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RE: Mounting to thin plywood walls
Thanks everyone. Mounted it tonight with a screw and velcro - seems good to go.
Regarding the sensor, I had not considered bringing it inside when not using the trailer, might be best. May do it if a good spot doesn't present itself.
Thanks
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RLN
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08/28/08 09:15pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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Mounting to thin plywood walls
I am probably over thinking this, but I would prefer to get it right the first time, so I will ask for advice....
Want to mount a Clock/weather station to the wall just above the thermostat in my Jayco 23b. The wall is thin plywood. The clock is not really heavy by any means, and has a standard "keyhole" slot for mounting (perfect for stationary purposes I am sure)
I was thinking of using a short screw for the keyhole, and adding a couple of round tabs of velcro on the bottom corners in order to make sure it stays put. The velcro will prevent the clock from jumping off the screw as I travel down the bumpy roads.
Any other ideas out there?
While I am at it, this clock has a wireless remote sensor for reporting the outside temperature and humidity. They caution that it is not 100% waterproof and will last longer if mounted in a somewhat protected location. Anyone find a nice protected outside location that will keep it out of the rain, but still provide a reasonably accurate temperature and humidity reading?
Thanks!
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RLN
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08/28/08 03:29pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
BTW (off-topic) - do you take that Dobsonian with you camping? My daughter (8 y.o.) and I bought an 8" Dob in February (she was showing some interest in astronomy) and I have yet to disassemble it and take it camping with us, but I keep getting the urge to try it. I worry a little about damaging something in transit.
Yes, I do take that scope with us on occasion, and if not that one, then certainly one of my others most of the time.
An 8" dob is a great size - pretty portable, but big enough to make the views interesting.
Your Dob should travel very well. Just put the tube on a couch, bunk, or bed and secure it by packing things around it or use a bit of twine or rope. Set the base anywhere there is floor space. The soft ride for the tube should minimize any collimation shift.
Take it along! Most of the time campgrounds are found in darker places than most of us live, it is well worth the effort.
Thanks for the comments and interest.
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RLN
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08/25/08 03:59pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
A happy ending.
I arrived on Friday Night in time to give the trailer a thorough outside inspection before losing the light. Nothing of note was found. I was surprised to find the bottom of the trailer was enclosed, as I thought I understood that was not the case on these - a nice surprise.
I spent the rest of the evening before turning in going through the inside - throwing switches, running taps, turning knobs, looking in cabinets, carefully walking the floor, looking for spots, stains, knicks, scrapes everything I could think of to do and the things that had been recommended by all of you. Nothing of concern was found - it seems to be in great shape.
The next morning I got the chance to get a ladder and look at the roof and caulking - again all good.
They fit the hitch to my van, wired the brake controller, and demonstrated all of the systems to me in a very professional manner.
In all it worked out just fine and I believe that I have a solid unit. You can see a picture of the rig here:
http://www.homebuiltastronomy.com/2005Jayco23b.htm
Thanks to all who helped with advice - It is very much appreciated.
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RLN
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08/25/08 10:19am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
I love our 23B. I did by my 2006 used, and it seemed to be perfect. It subsequently has developed a few issues, mosit importantly roof bubbling. The great thing about Jayco is that even though it is slightly out of warranty, they have authorized repairs (35 hours + materials!). Knowing that you are buying from a company with that level of integrity should give you confidence in the purchase. I will always try to buy Jayco going forward.
I am not aware of what you refer to as "authorized repairs" can you elaborate please?
How was your roof bubbling addressed? Is it an easy fix?
Thanks!!
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RLN
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08/22/08 07:20am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
Double Post Gremlin at work here too
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RLN
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08/21/08 01:57pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
To append my earlier post, with any used trailer, you will undoubtedly find some things that are not perfect, and you are going to have to make a decision about whether those things are deal-breakers or not. You will have to ask yourself, is each flaw something that is going to nag at me for years if I buy it, or can I just write it off to being a used unit? When we had our Coleman PUP, I bought it at a huge discount from a private party because of several flaws. I let the savings of $$ sway me into buying a trailer with considerable wear and problems. There were a couple things, one of them was a problem with the roof sagging, that I never did come to terms with. It bothered me every single time I used that unit. And every time I saw another Coleman that didn't have the same problem I had, it bothered me. Looking back, I would have been happier and better off by spending more for a unit without the roof problems. You need to decide what you are willing to accept in the way of flaws before you sign the dotted line.
No pressure...:p
No pressure felt!
I am completely prepared to walk away if things are not as I feel I need them to be.
