21BHS

[ammobob]

Funny, my wife bought the same step 3 months ago when we ordered our new camper. Congrats on the new camper. Hope to pick our custom 21 BHS up in 10 days.

[geezer]

We left on our maiden camping voyage to Port Crescent, a Michigan State Park.  The park is located at the tip of Michigan's thumb, Port Austin.  The 21BHS and the trip were great.  I highly recommend this park. The facility was organized and clean, the sunsets on Saginaw Bay are memorable.  We are already planning our return visit in the fall before we head to Stuart, Florida in November to visit our daughter and family.  Life truly is good!

[daplumbr]

We like Port Crescent too. See my Lake Huron Reprised post in Trip Reports! We'll also be going back sometime; nice park. Where in Michigan are you? We are in the Lansing area. 

[geezer]

We live in Rockwood close to I-75 and Huron River Drive.

[geezer]

[p][font size="4"]Is anyone else having a problem with the entrance door locks[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]on 21 BHS.  We locked ours, drove 160miles home and  [/font][/p][p][font size="4"]found the deadbolt impossible to unlock.  Took it back to the [/font][/p][p][font size="4"]dealer he lubricated it, tapped the key in (light hammer taps)[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]and was able to open [/font][font size="4"]it.  This is a worrisome situation for sure.[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]Using a key to open a door is not complicated.  The key will[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]easily slide in and open it now.  But tomorrow?? Any comments!  [/font][/p]

[daplumbr]

There was a recall (?) on the deadbolt locks a while ago for the problem you are having. Run a search on this forum for details. Given the history of the problem, I'm surprised the dealer didn't replace the lock. 

Here is one thread on the problem. 

http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/261/stuck-deadbolt-lock

[geezer]

Thanks Merlin, this will help.

[geezer]

[p][font size="4"]We took delivery of our 21BHS this summer.  I'm wondering if anyone[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]else has experienced this problem.  Our 12 volt battery went dead, completely[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]discharged.  I thought the worst. Perhaps the TV wasn't charging thru the[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]connector, maybe a short somewhere in the trailer.  I took the top off the[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]battery box and found it totally filled with water over the top of the[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]battery. Not good.  I took the battery out.  Drilled 4 small holes in the bottom[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]of the box and charged the battery.  No problems since.  I think some heavy[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]rains we've had drained down the front of the trailer and into the box vents[/font][/p][p][font size="4"]which are right on the top. [/font][font size="4"]Because there was no place for the water to go [/font][/p][p][font size="4"]it eventually filled up and [/font][font size="4"]shorted the battery.  Has anyone else had this [/font][/p][p][font size="4"]happen?[/font][/p]

[fasteddieb]

I have photos of water collecting in my battery box. Never more than an inch or two, but I drilled 4 holes in the bottom as well.

Found one:

[jerrybeaird]

I found a couple inches in mine too when I was swapping out my new longer battery box to fit two golf cart batteries.  I was amazed that there were no drain holes in the original one....unbelievable!

[fasteddieb]

Speculating here...

With just holes in the bottom, a compromised or leaking battery would  lead to acid dripping down on the frame. Not good. With no holes at least that acid would be contained in the battery box.

The correct solution is to have a spigot on the bottom with a hose leading to where acid could run out onto the ground and not onto any structural members. Aircraft with lead/acid batteries normally go this route.

[geezer]

Fasteddieb, You raise a good point.  It certainly is possible that the battery could crack and leak acid on the frame but dumb luck was on my side with the placement of the drain holes. Without knowing I put them far enough off center where they drain to the ground and miss the center member of the frame.  I poured some water into the battery case and watched as it dripped thru the holes to the ground.  I would think that acid would drain the same way.

[shovelhead]

No lock issues on my 21RBS

[stillcamping2015]

Hello! After 30 years with a Coleman pop-up, we finally took the plunge and bought a 21BHS last summer. Have taken several trips within NC (to the mountains and the coast) and an extended 3000 mi trip through New England last fall. We're beginning to feel like it's broken in now. So time for some mods. We added a hitch to the rear in order to take our bikes along. Too bad stock bumper is not strong enough to support bikes (installed a Hidden Hitch). Works fine! Just finished swapping out the original Group 24 12v battery for two Interstate 6 volt golf cart batteries in series. Hoping to see an improvement when dry camping. Installing the two 6 volt batteries required a new battery box and fabrication of a tray and supporting structure; also moving the two propane tanks forward. Also installed a solar BatteryMinder to keep batteries charged while in storage (can't be on the go all the time). Mounted the 60W solar panel (Renogy) on a board that rests on the two propane takes using a mount available online. Secured board to tank connector bracket with square U-bolts. Panel can be lowered to horizontal mode for travel and can also be removed and mounted up to 25ft from camper (we can be in the shade while the solar panel finds an ideal position in direct sunlight). Can send pics of the installation if interested (rhughes8@nc.rr.com). Looking at heading to West Virginia this summer. Any suggestions for good spots. Cheers!

[geezer]

We have a switch above the cook top, below the microwave on the short wall separating the kitchen from the bunks. We can't figure what it does.  It has a small indicator light right on the switch that glows if it's on.  What does this switch control? Whatever it controls we aren't using it.