Archive - Aluminium Camper Forum

If you already own a Camplite, imagine you're in the market to upgrade or replace your CL. If you don't already have one, tell us what you think.

[quote source="/post/15707/thread" author="@tinkeringtechie" timestamp="1443802541"]If you already own a Camplite, imagine you're in the market to upgrade or replace your CL. If you don't already have one, tell us what you think.[/quote][font size="3"]My first preference would be the old wood grain simulated aluminum or the plain aluminum with the aircraft type latches. The real wood or veneer would be acceptable, but not preferred, and the catches would be an issue. The Zebra wood fake contact paper would be a no go and would make me question the quality of the rest of the trailer. [/font]

Having done just what you asked (upgraded) and even if we were considering upgrading again I would look hard at other options especially where money starts coming into play. We paid a premium for the Camplite because it was not mainstream. Could have bought a 21' with bunk beds for 10k less. The interior is one of the primary reason we picked Camplite with our original 16DB and current 21BHS. Not to many campers out there you could (if you wanted to) take a hose to the interior to clean it.  ;)

[quote source="/post/15711/thread" timestamp="1443805393" author="@ammobob"] Not to many campers out there you could (if you wanted to) take a hose to the interior to clean it.  ;)[/quote]Ammobob,

Be sure you unplug the CL before you start with the hose  ;)

[quote timestamp="1443805393" author="@ammobob" source="/post/15711/thread"]Having done just what you asked (upgraded) and even if we were considering upgrading again I would look hard at other options especially where money starts coming into play. We paid a premium for the Camplite because it was not mainstream. Could have bought a 21' with bunk beds for 10k less. The interior is one of the primary reason we picked Camplite with our original 16DB and current 21BHS. Not too many campers out there you could (if you wanted to) take a hose to the interior to clean it.  ;)[/quote]Of course that being said, they are working the bearcat line (I saw that 1 forum member has ordered a Bearcat 21 RBS) with the aluminum interior and since I don't like the graphics anyway it probably wouldn't look too much different than what I have today.

I ordered my 21-BHS with many custom changes, particularly with a tip-out bunk and I was charged an extra amount for the aluminum cabinets. The tip-out bunk was a make-or-break item. The aluminum cabinets with the airplane-type latches were worth the extra charge.

I was looking at an Aerolite with tip-out bunks on the front and the back. If LL had been unwilling to put the tip-out bunk into the 21-foot Camplite, I would have purchased the Aerolite.

Forced into "It doesn't make a difference to me". I like the look of the "real wood", if really solid wood, only dislike the latches but would buy again anyway for the bones of the trailer.

Like I've said before I think the wood cabinets are a better choice for the Camplite trailers over 16' and not 16' and under.

We just ordered a CL 21BHS. We really wanted the aluminum-faced cabinets (especially my wife) but when we absolutely could not talk them into doing that, we went with the solid wood-faced cabinets. While not aluminum, they look nice and wil be just fine (and the latches will work just fine as well). We saw all three new interior options at the factory before we ordered. In the end, we wanted to stick with our original decision to go with a CampLite because of the good bones, light weight, overall quality and reputation. It's true that they are still offering aluminum cabinets in the Bearcat line, but not all of the things now being offered in the CL line are available in the Bearcat line (solid countertops, better sink & faucet, 2-way hot water heater, and vinyl flooring among other things). In addition, I believe that pricing is higher in the Bearcat line for the same model of CL trailer. By the way, we were able to order our CL 21BHS with 15" wheels, which is something that was not available prior to this. The guy we met with at the factory (Mike Tribble) spent a lot of time with us on 2 separate occasions and really did a nice job of working with us to get everything the way we wanted it (other than the aluminum cabinets, which they just aren't doing in the CampLite line anymore).

Maybe a dumb question but where are you all going to get non-wood (including mock wood, MDF, plywood veneered) cabinet faces these days? What manufacturer offers these? Are there any?