Your thought about deciding what to accept and what not to accept is a good one - that is really what buying used is all about - or even more broadly, any buying decision. I think that our initial inspection has me pretty confident that there are no issues with regard to cosmetics - now I just need to satisfy myself as to what lies underneath - and therefore the reason for the post.
Keep the ideas and tips coming please everyone.
Thanks
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RLN
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08/21/08 01:56pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
Bring a BRIGHT flashlight to look in the corners. Ahh, the joys of getting a new HTT. I have the Roo 23B and love it. We, too, bought our's used. Best move I've made (and too, from a Coleman Bayside). I feel like I'm in heaven.
Thanks Pammi - Funny you should say bright - I was planning on bringing a handheld spotlight - pretty darn bright!
Thanks again,
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RLN
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08/21/08 01:47pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
Check for signs of leaks thoroughly. Take a flashlight and don't be afraid or too modest to take your time, stick your head inside cabinets, etc. to give it a good check.
Take a big piece of cardboard to lie on and visually check the underside for damage with the flashlight.
Check under the sinks for signs of water damage.
Walk the interior floor carefully and check for sponginess that might indicate water damage.
Tell the dealer you would like to check out the roof, and ask if they can provide a ladder for you to access the roof. You need to inspect the rubber membrane and all caulking. If caulking is cracked, don't hesitate to ask the dealer to reseal it with some Dicor or even Eternabond.
Turn on the gas at the tanks and smell for propane leaks around the stove and furnace. (Not typically a problem).
Visually inspect the tires for cracking, tread separation, bulges. Check tire pressure.
Visually inspect all the seals around the bunks - make sure there haven't been any folds of the tenting caught in between the bunk and frame that could have damaged the seal.
I'm sure there are others who will chime in, but these are the biggies that come to mind.
Chuck's point about comparing to RV Direct for a new 23B is a very valid point. Think about this one... You can get a quote for a new 23B online and probably pick it up in Des Moines.
Great list - I especially like the cardboard and the ladder - will do.
I admit that I am spoiled as the Coleman popup's roof has been perfect for 13 years without requiring much attention. The whole leak thing has me a bit on edge as I know what water can do the materials that make up our little rolling domains....
I will be arriving after hours at the dealership, and they have made arrangements for me to stay in the trailer overnight. Should provide plenty of opportunity to give her a good looksee.
Thanks for your thoughts.
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RLN
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08/21/08 12:23pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
Leaks are usually followed by structural problems like soft floors, discolored ceilings, delaminating bed doors, and delaminating of the cabinets on each end where the beds close.
Any door or opening is subject to leaks. Once inside the water can migrate several places. Antennas and other things poked thru the roof are leak points.
Good maintenance should be apparent by examining the roof and the seals around all the openings and edges. Severely cracked caulking is a sign of little or no maintenance but not an indication that these areas leaked only that the potential for leaks is higher in those areas (unless you can see inside the trailer ;) ).
Balance the price used with similar size and design new trailers. For example a widely publicized price for a new 2009 Rockwood Roo 23B is under $16,500, fully equipped. You pay sales tax extra, nothing more. And ya gotta drive to Ohio! A new Jayco 23B should be about the same price at RVDirect who has an Iowa facility (I think).
-- Chuck
Thanks for your thoughts.
I did check out a new unit from RVW- and while their price was the best I had seen for a new unit, it was still significantly higher than the used unit we are looking at.
Assuming that I can get comfortable that things are as they seem at delivery and then keep up with the maintenance, I think it represents a pretty good value.
Thanks for the idea and tips.
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RLN
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08/21/08 12:14pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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Closing the Deal on A Used 23b Hybrid - Hints and Tips
After 13 years in our Coleman Arcadia Pop Up we have decided that we are ready for a move up and have decided that the Hybrids meet all of our needs.
After shopping all spring for a unit with no luck, it was on our recent vacation that we found a used 2005 Jayco 23B about 250 miles from home.
We thought about it for the balance of our vacation, and after returning home contacted the dealer again and worked out a deal.
I am scheduled to pick it up this weekend.
On our initial visit, our time was limited, but our limited inspection led us to believe it was lightly used. No obvious signs of damage, no water stains, dents, corrosion, woodwork and upolstery undamaged and clean.
The limited time we had initially, as well as some of the issues that my online research has turned up regarding the hybrid design's tendency to leak is of some concern.
I will have the chance to check it out very throughly before closing the deal, and would really appreciate any tips or hints on specific items to check, especially from those of you with experience with the 23B -but any and all help is welcome and appreciated.
Thank you.
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RLN
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08/21/08 08:31am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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