It has 19K miles and has sat for 2 years if not more. Price was $20,000 even, which sounds like a bargain, but it has the following issues.
AC fan wouldn't run.
I thought the fridge wasn't cooling, but I think it simply takes longer than we thought. Probably needs the recall done, at least.
I'm sure the Onan will need fuel system repairs. It has 1.3 hours on it.
Kwikee step didn't move.
Probably needs new tires after sitting that long.
Ditto on batteries.
I've researched the AC, might just need to unstick the fan and lube the shaft. I know what to do to the Onan. I'll try to clean the carb before buying a new one. I researched the Kwikee step so I can troubleshoot it too. I like to do this kind of stuff so it's not really a problem. It runs and drive great. I expect another $2000 or so in repairs and maintenance, and then we can begin stocking it, modding it, all the good stuff. This unit is just what we have been looking for. I'll post some pictures after we get it cleaned up.
Can't wait!
Currently RV-less but not done yet.
rehoppe wrote:
Gene
I first heard the term in Fairbury, when I was working at the Massey Dealer. The farmers would take the bald tires off their trucks and put them on feed and hay wagons. A very descriptive term for worn out tires Still on the road.
I think tires were better then. At least it seems that way, or maybe they just wore out faster. Now you look for cracking, back then we looked for cord showing!![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/scratchead.gif "scratchead")
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/doh.gif "doh")
Gene in NE wrote:
rehoppe - Interesting term "May Pops" - never heard that before.![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/awink.gif "awink")
Here is an interesting article written by a large internet tire supplier Driving through tire blowouts.
The article makes the statement that the number one reason for tire failure is low pressure causing sidewall flex and the resulting increased temperature. That is one reason I carry an infrared thermometer to do a very quick walk around to check tire temperature.
rehoppe - Interesting term "May Pops" - never heard that before.
Here is an interesting article written by a large internet tire supplier Driving through tire blowouts.The article makes the statement that the number one reason for tire failure is low pressure causing sidewall flex and the resulting increased temperature. That is one reason I carry an infrared thermometer to do a very quick walk around to check tire temperature.
Gene
I first heard the term in Fairbury, when I was working at the Massey Dealer. The farmers would take the bald tires off their trucks and put them on feed and hay wagons. A very descriptive term for worn out tires Still on the road.
I think tires were better then. At least it seems that way, or maybe they just wore out faster. Now you look for cracking, back then we looked for cord showing!
04 R-vision Trail-lite
251 B+
Snowman9000 wrote:
Tomorrow we are scheduled to pick up our just purchased 2005 Trail Lite 213 B+....
AC fan wouldn't run.
I thought the fridge wasn't cooling, but I think it simply takes longer than we thought. Probably needs the recall done, at least.
I'm sure the Onan will need fuel system repairs. It has 1.3 hours on it.
Kwikee step didn't move.
Probably needs new tires after sitting that long.
Ditto on batteries.
... I researched the Kwikee step so I can troubleshoot it too. I like to do this kind of stuff so it's not really a problem...
Tomorrow we are scheduled to pick up our just purchased 2005 Trail Lite 213 B+....
AC fan wouldn't run.
I thought the fridge wasn't cooling, but I think it simply takes longer than we thought. Probably needs the recall done, at least.
I'm sure the Onan will need fuel system repairs. It has 1.3 hours on it.
Kwikee step didn't move.
Probably needs new tires after sitting that long.
Ditto on batteries.
... I researched the Kwikee step so I can troubleshoot it too. I like to do this kind of stuff so it's not really a problem...
Congratulations on your purchase good price for that low of miles. Just be careful when working around those Kwikee steps - they are finger pinchers. Might be nothing more than a door switch.
I've kept track of the authors in this topic who have or did have the Trail-Lite. I will add your name to my list.
If anyone wants information from my list, just PM me. I only kept track of when I first noticed their posting, the model, and the chassis. I should have also kept track of what they have done and on what page to find the information.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif "wink")
2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy (click View Profile)
Gene
I got the house AC fan unstuck and now the AC works just fine. The fridge is cooling, so that was a needless worry. Next I am going to get the Kwikee step working, then the genset. It needs new batteries, and I'm going to put a smart charger/converter in place of the not-so-smart Parallax. As hard as they made it to monitor the battery water, a smart charger will make things a lot better for the battery.
I got a good laugh out of their idea of sewer hose storage. Hoo boy.
The sale was a distress sale, I think. The seller was upside down on their loan, and didn't know how to sell a vehicle. The unit was dirty outside and messy inside. Not enough to scare us, but certainly not appealing. Not to mention all the neglected things that need work. Although some buyers might not have found those before buying.
This thread is a big part of the reason we bought the TL. It's a lot of bang for the buck. Yes, there is that typical RV corner-cutting, but for the most part a little TLC will take care of those things. I am pretty tickled about getting the Chevy chassis. I'm not brand loyal but I have noticed the Chevy Class B+/C owners seem more satisfied than the Ford owners overall.
I think the size is really ideal, and I don't think we will miss having a slideout. I am toying with 2 or 3 possible ways to remodel the seating and sleeping plan. Cheeze's remodel is probably at the top of the list, but there are a couple of other ideas to explore.
