Post by wiseoldowl on Apr 6, 2016 21:12:52 GMT -5
Well up to now my dad always bought small travel trailers up to 5 years ago... now he is too old. So it was my turn. So I have spent a week or two in a second hand 2010 Sportsman (just me and the Jack Russel). So here are a few initial notes.
The wires apparently cross over within the roof with an up between the stove and the shower. Once it was paid for and on the property about a week later surprise.... after a very heavy rain storm the running night lights suddenly connected to the Battery positive and I could not solve it.... we ran a new heavy cable from the converter and battery and all is good.
There was so much noise on the factory installed AM/FM radio... I discovered when the camper is connected to camp power, the converter is the culprit. So I thought it was bad... I replaced it with a new exact replacement... oops... they are are cheap disappointment as they are clearly NOT shielded. The unit is supposed to have thick metal around the electronics... I have since discovered there are better choices.... FYI the unit does not appear to have lightening-surge protection anywhere.
I replaced all the lights with a LED kit from Amazon... this was a win.
The heater is more than adequate. a 2 minute run can bump 45° to 65° in a few minutes.... The noise sucks.
After reading a lot of posts here - OK I get it the grey and black tanks are too small.... now looking for a retrofit.
The water tank is not bolted down and loose.
I now wish the bed was 5" wider, I am 5' 11" 220 and the bed is not wide enough for the wife and me. Its 5" too short in the width for a queen. Sheets, and extra foam appears to be awkward.
The ceiling needs to be higher in the shower..... period.
The wires apparently cross over within the roof with an up between the stove and the shower. Once it was paid for and on the property about a week later surprise.... after a very heavy rain storm the running night lights suddenly connected to the Battery positive and I could not solve it.... we ran a new heavy cable from the converter and battery and all is good.
There was so much noise on the factory installed AM/FM radio... I discovered when the camper is connected to camp power, the converter is the culprit. So I thought it was bad... I replaced it with a new exact replacement... oops... they are are cheap disappointment as they are clearly NOT shielded. The unit is supposed to have thick metal around the electronics... I have since discovered there are better choices.... FYI the unit does not appear to have lightening-surge protection anywhere.
I replaced all the lights with a LED kit from Amazon... this was a win.
The heater is more than adequate. a 2 minute run can bump 45° to 65° in a few minutes.... The noise sucks.
After reading a lot of posts here - OK I get it the grey and black tanks are too small.... now looking for a retrofit.
The water tank is not bolted down and loose.
I now wish the bed was 5" wider, I am 5' 11" 220 and the bed is not wide enough for the wife and me. Its 5" too short in the width for a queen. Sheets, and extra foam appears to be awkward.
The ceiling needs to be higher in the shower..... period.
