Archive - Aluminium Camper Forum

Great information everyone - I appreciate it.
I'll take these pics to a few other local places and see if they can help me out.  The only reason I want to do it myself is time - If i take it to the recommended place I will be waiting months for the fix.
I didn't think about the resale dilemma  .  Thanks for that...
FMB

The first question the insurance asked was if I got any info off the trucker.  I got beside her and was honking my horn but she had ear phones on and could not hear me.  This all happened near an interchange and she was exiting onto another interstate and was gone.  If it had hit the Tundra I would have followed her!  It also happened so fast; and i was not thinking clearly...never been in that situation!

I like the black diamond plate idea - I'll look into that...

I'm also curious about what  product to use to fill the hole...two-part epxoy? Bondo? I would prefer not to rivet anything to the skin if possible...
Thanks for the help,
FMB

Our first 2-week trip in our new 16DBS ends with a bang...
We were heading home and a piece of steel bounced off a flatbed in front of us and hit the front of TT while doing about 70mph on the interstate - Put a fist-size hole through the aluminum skin.
I saw it coming..... so I gunned it avoid it hitting my Tundra - Poor TT took the impact!  But better than through the windshield!!

I need to fix this hole and was wondering the best product to repair the aluminum skin - Insurance estimate was $990 to repair ($1000 deductible) so I'm doing it...



FMB

Our 16DBS has a single propane tank and I was wondering if anyone has used one of these tank gauges:

[a href="http://www.amazon.com/Camco-59023-Propane-Gauge-Detector/dp/B00192JGY4/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER"]Camco Gauge

[/a]
I have heard that an in-line gauge will restrict the flow and the heater will not operate properly when the tank drops to lower pressures.
I'm open to other suggestions to monitor the tank level...
MB

I ordered a mattress yesterday - Hope it works out...
I found this "Priage Memory Foam" mattress [a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Priage-Green-Tea-Charcoal-6-inch-Queen-size-Memory-Foam-Mattress/6756787/product.html?refccid=DMM5XYZ7G3MKB2SIZRRLW2XCRQ&searchidx=1"]here.

I[/a] selected this mattress for a few reasons:
[ul type="disc"][li]Firm[/li][li]Made in USA[/li][li]"CertiPUR-US" Certified
[/li][/ul][div]
The mattress is a discontinued model from [a href="http://www.spiritsleep.com"]Spirit Sleep[/a] located in Asheville, NC

If you are looking for a mattress, this website can answer a lot of your questions:  www.sleeplikethedead.com
I'll let you know how the mattress works out...
FMB[a href="http://www.sleeplikethedead.com"]
[/a] [/div]

[quote source="/post/6621/thread" timestamp="1423427171" author="@livinthegoodlife"]Our CoolMax matttress can be used on either side; one side for the supper soft and the other for more firmer bed. Did the local store not show you this? I do believe that Mattress Insiders does have a return policy if you don't like the mattress.  I would give them a call to see what they have to say.  [/quote]Thanks LTGF - I did check out the dual use and there is a difference.  However, on the firmer side it does not breath as well and does not have the CoolMax material.  The firmer side is the high density foam, and this will result in a warmer nights sleep - we like to sleep as cool as possible  8-).
The owner of the store offered the 100 night return as well...
Still looking...
FMB

[quote source="/post/6610/thread" timestamp="1423374599" author="@farmboy"]Marshal Bill, I think I found the manufacturer of the Black Label mattress;  Lippert Components. It is in their Ever Series line.    Here is the link: http://lci1.com/ever-series-mattresses
There is a link on the site to find dealers.   [/quote]Nice Find Farmboy!
I'll visit my LL dealer and see if that bed fits my particular slumber needs  (rofl)... I'm guessing they should be able to order me one???$$$
I'll also call the manufacturer provided in your link.
If anyone knows of an aftermarket dealer for that mattress at a cheaper price please let me know...
FMB

[quote source="/post/6564/thread" timestamp="1423328391" author="@pinstriper"][p]Yeah, the problem is if they are bearing enough weight to be worth talking about, they're bearing too much. Should be just enough to be in solid contact with the ground and not shifting back and forth.[/p][p]
[/p][/quote]Point well taken !

[quote source="/post/6573/thread" timestamp="1423339730" author="@pinstriper"]We have a small portable coleman that takes the small bottles. A 1# bottle and we grill all weekend. I also bought one of those adapters that lets you refill your own 1#'ers from the big tank.
[/quote]Point well taken...I'll look into that as well.
The grill in the link has a frame that mounts to the trailer and the grill slides into the mount.  A bit pricy for a grill, however...

We spent almost all day today shopping for supplies for our new trailer and we found a local store that sells the CoolMax mattress - The same one from Mattress Insiders.  That is a a supper soft bed and you sink way into it - Not good for me.  I like a firm mattress.
Most of the mattresses we found were in the 12" range, which is too thick for the 16DBS, given the closet on the side. 

Is the "Black Label" mattress from LL available anywhere?  What is the actual name of that mattress?
Thanks

Here is a [a href="http://www.rei.com/product/378009/camp-time-roll-a-table"]RollUpTable[/a] from REI...
A friend has one and they are sturdy for a roll-up.
Will also fit easily through outside access doors...

Show me your BBQ Grill ideas for your trailer...

I know some trailers have a pre-plumbed gas line for outdoor cooking, but not on my 16DBS.
I'm interested in the ability to mount a grill on the side of the trailer like this [a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mounted-Trailer-Motorhome-Barbeque-Hardware/dp/B005718446/ref=sr_1_86?ie=UTF8&qid=1423329439&sr=8-86&keywords=trailer+bbq+grill"]BBQ Grill[/a] from Amazon.

I would also like some ideas on routing a gas line to the main tank.
Thanks for your input,
FMB

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/6559/thread" timestamp="1423327762You mean fully OPEN the tailgate ?

Seems like your hitch receiver is mounted too far under the truck, or perhaps you have a real short ball mount.

Can you get a [a href="http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/D-26.html"]longer ball mount[/a], a [a href="http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Hidden-Hitch/80232.html"]much longer ball mount[/a], or[a href="http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Brophy/HE06.html"] extend the receiver tube[/a] ? That should get you somewhere north of 5-8". Dunno if that's enough. Keep in mind that adding length will reduce the weight rating of the equipment, due to the extra leverage. Those links are just samples - depending on the unit, that reduction can me more or less. Shop around.

Also, you shouldn't use the stabilization jacks to actually bear any load. They don't attach to a portion of the actual frame, just the box of the trailer. They are meant to stabilize, not lift.

Correct!  Made the change...
I will shop around...
I don't use the screw jacks for lifting the trailer, but i figure if they are in contact with the ground they will take some of the weight...
And thanks for the links - I'll take some measurements.

I am the new owner of a 2014 16 DBS and I can't fully open the tailgate on by Tundta  .  The tailgate hits the top of the jack.
Does anyone see any issue with removing the OEM jack and installing a swivel jack like this one on the side of the A-Frame:
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Pro%20Series/PS1400300303.html

When the trailer is parked, I use the 4 screw jacks to stabilize the trailer - This should help distribute the load off the swivel jack.
Thanks for your input...
Regards,
FMB

Thanks for the links to the beds and struts. 
That Cool-Max gel bed looks nice, and it's made in the usa.
we are going to go test out some dept store mattresses this weekend. 
Regards...