Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Class C Motorhomes: B+ motorhomes

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Topic: B+ motorhomes

Posted By: Gene in NE on 03/06/09 01:38pm

happyjack2 - I remember when we first started looking for a small RV, we started by looking at RoadTrek's. Just could not be convinced to spend the money for something I could not ever stand up in. Then we found our present unit the 211-S by Trail-Lite. It was advertised as having R-5 insulation. That is not really great, but very seldom do you see any RV manufacturer stating the "R" value of the insulation. My brother-in-law stated that it could be much better insulated than most as they are willing to state or brag about the R value. We have found that the furnace can keep the inside toasty warm down into the "teens". Our only complaint is the periodic fan noise in the middle of the night and the drain it puts on the battery.

2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy (click View Profile)
Gene

Posted By: cheeze1 on 03/06/09 04:53pm

When I did my rebuild I took advantage of duct relocation and moved the forward duct as far as it could go since the cab does get cold at night. In addition, I moved the rear duct backwards a short distance to better cover the middle of the coach.
When we stayed in Md. the first winter we had the RV, and expecting "warmer" weather in that area over the Xmas vacation, we learned how good the heat is. It was 12 deg. for 2 nights and the furnace did a great job. Since we are not swashbucklers like Gene, we were hooked up. The only problem is the moisture build up thru the night which seems to all condense in the inside of the windshield. As for the noise at night, I happen to like to 'sleep warm' and also find the blower noise soothing. [emoticon]

We also had the same revelation as Gene when we went to an RV show to see class B's. We went into a BT Cruiser and my DW asked: "how much is one of these?". Once we saw the price difference for more room, less money, we were hooked.

btw, can a Nebraskan actually swashbuckle? [emoticon]

Chas Morristown, NJ
Trail Lite
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Posted By: Gene in NE on 03/06/09 07:34pm

cheeze1 - Of course we can! Well, it depends on how you define "swashbuckle"? Our definition is "a flamboyant adventurer". You need to have those characteristics to traverse the congestion in the east, the rolling hills in the mid section, and the sparse and scenic in the west.

btw, I was impressed with your modification. I kept my mouth shut during your adventure.

Posted By: burlmart on 03/11/09 04:32pm

You folks think our B+ rigs (used or new) will be a popular MH style in the near term?

2005 Trail Lite 213 B-Plus w/ 6.0 Chevy

Posted By: cheeze1 on 03/11/09 05:07pm

Yes, Burl, I do. Most of us get what many are seeking in mpg. We have AFAIC, more usuable, livable space at a small penalty for our increased road size. If I had mine home, I would be driving it a few times a week.
Also, a lot of the improvements we are seeing in the new compact class A's and B's as well can be used to advantage in a B+.
BTW. Gene, you should feel free to express any opinion on my work! Insight is always appreciated.

[emoticon]

Posted By: Goldencrazy on 03/11/09 05:36pm

We too looked at the Roadtreks. We had one of the first Winnebago's on a van chassis. It was called a Centauri and was like a van with four captain chairs and large jacknife sofa in rear. Tons of storage all over the place for a van. We took a porta potti and outdoor cooking and had what we wanted in a vehicle you could sleep in, stand up in and get 22 mpg in that 4 cylinder diesel. It was slow but drove nice and road nice. Mannual transmission and in those days speed limit was 55. Later we got the LaSharo which was a moho with toilet and shower and cooking. They also turbo charged that Renault diesel and it did make a difference. Many years later it became Rialta. We considered one but just wanted a bit more power and larger and then we saw the BT. A bed in the back was critical. We have changed some things but overall it meets our needs. Am considering getting a smart car to tow 4 down. At about 1800 lbs it will be great and will also be a good town car. Have been towing the Prius on dolly but it is a hassle and at 3000 lbs and then dolly a bit heavy for mountains. We are in process of changing the upholstery. It is in good shape but we want different colors. We are also looking to get more efficient in cooking outside I too don't mind the white noise of furnace or even genny when needed.

Posted By: Mainer1 on 03/27/09 05:14pm

Everyone must be busy, including me, getting ready for the first camping trip of the 2009 season!
I'll be sealing some roof leaks and replacing my black water dump valve tomorrow.
It's going to be our first warm 45-50 degree sunny day here...Oh Boy.
I'm almost ready for our first trip May 1st!

2006 R-Vision Trail-Lite Model 251
Chevrolet 6.0 14,050lb. GVWR

Posted By: happyjack2 on 03/27/09 08:01pm

The B+ thread can be quiet for long periods of time and then will have several posts and conversations in a few days. Other parts of the net are pretty steady. I have this thread saved so if anyone posts it will indicate when I log on and check my forums. I know my honey do list is my main objective now spring is here which minimizes my net time.
We will be taking HappyJack2 on the annual MD,WV,PA,NY and home loop to see family, most we haven't seen since fall, over the Spring break. Since I keep the B+ in the backyard it is fairly easy to get ready for any trip. Now in our third year we have it down to a routine. It is great to load it up and head it out for the open road, even if we traveled much of the same route before.

Bill & Maggie
LT USNR Ret.
2003 Trail Lite 211 B+
Chevy 6.0L

Posted By: Mainer1 on 03/28/09 05:55am

Quote:

We will be making a loop from Maine to the Eastern Shore and then South to VA Beach to visit with family and then slowley heading back home via Hershey PA. [emoticon]

As I said this will be our first camping trip with the new rig, although I drove it back from AR last December.
There were no surpises with driving the new rig down the road and I'm very happy with the way it handles from driving my old truck camper set up with loads of supension mods.

Hope to see you on the road someday!

Have a safe trip!
Ralph and Shari

Posted By: rcwaz on 03/28/09 06:30am

I would imagine that there are more of us lurking by having the post notification turned on. I'm typically too busy maintaining my 293TS which seems to take an inordinate amount of my time.

I've been hearing about the bankruptcies and buyouts in the RV industry. This and the current economy might be the catalyst for improving quality in the RV industry.

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