After spending months researching campers, and years dreaming about swapping our tent for the relative luxury of a TT, we finally purchased a new 2015 14DB CampLite from a local dealer just yesterday. The dealer is installing factory-provided shelves above the queen bed, a microwave, and the black tank flush kit - features we wanted that were not included by the factory. We are scheduled to take delivery in a few weeks. The dealer has a very good reputation, and has been in business for many years, so we are optimistic that all will be in good order when we pick it up.
We are totally new to TT camping, so we've got a lot to learn. What did folks do in the days before on-line forums and YouTube? We would love to receive any advice from other CampLite customers regarding things to look for or ask about when we do our delivery walk-through. Of course we'll be scouring this forum for ideas as well.
The tow vehicle we plan to use is a Honda Pilot (4500 lb towing capacity). Hopefully it will be up to the task of hauling the 14DB. We live in central North Carolina, and are looking forward to trailer camping along the NC coast and in the mountains this spring. Hope to meet lots of other happy CL customers during our travels.
[font size="3"]Welcome to our forum and congratulations on your new toy. I know you'll enjoy it and all the places you'll go. If you have questions, just ask. Plenty of friendly helpful people here.
Your Pilot should do fine, but you will notice the camper when climbing hills and when you glance at the gas gauge. Don't panic; it's part of towing.
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Congratulations on your new Camplite. If you are buying through D&H RV you are in good hands.
Last year at about this time when we ordered our 16 TBS they had just delivered another 16 TBS that was to be towed by a newish Honda Pilot. I was a little worried about how it worked out for them, but Dave said that he went for a long ride with the new owner and his new trailer and all seemed fine- towed easily, no sway.
So at several hundred pounds lighter for the 14 DB you should be fine with your Pilot towing it.
David
Welcome! You'll find this a great resource. To get you started, here's a checklist for picking up a Camplite. However, even though we didn't buy from D&H, if that's where you purchased the 14DB, your in good hands, so you can lighten up on worry about delivery condition. We had the better part of year of good info from them before we bought a Camplite. These winter months are great for perusing this forum and making the TT your own with "stuff". My wife calls it "bonding".
http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/325/create-check-list-livinlite-campers
Congratulations! We also just purchased a LL, not a CL, and will pick up this Thursday, Lord willing! Excited for you (and us!) (rofl)
Congratulations, charles in nc. Happy towing and happy camping!
Ah the joy of a real bed albeit one with wheels but bed none the less. Enjoy!
My wife and I picked up the 14 DB from D&H RV Center today. The dealer was very patient and helpful with us, answering all our questions, and helping us get comfortable with towing. As a bonus, D&H RV Center is located across the street from a business with a large empty (on weekends) parking lot that was perfect for practicing backing into parking spots. We're looking forward to the first camping trip... just need a little warm weather.
Welcome & congrats on your new camper!!!!!!
Congrats.
Welcome, we have a very similar history, backpackers who tent camped and did a ton of research and got a 14dbs last year.
My Honda ridgeline pulls it just fine, no need for sway bars, weight distribution hitch, or extended mirrors. You are good to go. It will run up in higher RPMs than touring around town, but the Honda engines are built for that, no,problem
We got ours fro D&H, and we have only great things to say about Dave and John, they helped us a ton with multiple phone calls about how stuff works.
Do run all systems, air conditioner, hot water heater, hook it up to water, run all faucets, etc. I wish I had someone to show me everything in and ongoing basis, but I just puttered thru it and learned it on my own. We are in bristol, shout if you ever get up his way.
Safe travels
R
Congrats, we are D&H customers too. Good hard working folks for certain. Maybe we'll see that 14 footer running around eastern NC this summer, we'll keep a look out..
I would highly recommend a Stow Away hitch tightener, about $20 from Amazon or other retailer. Google it and see how it works.
It took out a ton of banging and clanging noises. I was very unaware of the amount of noise from the tow ball and assembly. Do drive around the dealership and learn the noises. Good luck.