28BHS - Feedback please?

[thedusty]

I'm new to the travel trailer world.  I've been researching quite a bit and am considering buying a Camplite 28BHS.  The all aluminum structure and lack of wood has me pretty much sold.  I've also considered a Lance 2185 as well.  I have a previous generation Toyota Sequoia that I would use to tow it.  I've searched the forum but wanted to see if I could gather some additional thoughts about the 28BHS from anyone that owns one or specifically decided NOT to to get that model. I do not have a 28BHS available in my area so I would have to purchase it and drive a few states to pick it up.  So I'm flying a bit blind and going off research and youtube videos.  I'm looking for any feedback I can get to ensure I've considered everything before I pull the trigger.  Many thanks in advance. 

[whoofit]

Is there one already built? If there isn't then you might want to know that LL is moving toward wood cabinetry now. Cabinet frames are still aluminum.

[leslie]

I'm new to the travel trailer world.  I've been researching quite a bit and am considering buying a Camplite 28BHS.  The all aluminum structure and lack of wood has be pretty much sold.  I've also considered a Lance 2185 as well.  I have a previous generation Toyota Sequoia that I would use to tow it.  I've searched the forum but wanted to see if I could gather some additional thoughts about the 28BHS from anyone that owns one or specifically decided NOT to to get that model. I do not have a 28BHS available in my area so I would have to purchase it and drive a few states to pick it up.  So I'm flying a bit blind and going off research and youtube videos.  I'm looking for any feedback I can get to ensure I've considered everything before I pull the trigger.  Many thanks in advance. 

Funpilot ordered a 28-BHS, and declined to take it upon delivery due to a defective sofa. Others have had similar problems with this sofa. I can't recall anyone posting here that the problem was solved by the factory. If you are looking at a unit already on a lot, really go over that sofa by sitting on it and converting it to a bed and then lying on it. This will let you know if it is acceptable. If ordering, discuss this with the dealer, so that if it is not acceptable, you can decline it. I should tell you that several people have worked that sofa over, and are very happy with their campers. Happy hunting for a camper!

[daplumbr]

I've been loosely keeping track of LL dealers in Michigan and there is a new one (International RV) in Mt. Pleasant, MI that has a 2015 28BHS in stock. You can use the dealer locator on the LL site to find the contact info. Given the importance of the dealer to the sale and delivery, you may want to seek out dealer reviews for any that you are considering. I see the 28BHS has a huge sofa, part of which looks like it makes into a bed. If that part is the same as the sofa-bed in the 2015 16TBS, you may want to take Leslie's info into consideration and make sure the bed aspect works properly. Ours does not, but the sofa aspect is fine. Overall, the 28BHS looks like a nice large camper-trailer with lots of room and amenities. I'm envious of what looks like both a linen closet and a pantry!  

[thedusty]

[quote source="/post/15279/thread" timestamp="1442430952" author="@whoofit"]Is there one already built? If there isn't then you might want to know that LL is moving toward wood cabinetry now. Cabinet frames are still aluminum.[/quote]It is a 2015 model on the lot at a dealer.  The dealer is a state away so I wouldn't be able to see it first.  I did call another dealer near and talked about the new models.  He said he should be able to beat the price AND let me custom order the newer model...so this could end up being a win/win.

[thedusty]

[quote source="/post/15294/thread" timestamp="1442456029" author="@sandroad"]I've been loosely keeping track of LL dealers in Michigan and there is a new one (International RV) in Mt. Pleasant, MI that has a 2015 28BHS in stock. You can use the dealer locator on the LL site to find the contact info. Given the importance of the dealer to the sale and delivery, you may want to seek out dealer reviews for any that you are considering. I see the 28BHS has a huge sofa, part of which looks like it makes into a bed. If that part is the same as the sofa-bed in the 2015 16TBS, you may want to take Leslie's info into consideration and make sure the bed aspect works properly. Ours does not, but the sofa aspect is fine. Overall, the 28BHS looks like a nice large camper-trailer with lots of room and amenities. I'm envious of what looks like both a linen closet and a pantry!  [/quote]What exactly is wrong with the couches?  I don't think I completely understand....  Thank you!

[leslie]

As I understand the situation, when it opens into a bed, there is no support in the middle. People mentioned ending up on the floor when they were lying down. Others mentioned the same thing even when they sat on it. You will just have to try it for yourself.

[whoofit]

[quote source="/post/15296/thread" timestamp="1442456382" author="@thedusty"][quote source="/post/15279/thread" timestamp="1442430952" author="@whoofit"]Is there one already built? If there isn't then you might want to know that LL is moving toward wood cabinetry now. Cabinet frames are still aluminum.[/quote]It is a 2015 model on the lot at a dealer.  The dealer is a state away so I wouldn't be able to see it first.  I did call another dealer near and talked about the new models.  He said he should be able to beat the price AND let me custom order the newer model...so this could end up being a win/win.[/quote][p]Christianm is a member here. She works for LL. She has stated the factory is open for special orders but the delay will be longer than normal if they agree to the customizations. There has been no official word about ordering Azdel or Aluminum in place of the wood cabinetry. I'd be especially sure of the other dealers ability to offer a guaranty of a "No Wood Trailer" as you described in your initial post. Being so late in the season you would probably be OK with that longer than normal lead time for special orders? [/p][p]
[/p][p]The 2015 should already be "No Wood" I gather?[/p][p]
[/p][p]I chopped my sofa up and built a dinette out of it. I only have the 16DB. Like Merlin said above I don't know if the 16 and 28 sofas are the same or not. The 16 sofa was terrible..
[/p]

[whoofit]

Can I ask why you were considering a 21' Lance and not a 21' Camplite? Is it the GVWR?