[quote source="/post/15722/thread" timestamp="1443818250" author="@whoofit"]Maybe a dumb question but where are you all going to get non-wood (including mock wood, MDF, plywood veneered) cabinet faces these days? What manufacturer offers these? Are there any?[/quote]I don't know of any. That's why I'm pretty bummed about the whole thing. We didn't want a speck of wood in our trailer and LL was the only one who offered it (except we did find some hiding in a few spots). They literally had that niche to themselves.

Hi all...haven't been on the forum for a while but thought i give my opinion about the direction livinlite seems to be going.
I guess it's not to big of a deal to install solid wood door fronts over the aluminum boxes to add a little warmth to the interior although the reason i bought and spent a lot more for my camplite was precisely the fact that it was all aluminum.Like i said in the past,rotting wood is a common find in the trade I'm in and i did not want to have to ever deal with that in my travel trailer.
The fact that it will never ever happen is pretty cool to me.
It will always have that clean fresh smell unlike a lot of other trailers I've been in the past.
I hope they continue building trailers the way we all know and love.sorry about the sissy remark.

On a side note:

Wanted to say thanks for the generator info i got a while back.I ended up buying a champion 3500 watt.seems quiet and does the job.

About to hook up and head out.hope everyone has a great weekend.

Nailbender(John)

[quote timestamp="1443820986" source="/post/15724/thread" author="@tinkeringtechie"][quote timestamp="1443818250" author="@whoofit" source="/post/15722/thread"][/quote]I don't know of any. That's why I'm pretty bummed about the whole thing. We didn't want a speck of wood in our trailer and LL was the only one who offered it (except we did find some hiding in a few spots). They literally had that niche to themselves.[/quote]I don't think there is either. After looking all I saw were the Casitas with fiberglass boxes and what looks like particle board doors. I do hope LL won't take the organic fiber thing any further going forward.

Meh, so long as the only thing they make out of wood is the decorative doors, which by the way solves the problem of the razor corners, I'm pretty much OK with it.

I DO VERY MUCH LIKE AZDEL.

Honestly, with so many components being commoditized in these rigs, you'd think they'd want to maintain every differentiator they can lay their hands on, to command a higher price.

OTOH, maybe going to more mainstream and a lower price (Ha !!) would let them get a higher sales volume at an elevated price compared to everyone else that's using the same components except for the aluminum framing.

In case any marketing whiz's from the mothership are watching, I will say that Mrs. P strongly covets the retro-cool cache of the Airstreams, but has rationalized our Camplite purchase as twice the price of a stick-built trailer, but half the price of an Airstream. And the Airstream lacks a slideout !!11!

I have built my fair share of custom cabinets and, as I have said in a past thread, was VERY attracted to the full, piano style hinges and latch system of my Camplite. The new wood doors and laminated doors are not nearly as appealing to me. Full piano hinges are way more expensive to buy and install, but don't require adjustment. The latches they will be using are junk. Thanks, LL.....you just increased my resale value even more. Where else will Thor find ways to " cut corners " ??? I was looking at a Lance when I came across Camplite. They had enclosed heated pipes under the trailer; a great pullout in the basement; black tank clean out standard; oven with the stove and other neat features. What swayed me was all aluminum construction and those wonderful cabinet doors. Too bad.

Happy Trails......

[font size="3"]Those of us who can accept the wood doors are losing the argument to those who can't, but who's that person that likes them? A heretic among us!  ::) 
[/font]

If I have to buy wood to get the trailer I want, I'll rip 'em off and replace them with an acceptable, inorganic material.

I would much rather see a wood facing as an additional layer on the existing AL/adzel doors.  Keep the good bones, and just slap on whatever fu-fu glitz helps it sell.

David

Keep in mind they are planning Bearcat versions of the Camplite models. These will have the old school cabinets. But it's going to take some time before they're ready to begin their production.  

Good point!

Quote from: @thedusty" source="/post/15744/thread" timestamp="1443921151Keep in mind they are planning Bearcat versions of the Camplite models. These will have the old school cabinets. But it's going to take some time before they're ready to begin their production.  

