, axles, can rebuild motors, weld etc. Just in fixing the few issues I outlined in my OP I learned more about where everything is on it and how it functions than I planned too!  I appreciate all suggestions and tips. I prefer arfcom to modern social media. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By Dopple: This is our 2020 Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB with the outfitter and off grid packages. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/334993/IMG_5476_jpeg-3049604.JPG Very nice! |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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The sway control part of the wdh is good for safety, too. Plus, it distributes more weight to your front axle to improve braking and steering. Ours is 3800 gross, Jeep is rated for 7200. good video to watch  The Difference Between Using Weight Distribution and Air Bags to Level Your Load We use Best rubber roof cleaner, also has a uv inhibitor. The sealant is slathered all over everything mounted to the roof. It's usually Dicor brand self leveling lap sealant. It's not very durable, and adheres better than fun-tak. So, anywhere you see it on the roof, just make sure screw heads, or other bits aren't poking thru. You can clean it with denatured alcohol before adding more if needed. When I upgraded our solar from 1x100w panel, to 4x100w panels, I had to peel that stuff off the mounting brackets, power ingress, etc. wasn't that difficult.Also, get tire covers. Sunlight will age tires faster, so if you keep them covered, they'll last longer. We've done so many upgrades to ours, it's ridiculous. Even added sumo springs since we're always at max weight. Only about 430lbs of cargo capacity, which doesn't include anything that wasn't on the trailer when it left the factory. |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
| Our longest trip with it was about 2500 miles. NY to OH to GA to FL to SC to PA to home. |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
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Originally Posted By Dopple: Our longest trip with it was about 2500 miles. NY to OH to GA to FL to SC to PA to home. Thats a haul! We don't have any long trips planned for the camper. 100 or so miles max. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By thederrick106: E$$ex county. Attached File |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
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Originally Posted By cmc201: Thank god there are no blue geese wall paper or curtains.  Looks nice. |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
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Originally Posted By Dopple: But is he going to add upside down pineapples or pink flamingos!? Originally Posted By Dopple: Originally Posted By cmc201: Thank god there are no blue geese wall paper or curtains. Looks nice.I prefer these: Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By Dopple: Oh, way down there. Found this shirt when camping a few years ago.. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/334993/IMG_3950_jpeg-3054231.JPG Originally Posted By Dopple: Originally Posted By thederrick106: E$$ex county. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/334993/IMG_3950_jpeg-3054231.JPG Way down? North east of 0ntario! ETA/ less than 100 miles to the northern border on the east side. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By thederrick106: Way down? North east of 0ntario! ETA/ less than 100 miles to the northern border on the east side. |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
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Shoulda used the other mapping app. So you may have been to this place on rt 11 Attached File |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
|
Originally Posted By Dopple: Shoulda used the other mapping app. So you may have been to this place on rt 11 https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/334993/IMG_3951_jpeg-3055374.JPG I haven't been across rt 11 in ages. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By thederrick106: I haven't been across rt 11 in ages.
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Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
"Arfcom makes me happy. Arfcom is like a giant, heavily armed, dysfunctional family that smells like cheetos and gun oil." - Undefined
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Since you and Dopple are both in NY, is there any Dealers that you might visit? avoid? I'm seriously considering a Travel Trailer, and I've got a HD 3/4 ton Truck...I have skills and experience enough to effect repairs, but I don't want to rebuild the damn thing... What do you mean by checking the sealing?' Kust like a Boat, keeping them covered under a carport or in a building greatly extends their life and serviceability. |
What is steel compared to the hand that wields it?
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Originally Posted By fp1201: Since you and Dopple are both in NY, is there any Dealers that you might visit? avoid? I'm seriously considering a Travel Trailer, and I've got a HD 3/4 ton Truck...I have skills and experience enough to effect repairs, but I don't want to rebuild the damn thing... What do you mean by checking the sealing?' Kust like a Boat, keeping them covered under a carport or in a building greatly extends their life and serviceability. I don't have any suggestions on dealers. I bought mine private party and haven't ever dealt with any RV or camper trailer dealers. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Snow is finally gone in my AO! Have a few things to finish up around the house over the next few days then I am going to pull the hot water heater and see about having the aluminum tank welded or decide if I need to get a new one. If I do end up replacing it any thoughts about tank vs tankless? If I go the replacement route it will be propane only, so I don't need to dig into the wiring and update the control panel. 99% of my camping will be places without hookups anyways. First camping trip planned for June! |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Got the new on demand hot water heater installed. Works well. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Leveled in the driveway after pulling each wheel; checked and greased the wheel bearings. Washing, cleaning and getting everything setup for the season. Also becoming familiar with it and putting all my repairs and everything else to the test before we are away from home. Another wash and hand waxing at some point in the next few weeks. Have to do my truck too. Attached File Attached File Attached File Our 2300 watt (peak) inverter generator runs the AC unit as long as nothing else is turned on! I didn't take any pictures, but I got my 110W portable solar panel wired up for the quick connect Furion plug that the trailer already had. Should help keep the 12V battery topped off for our weekends away from 120V. Not even sure I will bring the generator but it's nice to know it can run the AC if we want. Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Another upgrade to provide us with more power when boondocking. Even with a little solar we were needing to run the generator after about 24 hours of minimal LED light and water pump usage. Original battery single battery was from 2018 so two new batteries should hold us over for a long weekend. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Loving our new rig! Attached File Attached File Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
|
So far, the small portable solar has kept our batteries topped off if we get enough sun but after 3 days of glamping and using 12V stuff in overcast conditions and I found myself topping off with our 2k inverter, which of course won't run our AC so it's basically charging the batteries. If I run it for a few hours, I switch the fridge over to 120V to save on propane, but the RV fridge uses such little amounts of propane that it's really not needed. One stormy camping day we did watch a movie on the TV though so that was handy. Really no need lugging around and beating up on 2k for just recharging when the sun doesn't cut it. I may get some larger solar panels and lithium battery setup down the road but for now I added a 1k sportsman inverter. Attached File Attached File Neat little unit! I did a short break in on it yesterday with fresh oil then changed the oil again. Build quality on it isn't the best but not bad ether. I tested the 12v out that is supposedly 4 amps, but the voltage seems to be a bit high. Would work fine for a quick charge on a dead vehicle battery so you can get it started but I am not sure if I will use it for topping off the camper batteries. I will ether charge through the 120V hook up or get a small battery charger and wire it up to charge directly. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!