[daplumbr]

Leslie is right, the sofa in the 2015 16TBS has no support in the middle of the "mattress" when it is made into a bed. That's a moot point if there is a different sofa in the 28BHS or if the bed aspect is not important to you. We don't use it as a bed and the sofa is fine. I think there are at least 3 types of sofas in the Camplites; a relatives long and narrow jackknife sofa in the 16DB, a relatively long and deep jackknife sofa in the 16DBS, and a relatively short and deep "hide-a-bed" type sofa in the 14DBS and 16TBS. It's the "hide-a-bed" type that has no center support in the "mattress" when folded out into a bed. All and all, it's a minor point in an otherwise really great camper-trailer. Just check it out if that's important to you. I hope you end up with a Camplite and join the fun! 

[thedusty]

[quote timestamp="1442493370" source="/post/15302/thread" author="@whoofit"]Can I ask why you were considering a 21' Lance and not a 21' Camplite? Is it the GVWR?[/quote]I did some negotiating on a Lance 21' and got them down in price some.  However, I was able to get a Camplite 28BHS down in price to the same as the Lance 21'.  I am thinking we might prefer the larger one especially if I plan on keeping it for a while.

[ammobob]

Go with the 28. It will last longer (no rust/rot) and the resale value will always be better. Sold a 2013 16DB I used for 2 years in March 2015 for what I paid for it.

[thedusty]

[quote source="/post/15309/thread" author="@ammobob" timestamp="1442500909"]Go with the 28. It will last longer (no rust/rot) and the resale value will always be better. Sold a 2013 16DB I used for 2 years in March 2015 for what I paid for it.[/quote]Thank you for the feedback!  I'm pretty much on board with the 28BHS.  My wife and son LOVE visiting hotels and I think the 28BHS will be as close as I can get to a mobile hotel room...not including an Airstream (which I've ruled out).  I also just posted in the towing section asking for real world feedback on how well my '02 Toyota Sequoia 4.7L will handle pulling the 4,200lb 28BHS.  

[thedusty]

[quote source="/post/15304/thread" timestamp="1442496983" author="@sandroad"]Leslie is right, the sofa in the 2015 16TBS has no support in the middle of the "mattress" when it is made into a bed. That's a moot point if there is a different sofa in the 28BHS or if the bed aspect is not important to you. We don't use it as a bed and the sofa is fine. I think there are at least 3 types of sofas in the Camplites; a relatives long and narrow jackknife sofa in the 16DB, a relatively long and deep jackknife sofa in the 16DBS, and a relatively short and deep "hide-a-bed" type sofa in the 14DBS and 16TBS. It's the "hide-a-bed" type that has no center support in the "mattress" when folded out into a bed. All and all, it's a minor point in an otherwise really great camper-trailer. Just check it out if that's important to you. I hope you end up with a Camplite and join the fun! [/quote]Great...thank you.  I was not aware of the issues with the couch bed.  This is good to know.

[thedusty]

[quote source="/post/15301/thread" timestamp="1442492366" author="@whoofit"][quote timestamp="1442456382" source="/post/15296/thread" author="@thedusty"]It is a 2015 model on the lot at a dealer.  The dealer is a state away so I wouldn't be able to see it first.  I did call another dealer near and talked about the new models.  He said he should be able to beat the price AND let me custom order the newer model...so this could end up being a win/win.[/quote][p]Christianm is a member here. She works for LL. She has stated the factory is open for special orders but the delay will be longer than normal if they agree to the customizations. There has been no official word about ordering Azdel or Aluminum in place of the wood cabinetry. I'd be especially sure of the other dealers ability to offer a guaranty of a "No Wood Trailer" as you described in your initial post. Being so late in the season you would probably be OK with that longer than normal lead time for special orders? [/p][p]
[/p][p]The 2015 should already be "No Wood" I gather?[/p][p]
[/p][p]I chopped my sofa up and built a dinette out of it. I only have the 16DB. Like Merlin said above I don't know if the 16 and 28 sofas are the same or not. The 16 sofa was terrible..
[/p][/quote]The dealer (and Camplite - I called their HQ) is saying the frame will still remain aluminum but the cabinets will have some sort of wood covering with the goal of making it look less garage-like.

I'm ok with getting it whenever.  I want the best price I can get...I am a negotiating machine....and if I can do that while getting a few things customized...then I'm happy to wait.  If I get one, I plan on keeping it for some time.