We purchased a 6.0 LivinLite last October and have used it twice. When we tried to snap on the tonneau cover we discovered the the snap sockets from the tent had failed and come apart from their base and were stuck in the snap post. We pulled the tonneau cover off and discovered the same problem. Has anyone else had this problem. There are approx. a dozen failed snaps only after using the camper twice. At this rate it will be worthless without the capability to snap the tent down.
We've also had the converter replaced once and now the replacement converter has also failed.
We love the LivinLite concept but think we may have gotten a lemon.
Has anyone else had these problems?
I purchased my 10.0 last fall and found some of the snaps had come apart. There's a tool called the Top-snapper snap tool that is amazing for pulling the snaps apart. It's available from Amazon. Livin-lite should provide the tool with the Quicksilvers, it's vital for for saving the snaps and material. I really like my quicksilver but there are a few weaknesses but a lot of us are having fun doing modifications and improvements.
The snaps have held up for the most part on my 10.0 for the last few years. I've had a couple come off but it's not difficult to replace them with the right tool. If you keep the snaps lubed it will help keep them working smoothly. I've found that I have to be very deliberate when I remove the snaps. Otherwise they can seize up and then it's way to easy to have them fail. We have the snapper tool and the snap repair tool in the owners store listed at the top of the page. When I get to a comp I'll try to remember to post the direct links.
I recommend the Top Snapper tool 110%! It saves snaps, fingers, canvas, and tempers! I agree with Flemke that the tool should be included with the camper, but LL remarked some time ago that that was a dealer responsibility, not the factory. (Same with the cleanup of the aluminum shavings BTW.) Regardless, definitely buy the tool and use it for both snapping and unsnapping. The claw on the butt end is priceless for snapping, especially the bed ends. It grips the snaps and gives you a powerful hand-hold to "horse" a snap where it needs to go (within reason---don't tear out the snap or damage the canvas). The long end is priceless for gently unsnapping so you're less likely to damage a snap or the canvas. I have two; one for each of us. They are worth every nickel. ;)
The Top Snapper and repair tool are both listed here: http://www.livinlite-owners.com/page/owners-store directly in the middle of the first page that pops up. If for some reason it opens to a different section, they are listed in the 'Tools' section.
-Sean
Thanks for the input on the Top Snapper. On the snaps that have failed, can I easily replace them? We have a sailboat with snaps on the dodger and have never had this type of problem. Still waiting on the Converter issue. LivinLite worked with me on troubleshooting but all suggestions have failed.
Yes replacing the snaps are a simple process. The post side (attached to the box of the camper should really never need to be replaced. The button side in all likelihood is the weakest part since it gets the majority of the force when pulling off the snaps. To replace them its as simple as riveting on the new piece. The kit on amazon uses a vise grip style pliers where you place each side of the new button into the holders and then clamp together.
I like this style because it gives the greatest amount of clamping force while still making it easy.
-Sean
Snaps are very, very easy to replace. This is the tool I ordered from Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Ironwood-Pacific-Setter-Fastening-Snaps/dp/B002V0AXMC?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
Very well made- it will last forever.
You might want to start a new thread with your question. The original thread is about snaps and I almost missed your question.
I haven't stored mine in the sun and haven't had that problem.
I'd like to get some replacement snaps to have on hand. What size snaps are required for the tonneau cover?
We have a couple owner recommended snap kits with the correct sized snaps listed in the Owners store: http://www.livinlite-owners.com/page/owners-store
Given a choice I would use this kit for its versatility but its a bit over the top for just snaps: http://amzn.to/2dShqv3