Wait...so...using the current design and materials is going to take longer than...the new design and materials...? #tilt

[quote source="/post/15746/thread" timestamp="1443933211" author="@pinstriper"][quote source="/post/15744/thread" timestamp="1443921151" author="@thedusty"]Keep in mind they are planning Bearcat versions of the Camplite models. These will have the old school cabinets. But it's going to take some time before they're ready to begin their production.  [/quote]Wait...so...using the current design and materials is going to take longer than...the new design and materials...? #tilt
[/quote]And I'm quite sure they will be more expensive, those doors will be an upgrade from the "standard" wooden doors.  This whole change is nothing more than corporate standardization and cost control.  Thor has tons of regular stick built campers, instead of making LivinLite the same as all the rest they should be trumpeting its differences. I'd be surprised if they ever take custom orders again too, the "well we have to get organized after the move" line is just so much BS.

[font size="4" face="arial"]For me the wooden cabinet faces are just a cosmetic concession to the masses.  Exposed and visible, but not structural. But the CL's biggest advantage may also be its biggest weakness: the aluminum floor. It's impervious to rot, but cold and leaky. Most owners soon add thick floor covering to resolve this.  So if/when Thor "fixes" this with a plywood sandwich floor the CLs will become just like all the rest of them, just more expensive.  [/font]

[quote source="/post/15752/thread" timestamp="1443970048" author="@charliem"][font face="arial" size="4"]  So if/when Thor "fixes" this with a plywood sandwich floor the CLs will become just like all the rest of them, just more expensive.  [/font][/quote]That would make me answer I would "consider something else". Really though, as you know, Charlie, I did always consider something else.

I personally would prefer cold and wet way over wet and decaying.....slippers solves the cold and my vinyl floor solves the wet..mabye some Styrofoam rope and silicone could solve the leaking problem.
Although next time i have an insulater on my job i might have him spay foam under my deck.

Depends.  If solid countertops and  stainless steel sinks are standard with the new doors, and if the cost of the 'real wood' option is what I consider reasonable, AND  the new total price is similar to the old prices, having wood doors  inside the unit would not be a deal breaker.   I would consider  replacing the catches (a new modification for those who like  personalizing their trailer) and hope that the hinges don't fail.   I am curious to see a new unit, and will be looking for them next spring.  

I want the best of both worlds.  I want them to do the Bearcat look using the old style cabinets doors & locks with the grey/silver cabinet covers (I guess that's Azdel?)...LivinLite has confirmed they are going to do this.  But I ALSO want the new hard surface counters with the nicer faucets and metal sink...they've not yet confirmed they're going to put that in the Bearcat versions yet from what I've heard.  If I can get that combo, I'm on board immediately and will place an order with a dealer who can provide the best price.

Farmboy is correct. We just ordered ours and the bottom line total cost is the same as before even with the upgrades. The only thing they won't budge on (in the CampLite line) is the aluminum cabinets and we didn't want to wait around to find out if they are going to offer all of the upgrades in the Bearcat line (and when that might be), so we went ahead and ordered a 21BHS. We choose the solid wood option for the cabinet faces instead of the two laminate options and they look nice (we saw a finished model at the factory). We'll probably change the latches to something else, but in the end we'll have our new camper and everything will be just fine. Would have rather had the aluminum cabinets but that just isn't an option anymore in the CampLite line. Will post some pictures here after we receive it (supposed to be done around Thanksgiving).

[quote timestamp="1444137507" source="/post/15824/thread" author="@gbpack"]Farmboy is correct. We just ordered ours and the bottom line total cost is the same as before even with the upgrades. The only thing they won't budge on (in the CampLite line) is the aluminum cabinets and we didn't want to wait around to find out if they are going to offer all of the upgrades in the Bearcat line (and when that might be), so we went ahead and ordered a 21BHS. We choose the solid wood option for the cabinet faces instead of the two laminate options) and they look nice (we saw a finished model at the factory). We'll probably change the latches to something else, but in the end we'll have our new camper and everything will be just fine. Would have rather had the aluminum cabinets but that just isn't an option anymore in the CampLite line. Will post some pictures here after we receive it (supposed to be done around Thanksgiving).[/quote]I can't wait to see the pics.  I really wish I could see what the real wood looks like in person down here in Texas...it sounds like it's not so bad.