Before you put a wrench to that Kwikie step, clean and grease the outer hardware first...
Next, with the step power ON (plug in to shore power to eliminate low battery issue) grab the electro/magnetic sensor (at the lower right corner of the inner door frame opening when standing outside the rig) between thumb and fore finger and give it a very gentle twist - just a hair.
2005 Trail Lite 213 B-Plus w/ 6.0 Chevy
Snowman9000 wrote:
Tomorrow we are scheduled to pick up our just purchased 2005 Trail Lite 213 B+.
It has 19K miles and has sat for 2 years if not more. Price was $20,000 even, which sounds like a bargain, but it has the following issues.
AC fan wouldn't run.
I thought the fridge wasn't cooling, but I think it simply takes longer than we thought. Probably needs the recall done, at least.
I'm sure the Onan will need fuel system repairs. It has 1.3 hours on it.
Kwikee step didn't move.
Probably needs new tires after sitting that long.
Ditto on batteries.
I've researched the AC, might just need to unstick the fan and lube the shaft. I know what to do to the Onan. I'll try to clean the carb before buying a new one. I researched the Kwikee step so I can troubleshoot it too. I like to do this kind of stuff so it's not really a problem. It runs and drive great. I expect another $2000 or so in repairs and maintenance, and then we can begin stocking it, modding it, all the good stuff. This unit is just what we have been looking for. I'll post some pictures after we get it cleaned up.
Can't wait!
Tomorrow we are scheduled to pick up our just purchased 2005 Trail Lite 213 B+.
It has 19K miles and has sat for 2 years if not more. Price was $20,000 even, which sounds like a bargain, but it has the following issues.
AC fan wouldn't run.
I thought the fridge wasn't cooling, but I think it simply takes longer than we thought. Probably needs the recall done, at least.
I'm sure the Onan will need fuel system repairs. It has 1.3 hours on it.
Kwikee step didn't move.
Probably needs new tires after sitting that long.
Ditto on batteries.
I've researched the AC, might just need to unstick the fan and lube the shaft. I know what to do to the Onan. I'll try to clean the carb before buying a new one. I researched the Kwikee step so I can troubleshoot it too. I like to do this kind of stuff so it's not really a problem. It runs and drive great. I expect another $2000 or so in repairs and maintenance, and then we can begin stocking it, modding it, all the good stuff. This unit is just what we have been looking for. I'll post some pictures after we get it cleaned up.
Can't wait!
Our '04 213 had 8200 miles when purchased in late April this year.
Fuel system problems have led to new fuel pump, filter, carb and fuel line from the tank for the Onan which had 20 hours, plus a new fuel pump assembly in the tank. We found out from a previous owner, the 213 had sat for over 2 years before being sold to a car dealer who held the title for a couple of years.
The repair shop that dropped the fuel tank said more than likely it had sat with an ethanol blend of fuel in the tank without a fuel stabilizer. We had them flush, clean the tank and discard any fuel (about 12 gallons) at replacement of the in-tank fuel pump..
We also replaced the tires and had all fluids, belts and hoses changed. We pick her up today after an oil change and check out by our mechanic after 4200 miles. She goes into heated storage with a bottle of fuel stabilizer in her tank this coming Tuesday, until we prepping for an Alaska trip in mid-May.
'06 Phaeton 40' QSH
'14 Ford Flex SEL AWD Toad
'04 R-Vision Trail-Lite 213
Scottiemom's Pet or husband to Dale
RV.net Rallies 13, Other Rallies 21, Escapades 7
Fulltimers since 2005, Where are we?
Our Travel Blog
Probably different models and years had different battery supports. Mine is a stout steel tray hanging from four stout steel straps. With the teeny access door. Since my battery was shot I measured the tray to see if it would hold a Group 27 instead of a 24. And it does, just barely.
So I bought the 27. But, long story short, the top of the battery is longer than the case, because of the ribs molded onto the ends to provide some beef for the carry strap. Because of those ribs, the battery would not clear the tray hanger straps. I used a hacksaw and cut about 1/3rd of the rib off each end, leaving only the middle 1/3rd. Which does still seem strong enough to use the carry strap, but probably not all the time. Then I was able to force the battery into place, and once the remaining rib portions were inside the hangers it was all good. That battery is not going anywhere now. Whenever it goes bad I'll be sizing it up for an AGM so I can set it and forget it.
And the genset runs! I was gonna remove the carb until I saw how hard it would be. I saw there was a drain screw for the carb, and when I opened it, nothing came out. So I mixed up some Seafoam and gas and ran a fuel line into the genset. (The stuff that dripped out of the feed line from the tank was pretty stale. New gas had been put in the tank, but the genset line must have had the old stuff.) After a couple of false starts, it came to life and ran real nice. I'm going to reconnect it to the main tank and run it for a couple of hours.
Nothing on the steps yet. DW was going in and out to clean. I half hoped they would work once the new battery was in place, but they didn't.
Teacher's Pet, it sounds like we might have gotten lucky on the gas thing. Knocking on wood. Since you live over there where they were built, have you checked to see if parts and/or factory service are still available from new owners Monaco/Holiday Rambler?
* This post was edited 08/28/12 12:53pm by Snowman9000 *