VRV 8.5x24 likes and dislikes

[stever]

I picked up the toy hauler and thought I would list the things I like and dislike.  

Obviously the all aluminum construction is a plus and likely high on the reasoning of many folks purchase on this forum.  That said the transition from aluminum to the new style roof looks poorly.  I have had a number of severe rains, and rain while traveling - it does not leak, but it looks like fidos southernly parts.  (My opinion.)

I like the cabinets except I miss not having drawers.  I suspect I can come up with something but two drawers by the manufacture would be nice.

The blinds are not very secure, I ripped one down at the dealer and they re-hung - will do that different as a project.

I much prefer awning windows than sliders - you can crack them open even in the rain.  

I love the power awning with led lights.

I love the roominess in the back end when the bed is up.  I won't be using the camper as a toy hauler but wanted the space.  Enough room on the opposite side of the camper from the TV to add a closet for additional hanging space - (not if you are pulling in a four wheeler).

There are a number of 120V AC plugs on the inside.  

I am researching a new mattress but typical with any camper - the one it came with is not something you want to use for a lengthy amount of time.

The front bath is spacious by most RV standards.  Plenty of room around the toilet and shower.  There is not a fan in the bath room which I believe the manufacture could address.  There is a slider window and a fan close on the other side of the bathe room door.  I may add a fan at the window to just blow out when needed.

All in all the camper suits what I need/wanted.  I can't take another camper with particle board covered by wood grain paper.  The overall structure and function out weighs the individual dislikes I have.  That said if the manufacture does not know what I dislike or others dislike the chance to improve is lost.  My dislikes are simply mine, they may not be any bother to others but wanted to list my thoughts.

Tongue weight empty at the dealer was 800 pounds.

I have attached a picture of the seam on my VRV - it may be a deterrent for others and certainly something I have my eye on.



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[sportsman]

You should see my metal roof seam, looks like a 3 year old did it.  Bends and dips at the front.

[keeena]

I agree with every point you made. That front seam looks like it has big gaps in it - how is it watertight? Or is the pic misleading? I was recently up on my roof adding Fantastic vent covers. I noticed a couple spots where the lap sealant was a bit poor and filled those in while doing the vents. I'd recommend doing the same and then checking 1x/year. I used [a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dicor-501LSG-1-Grey-Lap-Sealant/dp/B00HJ6RUCE"]Dicor Self-Leveling lap sealant[/a].

Care to share a picture of the awning style windows? I have sliders all around (mine VRV is the flat-top which has the slider windows). Just curious what they look like.

Drawers would be nice for silverware. I am planning on building a frame that I can install into one of the cabinets which would support 2-3 pull-out drawers.

[stever]

My windows are flat sliders - I just like the awning style better.  You can search dometic c5 awning windows and see in general another type of window used in RVs.  It is a gap - I need to get closer to it to determine how it is constructed.  

[thudd3r]

I agree with every point you made. That front seam looks like it has big gaps in it - how is it watertight? Or is the pic misleading? I was recently up on my roof adding Fantastic vent covers. I noticed a couple spots where the lap sealant was a bit poor and filled those in while doing the vents. I'd recommend doing the same and then checking 1x/year. I used [a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dicor-501LSG-1-Grey-Lap-Sealant/dp/B00HJ6RUCE"]Dicor Self-Leveling lap sealant[/a].

Care to share a picture of the awning style windows? I have sliders all around (mine VRV is the flat-top which has the slider windows). Just curious what they look like.

Drawers would be nice for silverware. I am planning on building a frame that I can install into one of the cabinets which would support 2-3 pull-out drawers.

adding a silverware drawer is easy...you could take the same approach i did and just revers the angle so it sits below the drawer then mount it to the inside bottom of the cabinet

[stever]

Thudd3r

I like the drawer - I plan on trying that.

Thanks -

[gerry]

I don't have a picture right now......I found a three drawer unit that fits perfectly in one of the cabinets.  all my silverware, etc., are there.....it is plastic, so no significant weight.  I also have a larger one in the bathroom for clothes when I get there.  It is also plastic.  I believe I got them both at Big Lots.......

[brandonboss]

Atleast on the new roofs it appears water won't be pooling up on you which is a bonus. I hate that mine pools up.

[hogtyd]

Atleast on the new roofs it appears water won't be pooling up on you which is a bonus. I hate that mine pools up.

Same here...and every time I go to hook up the camper to the truck after it's been in storage, inevitably I forget about the pool of water up there and when I lower the tongue on to the hitch a nice splash of water runs down and gives my backside an unplanned bath. 

And my CL is an early 2012 with the more squared-off front (not orbital), so this has been a CL "feature" since the beginning. But one of these days I'll remember to watch out for the water!

-Graham

[djmiller]

You should see my metal roof seam, looks like a 3 year old did it.  Bends and dips at the front.

That is one of the reasons we went to the superflex roof.  I do not like the looks of the seam either but what you are looking at is a piece of black powder coated aluminum trim and the light colored sealant on top of the screws where it is fastened. If the trim was white or even raw aluminum it would not be nearly as noticeable.