[quote source="/post/15826/thread" timestamp="1444140184" author="@thedusty"][quote source="/post/15824/thread" timestamp="1444137507" author="@gbpack"]Farmboy is correct. We just ordered ours and the bottom line total cost is the same as before even with the upgrades. The only thing they won't budge on (in the CampLite line) is the aluminum cabinets and we didn't want to wait around to find out if they are going to offer all of the upgrades in the Bearcat line (and when that might be), so we went ahead and ordered a 21BHS. We choose the solid wood option for the cabinet faces instead of the two laminate options) and they look nice (we saw a finished model at the factory). We'll probably change the latches to something else, but in the end we'll have our new camper and everything will be just fine. Would have rather had the aluminum cabinets but that just isn't an option anymore in the CampLite line. Will post some pictures here after we receive it (supposed to be done around Thanksgiving).[/quote]I can't wait to see the pics.  I really wish I could see what the real wood looks like in person down here in Texas...it sounds like it's not so bad.[/quote](http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/LivinLite%20Factory/Bearcat/image_zpsywb354fq.jpeg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/LivinLite%20Factory/Bearcat/image_zpsywb354fq.jpeg.html)

I think you might be mistaken about the Bearcat line. Here is a picture I got of the interior of a Bearcat while at the factory and the countertop is solid surface. Not 100% positive about the sink and facet but, I would not believe they would carry different ones in stock for the difference between same models of Bearcat and Camplite.

[quote source="/post/15831/thread" timestamp="1444149643" author="@ammobob"][quote source="/post/15826/thread" timestamp="1444140184" author="@thedusty"]I can't wait to see the pics.  I really wish I could see what the real wood looks like in person down here in Texas...it sounds like it's not so bad.[/quote][a href="http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/LivinLite%20Factory/Bearcat/image_zpsywb354fq.jpeg.html"]
[img src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/LivinLite%20Factory/Bearcat/image_zpsywb354fq.jpeg"][/a]

I think you might be mistaken about the Bearcat line. Here is a picture I got of the interior of a Bearcat while at the factory and the countertop is solid surface. Not 100% positive about the sink and facet but, I would not believe they would carry different ones in stock for the difference between same models of Bearcat and Camplite.[/quote]Thank you for the Pic!  I also got a hold of LivinLite and they said I should be able to get the hard counter on the BearCat model if I request it...  And they did confirm that the new sink and faucet will be on the BearCat versions as well....which like you said, makes sense.  

Quote from: @thedusty" source="/post/15834/thread" timestamp="1444158776[quote timestamp="1444149643" author="@ammobob" source="/post/15831/thread"][a href="http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/LivinLite%20Factory/Bearcat/image_zpsywb354fq.jpeg.html"]
[img src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/LivinLite%20Factory/Bearcat/image_zpsywb354fq.jpeg"][/a]

I think you might be mistaken about the Bearcat line. Here is a picture I got of the interior of a Bearcat while at the factory and the countertop is solid surface. Not 100% positive about the sink and facet but, I would not believe they would carry different ones in stock for the difference between same models of Bearcat and Camplite.

Thank you for the Pic!  I also got a hold of LivinLite and they said I should be able to get the hard counter on the BearCat model if I request it...  And they did confirm that the new sink and faucet will be on the BearCat versions as well....which like you said, makes sense.  [/quote]Is that grey in the cabinet Azdel or aluminum?  I've not seen it in person...

Thanks Ammobob and thedusty. I will look into it. What I have stated is what we were told last week by the factory guy we've been dealing with. I am going to give him a call tomorrow and will let all of you know. Appreciate the heads-up.

It's Aluminum

If you want the original cabinets in a 16DBS and would like a solid counter top and a nicer kitchen sink/faucet, it appears that LL made some hybrids during the transition period to the current builds; I saw two such units on the Sunny Island web site.  http://www.sunnyislandrv.com/rv/rockford+il/livinlite+traveltrailer/775/livin+lite+camplite+16dbs
White they are listed as 2016 models, I am guessing that these were manufactured before the new extended warranty went into effect.  But they do look nice.